Martin O’Neill might have been presiding over the launch of the FAI’s popular Summer Soccer Schools for 2015 at the Aviva Stadium yesterday but he left nobody in any doubt that, in his role at the very top of the Irish football tree, there’s no percentage in treating players like little kids.

Martin O’Neill had one simple message for his team after their second-half fightback against Poland had salvaged what could yet turn out to be a vital point on the rocky qualification road to France 2016.

Martin O’Neill must take the shackles off the Republic of Ireland and let them play without fear if they have any hope of qualifying for next summer’s European Championships.

Forget about Robbie Keane and Wes Hoolahan, the most pounding selection headache awaiting Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill will be choosing his goalkeeper.

Stephen Ward would appear to be in an unwinnable race against time for the Euro 2016 meeting with Poland after Martin O’Neill revealed the player was due to undergo minor surgery on his ankle.

Martin O’Neill admits he has a number of selection decisions to make before he finalises his team to play Poland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.