John Fallon: Converted centre-back in Ireland midfield could be here to stay

Burning desire or wing on a prayer for Darragh? And Cork City skipper Eva Mangan torn between UK offers and home comforts.

MIDFIELD CENTRE-BACK: Brentford's Nathan Collins celebrates scoring his side's third goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Gtech Community Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday December 7, 2024.

SO spoilt for depth in his first campaign was the Ireland manager that Jack Charlton deployed centre-backs from Liverpool and Manchester United in midfield.

Indeed, had injury not shortened his career, Mark Lawrenson might have ended up paired with Paul McGrath in the engine-room at Euro '88.