A lot done, more to do
I know we were expected to beat a Latvian side that are positioned a lot lower than us in the world rankings but, as we have seen too often in the past, it’s not always as simple as that. That we won with something to spare made for a great start while, in a very different game and up against much stronger opposition in Poznan, a second clean sheet only added to the optimism.
As a club manager, he has always favoured playing with traditional wingers so it wasn’t a great surprise to see Aiden Mc Geady and James McClean occupying those berths. I was especially curious to see where he would play Marc Wilson, as he has filled numerous roles for club and country in recent seasons. The fact he played both matches at centre half would suggest that’s where Martin sees him in the long term, though we shouldn’t forget there was no Richard Dunne on this trip.
I was delighted to see Wes Hoolahan get the opportunity as I have long been an admirer of his. It was no surprise to me to hear he impressed greatly in training as I have been in a few squads with him and it was clear that he is a clever player.
I thoroughly enjoyed playing with Wes. In modern football he is the ideal third man in central midfield or the man to play off the striker because he is experienced enough to realise the right time to drop deep to make sure you don’t get overrun and, equally, he picks up great positions when you’re in possession.
We looked very dangerous in wide positions against Latvia and James McClean looks invigorated by the arrival of the new manager. Martin gave him his big break and James responded. He looked like the player we witnessed breaking into the scene at Sunderland a couple of years ago and taking the Premier League by storm. Take yet another one of his naive tweets out of the equation and it’s been a good couple of weeks for him. I’m hoping he has a fairly quiet outing today though, as we face his Wigan side at the DW stadium this afternoon.
Two players who have the potential to make themselves pivotal in our team and mainstays for years to come are James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman. But precisely because I rate them so highly, I have to say I was a little disappointed with them during this double-header.
In James’ case in particular, I’m unsure if he realises himself how good he can be. Don’t get me wrong, I felt both players played quite well against Latvia but I just want to see them take games by the scruff of the neck and dictate the play.
Seamus does it so well from a full-back position when he transforms us from a defending scenario into good attacking positions. James has every ingredient you would want from a central midfielder — engine, composure, awareness, the ability to pass with both feet, the pace to close down quickly and an eye for a timely interception. And I have no doubt he will add goals to his game in time too.
The manager was very clever utilising the squad to give everyone an opportunity.
Obviously he wanted to have a look at as many as possible but, from a player’s point of view, it’s always nice when you’ve been away and added to your caps tally. Every single player will have come home content and determined to focus on club form so when the next squad is announced against Serbia in March, they are in contention.
With us not being involved, it was a strange experience looking in on the World Cup play-offs. We have been on both the winning and losing sides in the last four years and, once past the immediate euphoria or despair, it’s amazing the lingering subconscious effect the outcome can have. After we suffered defeat to the French four years ago, my form took a dip that never really recovered for a number of months. On the flip side, when we overcame Estonia to qualify for the Euros, my confidence was sky high and gave me so much to focus on for the six months leading into the tournament. Incidentally, on the subject of the French team, it was good to see them get another fortuitous goal at the Stade De France in another crucial World Cup play-off to ensure they would be in Rio next summer — I’m not bitter honestly!
I can’t finish the column without a mention Christiano Ronaldo’s performance on Tuesday for Portugal against Sweden. I’ve always admired him but was never too keen on his, at times, somewhat theatrical and egotistical behaviour. But, right now, he is playing at the top of his game and dominating huge matches consistently. He has to win this year’s Ballon d’or, a prize he’s been vying for with a certain mercurial Argentine for a number of years. I think he’s due one now.
