Hoolahan set for swift recall

While next month’s European Championship qualifiers against Gibraltar and Germany might be just three days apart, the gulf in standard between Ireland’s opponents is about as wide as it gets in international football, running all the way from unranked minnows to the champions of the world.

And with Gibraltar up first and at home, it looks nailed-on that Wes Hoolahan — who was left out of the Irish side which won in Georgia — will come straight into the starting 11. And there might even be a return to competitive action too for Shay Given.

Unveiling his extended provisional squad at FAI headquarters yesterday, Martin O’Neill said that while he has been giving “some consideration” to the striking contrast between next month’s games, his immediate priority will be to secure three points against Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium.