Ireland recall Coulter, Shields for crunch clash

MICHAEL SHIELDS and Benny Coulter have been recalled to the Irish squad for tonight’s do-or-die second test in the international rules series, with Emmet Bolton and Niall McNamee making way.

Shields missed out on the opening clash against Australia due to his involvement with St Finbarr’s in the Cork SFC final on Sunday, while Coulter was sidelined by a hamstring injury.

While Shields’ strength, athleticism and AFL experience as a former Carlton player are a significant boost to Ireland’s chances, it is Coulter’s skills that could prove crucial in fashioning more scoring opportunities.

“He has done a fair bit of work,” said manager, Anthony Tohill yesterday.

“He is very keen to play. He is disappointed that he was not able to play in the first game but we are happy at where he is at and we are looking forward to Benny playing a part in the game on Saturday night.

“It is a positive for us but he still has to perform when he goes out there.

“We know all about him, you know all about him, the Australians know all about him. So it is not going to come as a surprise.

“I suppose there is a bit of pressure on Benny to deliver when he comes on the pitch so we cannot expect too much of him either.

“There are 22 other players there who will have to make a contribution.”

Meanwhile, GAA president Christy Cooney revealed that the dates have been finalised for next year’s series in Australia, with the first test set for October 21 and the second on October 28. No venues have been decided upon yet.

“We will have a one-year break and then we will go with the series for another two years” said Cooney.

“There will be reviews in between but that is what was has been agreed between both associations this week,” he added.