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.