Time for McPhail to produce the goods

STEPHEN McPHAIL will be given a glorious opportunity of illustrating his rich potential as midfield playmaker when Ireland play Greece in a friendly in Athens tonight.

The 22-year-old Dubliner inevitably attracts comparison with the great Liam Brady because of his relaxed and imaginative style of playing but if he is to emulate one of the most revered players to wear Ireland’s green shirt then he has got to produce now.

McPhail was hugely successful for Ireland at underage level when he and Damien Duff brought a level of skill to bear that helped shape Ireland’s football and steer them to World and European titles under the management of Brian Kerr and his assistant Noel O’Reilly.