Harte, Kilbane prove a point

IT’S uncanny just how persistently Ireland’s players have contrived to prove to manager Brian Kerr that Mick McCarthy was right in his team selections; the impact made by Kevin Kilbane and Ian Harte just two of several examples.

Ireland's spirited second-half recovery against Australia at Lansdowne Road owed much to the drive and power of Kilbane on the left-wing. It was more obviously facilitated by brilliant use of the ball by Harte.

A disappointing series of performances in the World Cup and the emergence of John O'Shea suggested that Harte's international future was in some doubt. But the quietly-spoken Leeds full-back showed just what he is capable of bringing to the party in the last 30 minutes against Australia. Two sweetly struck passes one a close-range free for O'Shea and the other a sweeping crossfield ball to release Clinton Morrison were strokes of creative genius in the context of so much mediocrity.

Harte struck another free from 25 yards that was saved comfortably by Mark Schwarzer but the two goals he helped create illustrated just why McCarthy always chose to include him. His ability to use the ball imaginatively out-weighed his defensive shortcomings.

Kilbane's constant involvement with McCarthy was popularly attributed to his capacity for hard-work and the defensive support he offered Harte. Such a shallow appreciation of his talent was less than fair to a player whose pride in his performance is matched only by his commitment to his Irish shirt.

Kilbane is not the most adroit of footballers but he is a superb athlete and totally honest in his commitment. His athleticism made him an influential force in the World Cup and again in the 25 minutes of action against Australia. It will be interesting to see if Kerr can help build his confidence so he is a little more relaxed on the ball.

Harte is likely to again fill a substitute's role when Ireland are next in action in the European qualifier against Russia at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, September 6. O'Shea is certain to be at left-back if he and the other regular defenders are fit.

Ireland are so lacking in creativity, however, that Kerr will give consideration to recalling Harte and moving O'Shea to another position. For Kilbane is certain to be included.

If Kilbane plays then where to use Damien Duff ? Kerr began him on the left wing against Australia after using him previously in a central role, just behind two strikers. Duff was as mercurial as ever but Australia limited his impact by sending defenders in numbers to cover him.

The conclusion was that Duff might have provided even more penetration had he been operating nearer goal; in other words in the role that McCarthy used him alongside Robbie Keane. Kerr's use of Duff between midfield and centre-forward is a slight variation but this alignment tends to leave Ireland short-handed in central midfield.

The most glaring weaknesses were again all too apparent against Australia the lack of a creative passer in midfield, the need for more pace and penetration on the right flank and a more effective balance at centre-forward. A little worrying was the inability Breen and Cunningham, to dominate in the air against Viduka and Bresciano.

The pity of it is that the pressure of competitive matches and repeated injuries have not allowed Kerr experiment. Colin Healy, for instance, again provided evidence that he might have the requisite range of passing to emerge as Ireland's playmaker and O'Shea might be the one to fill the role of dominant defender alongside.

Kilbane is so strong in the air that he might develop into a more rounded full-back that Harte while Steven Reid did enough at the World Cup finals to suggest he might fill the role wide on the right in front of either Stephen Carr or Steve Finnan.

Clinton Morrison's cameo role and the fifth international goal against Australia suggested that he is the one to partner Robbie Keane with Duff as their main supplier on the left.

This might well be the Irish team of the future but the need to secure a result against Russia is so acute that it is impossible to see Kerr depart from a tried and tested formation. For that reason it will come as no surprise if Duff and Keane are paired together, just as they were when Mick McCarthy led Ireland to the World Cup finals.