‘The Nation Holds Its Breath’

HERE’S one to while away an idle year or two in the pub: select a first eleven from the ranks of Republic of Ireland internationals who have gone on to earn a crust as pundits and analysts on radio and television.

Packie Bonner is the obvious choice between the posts, but after that you’re on your own. The problem isn’t lack of choice but an abundance of it. For starters, at the back there’s Paddy Mulligan, Denis Irwin, Mick McCarthy, Mark Lawrenson, Kevin Moran, Jim Beglin and Paul McGrath. In midfield, you’d have to perm four from the likes of John Giles, Liam Brady, Ray Houghton, Ronnie Whelan, Mick Martin and Andy Townsend. (Not to mention Keano, if we include his abruptly truncated MUTV stint). And upfront, John Aldridge, Frank Stapleton, Niall Quinn, Michael Robinson, Tony Cascarino and Ray Treacy would all be vying for a place.

Missing anyone? Oh yeah. Throw in Eamon Dunphy as manager - with Jack Charlton as his assistant - and there’s enough there to keep everything okey dokey in the studio, if not necessarily in the dressing room.