O’Shea can offer missing midfield guile

CRITICISM of Brian Kerr’s tactical approach to the match against Albania can be countered perfectly by reference to the result. Ireland won so the rest is academic!

What was indisputable was the courage the manager showed in employing a tactical line-up that was radical in an Irish context. It was an innovation and until that fateful 94th minute it had failed.

But when unfortunate Albania defender Aliaj turned the ball into his own net it was transformed into a success.