O’Shea to lead Ireland revival
The 21-year-old centre-back has yet to win an automatic place in Manchester United’s starting 11 but nobody doubts that he is bound for stardom.
And Kerr was quick to sing his praises when he recalled his happy association with O’Shea when he played under-age football with Ireland.
“We were fortunate enough that he was playing at U15 level when I took over the U16 team and there was something about him from the start; he always had great poise and composure.
“When we went to the European finals in ’98 in Scotland John was a vital part of the team. The fact that he could play ball from defence meant he wasn’t a typical Irish centre-half. He was a footballing centre-half who could play either side,” he said.
It will come as a major surprise if O’Shea does not start tonight’s game.
However, Kerr was quick to point out that the team selection will not, necessarily, bear resemblance to the team he will have on duty in the Euro Championship qualifiers , because of the absence of several players in Scotland.
Foremost among those are Damien Duff and Robbie Keane, who are both missing because of injury.
Also out are Kenny Cunningham, who returned to Birmingham yesterday because of a hamstring injury, and Rory Delap who was excused because of family considerations.
Injuries also kept out Mark Kennedy and Gary Kelly and Steve Finnan (cold).
Kerr made it clear, however, that while this is regarded as a friendly match, he expects his players to ensure it will be competitive.
When asked to outline his priorities for the game he said: “I’m looking to try and win the match and I’m hoping we are going to play well.
“At worst after this week the players will all be familiar with myself, Noel (O’Reilly, the coach) and Chris Hughton (assistant manager).
"They know Packie (Bonner, goalkeeping coach) quite well. They will know the style of preparation that we want for the game and that is really what I’m looking for.”
Kerr has always prepared his teams in a meticulous and painstaking way and he acknowledged that Ireland’s losses in the European Championship to Russia and Switzerland meant he was particularly keen to get his reign off to a positive start.
His task is not an easy one. Scotland are an improving side, benefiting now from the experienced guidance of Berti Vogts, and having just completed a successful run from matches against Portugal, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Their form in the European Championship before Christmas was more impressive than Ireland’s.
Kerr gave a general indication of his team selection when he said he would be setting out to come up with a good blend of experience and youth and it seemed clear that with competitive games so close he cannot afford to be too adventurous.
In that regard it is virtually certain that Shay Given will start the match and that Stephen Carr will be given this welcome opportunity to again kick-start his international career after his 18 months absence.
Ian Harte will probably play left-back with either Richard Dunne or Gary Breen partnering O’Shea.
Matt Holland will probably be handed the captaincy for this game with Mark Kinsella bidding for a start alongside him and the main competition coming from Colin Healy. He
also has regular wide players Kevin Kilbane and Stephen Reid to consider.
Up front, Clinton Morrison should be given the opportunity of improving on his record of three goals in nine appearances, with David Connolly and Gary Doherty the main challengers for the second striking role.
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