Kerr has squad in harmony

BRIAN KERR used Ireland’s eight-days sweep across the Caucasus and the Balkans to set his reign as manager on solid foundations.

But four points from two difficult matches did not represent the full measure of his achievement welcome as they were. The more complete picture was reflected in the mood of the squad, the depth of tactical and physical preparation and the restoration of morale.

Although Portugal 2004 may be a journey too soon for the new regime, what is more important is that a progressive route to consistent success is charted. Ireland's win in Georgia and draw in Albania have to be viewed in context, and the pre-match vision was daunting. Defeats by Russia and Switzerland were expensive in terms of the current championship and even more damaging in terms of morale.

Kerr's primary function was the repair and restoration of the group's self-esteem and confidence. The four points accumulated in two of the more challenging outposts of Europe were critical to that process, but not the sole influence.

Equally important was the establishment of the credentials of the new management team of Kerr, Chris Hughton and Noel O'Reilly. All the evidence of the past eight days suggests they have not only won the approval of the squad but surpassed expectations.

The support of the back-up team and the efficacy of their contribution was equally influential. The training and coaching drills, video analysis as programmed by Brian McCarthy, and depth of tactical planning were important considerations.

Most interesting of all was the degree to which Kerr remained close to the team selections favoured by Mick McCarthy. The pairing of Robbie Keane and Damien Duff at centre-forward, the insistence on using Kevin Kilbane on the left where Duff is more comfortable, the recall of Lee Carsley, were decisions McCarthy would have reached had he been operating from the same squad.

This was a tribute to McCarthy, of course, but it was also a statement of some importance from Kerr. It was an acknowledgement of the achievements of the squad in the World Cup and a vote of confidence in their ability to recover from a disastrous start to the European Championship. It was critical to the restoration of self-esteem.

The next step is just as demanding. Ireland face four consecutive matches at home and Kerr must seek to take the team a step further by introducing new players while taking care not to lose points at the same time.

Developing a football team is a constant process of evolution. The game plan must be more expansive if Ireland are to progress, their tactical alignment more adventurous, the scope of their ambition extended. It is open to question as to whether players of the ability needed to achieve these goals exist. The performances of the U21 team in Georgia and Albania were not encouraging; perhaps Liam Miller (Celtic) and Jonathan Daly (Stockport County) were the only ones to suggest they have senior player potential.

The injured players will come into the mix for the match against Norway, but of those only Steven Reid (Millwall), on the right of midfield, Steve Finnan (Fulham) and Clinton Morrison (Birmingham) offer real alternatives to those who travelled. It is clear the old limitations still apply.

Ireland have at least a couple of credible candidates for most positions, options also in the number of versatile players who are capable of switching roles, but suffer from a scarcity of talented specialists in certain areas.

They would have a better team if they could unearth a genuinely imaginative passer of the ball in midfield and a centre-forward with the presence to fill the role that was the preserve of Niall Quinn.

Gary Doherty has made an honest attempt to step into that void but he is still a young man, in years and experience.

Perhaps Morrison might progress quickly with Birmingham City to offer an option, but experiences in Albania showed that Ireland need a physically strong player to act as fulcrum in the central attacking position. Duff's classic role will always be as provider, his pace and dribbling skills best utilised in driving incisions in opposition defences for others to capitalise upon his service.

Ireland's assistant manager Chris Hughton spoke of Robbie Keane's versatility at centre-forward for 'Spurs where he said he has shown himself capable of acting as a spearhead in front of Teddy Sheringham, or as provider, capable of dropping deep to act as a conduit between midfield and a more advanced striker. Ireland need his goal-scoring ability.

He wins much praise for Ireland when he drops deep, but it is a function that should be confined to those charged with giving him service.

The task for Kerr in the upcoming matches against Norway, in the friendly, and the championship ties against Albania, Georgia and Russia is to enhance that service, a task emphasised by the past week's performances.

Of help, would be the discovery of a gifted passer of the ball, a player capable of opening up avenues to goal for our front runners with a level of sophistication in distribution not seen since Liam Brady was at his peak.

In the belief nobody of his ability is available, Kerr must juggle his personnel and seek different combinations, not only in search of more penetration up front, but also with a view to helping Ireland retain possession for longer periods than they achieved in Albania.

It is to be hoped Reid will be fit to play against Norway and that Colin Healy will soon find regular first-team action at club level, thus offering Kerr more options.

And while we have sung the praises of Gary Breen and Kenny Cunningham in these columns, John O'Shea and Duff must be seen in their favourite roles before the championship battles resume.