Wilson: Let’s give it a lash

Almost four years on from Paris, the scene of one of Ireland’s greatest performances, defender Marc Wilson is adamant only a repeat of those heroics tomorrow in Austria will prevent a premature end to the World Cup dream.

The theory that it was Ireland’s players, rather than Giovanni Trapattoni, that initiated the free-flowing style to chase a first-leg deficit against France has never been fully suppressed. Based upon the words and body-language of Stoke man Wilson yesterday, a more liberal approach to the routine long-ball game will be enacted by the players, with or without the coach’s blessing.

Asked if it’s high time to let the handbrake off for the players, the Antrim man was forthright in response.