The graduates who can grow on road to France

There’s no need to whisper it — the new Ireland manager is not so badly off for personnel if he picks the right players and integrates some new ones.

With a full 12 months to shape his team before the opening Euro 2016 qualifier, the 11th man bestowed by the FAI with leading the nation’s fortunes has plenty of time to assess his selection options.

Granted, mainstays Robbie Keane and Richard Dunne – both heading towards their 34th birthday – can’t be relied upon to spearhead a push to reach the France-hosted finals.

Still, a dollop of brimming talent exists along with an emerging platoon capable of stepping up provided the gaffer isn’t so risk averse as his predecessor.

Should Martin O’Neill be appointed, the Derryman can cite his record of dishing out breakthroughs in his most recent job at Aston Villa as evidence of a willingness to lean on youth.

Unlike Trap, who didn’t attend one underage international during his five-year term, O’Neill is renowned for immersing himself in the entire set-up, aware he may unearth a young gem ripe for fast-tracking.

He did that during four years at Villa Park. Andreas Weimann, Ireland defender Ciarán Clark and Mark Albrighton were just some of the youngsters trusted by O’Neill with debuts.

The new boss won’t see an abundance of top Premier League clubs attached to the players’ names. But one who chose to leave Manchester United for more game-time, Robbie Brady, is yearning to prosper on the international stage from a fresh voice.

Trapattoni’s initial admiration of Brady gave way for reservations about his ability to track back.

At a time when the team craves an attacking spark, O’Neill may choose to leave Brady do what he does best in the opposition’s half. Such license afforded to Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi didn’t do their teams any harm.

Expect Jeff Hendrick and David Meyler, both belatedly and sparingly capped by Trap, to jostle with James McCarthy and Gibson for the central midfield axis. Samir Carruthers, the Ireland U21 midfielder who O’Neill brought to Villa from Arsenal, is another playmaker worthy of senior exposure, while Conor Henderson is back in the spotlight after an offer to join Hull City.

On the defensive side, defender John Egan is about to return from a broken leg at Sunderland. Like Carruthers, Cork-born Egan has a head-start, having worked with O’Neill at the Black Cats, and the familiarity has potential to develop the 20-year-old into John O’Shea’s eventual central-defensive partner. Ireland U21 skipper Shane Duffy will also make a case for promotion.

Of all the tasks facing our new saviour, discovering a natural goalscorer to compensate for Keane’s inevitable retirement appears the most pressing. Record scorer at U21 level, Brady will deliver once given the chance.

It is, however, Chelsea’s gangly forward Patrick Bamford who may be considered an outside shot. A €1.5 million purchase from Nottingham Forest last year, the English-born striker declared for Ireland at U18 level before returning to his homeland.

MK Dons loanee Bamford is mulling over his international allegiance, according to U21 manager Noel King. A phone call from the heir apparent could be decisive.