Liam Brady: Wes Hoolahan is not our soccer saviour

Our football analyst, Liam Brady, offers a reality check after the drama of a last-gasp equaliser against the Poles— why James McClean should replace Aiden McGeady and the doubts that still persist about James McCarthy.

There was a lot of positivity and even a little hint of euphoria in the air at the final whistle in the Aviva on Sunday night but, for a sobering reality check on the real meaning of Ireland’s draw with Poland, all you need to do is take a look at the Group D table today.

We’re three points at a disadvantage to one of our main rivals, Poland. We’re two points behind Scotland. And it’s the same with Germany — and I still think the world champions, simply because they have too much quality, will come good and finish by topping the group.