Stephen Quinn eager for action
The unanswered questions over who will drive Martin O’Neill’s midfield against Scotland tomorrow speak for that.
O’Neill has used six players in central midfield – including Wes Hoolahan in a more elevated role – while five different combinations have been tried and tested in the quintet of games so far played out by his side in Group D.
Injuries have had something to do with that and, while James McCarthy and Glenn Whelan will be expected to operate the engine room this weekend, there is no longer any certainty attached to pre-game personnel predictions.
Stephen Quinn’s is a case in point.
The Hull City player was taken by surprise when chosen to start the group opener away to Georgia, but he has seemingly slipped down the pecking order after taking the first whistle in Germany given he was subbed away to Scotland and failed to see any game time against Poland in March.
Jeff Hendrick and Darron Gibson are the others to have seen action in the centre circle thus far although there is a strong body of opinion that Hoolahan will be tasked with unlocking a Scottish side that knows a draw will do them nicely.
“I’m not sure,” said Quinn when asked if it was between him and the Norwich man. “I know the both of us are available and eager to play and impress. It would be nice to play with Weso sometimes but maybe it might be a bit, eh... there’s not much height between the two of us.
“So, I don’t know if the two of us could play together but I’d love that. I don’t know if it is between me and Weso. There are other lads there who have thrown their names in the hat. Everyone will want to play because it’s such a massive game.”
Like many players on international duty this week, Quinn will be aware that a strong showing for his country could have a ripple effect on his club future. The Dubliner has indicated that a two-year contract extension with Hull will be ignored should a Premier League club make an offer.
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