VIDEO: Opportunity knocks for tigerish David Meyler

Starting your first competitive international as a midfielder against the world champions could be enough to crush some players but, as days tick down and his prospects increase, excitement rather than trepidation consumes David Meyler.

Glenn Whelan’s suspension for tomorrow’s visit of Germany creates a cavity Martin O’Neill needs to fill and, given the concerns he’s aired about Darron Gibson’s fitness, coupled with some pointers from his assistant Roy Keane yesterday, the Corkman is set to profit.

His mission, one he’s gladly amenable to, hinges on stemming the German supply from midfield by Toni Kroos in particular.