4 big issues that Ireland must tackle after thrilling Euro 2016 qualification

Q: We need to talk about Martin...

A: That the manager will get an extension to his contract is now a foregone conclusion. That he deserves it is also beyond dispute. At low moments in Ireland’s topsy turvy campaign, O’Neill shipped a lot of flak for being too tactically conservative, making the wrong selection calls and not trusting his players enough to allow them unleash their inner Barcelona.

Those five points dropped against Scotland also raised serious questions about his fabled inspirational powers. Some were even calling for his head as recently as last summer.

But the Derryman weathered the storms to oversee one of Irish football’s greatest nights with that unforgettable win against Germany, and then arguably kept his best for last by making light of the absence of key players to guide the team to an emphatic aggregate win in the most high stakes games of them all – the play-off against Bosnia. In the decisive second leg on Monday, his players were true to the manager’s word in promising the team’s performance would be positive, confident and on the front foot from word go, and the end result was precisely what the FAI asked Martin O’Neill to deliver when he was appointed to the job – qualification for France 2016. Job done. Job secure. And now onwards and upwards.

Q: We’re lowly ranked, right?

A: Ireland in Pot 4? So were Greece in 2004. And after reaching the knockout stages, the Greeks beat three Pot 1 teams – the Czech Republic, holders France and hosts Portugal – for the biggest upset triumph in Euro history.

Even in the current qualifying campaign, the success of Albania, Iceland and Northern Ireland (all 5th seeds) and Wales (4th seeds) is encouraging. Momentum matters and Martin O’Neill’s team have plenty. They overturned Scotland’s four-point lead in the race for third place in qualifying Group D, beating the world champions. Then they overcame a seeded team in the play-offs, making a mockery of the Fifa world rankings which gave Bosnia-Herzegovina a 22-place lead this month. Because national teams in continental Europe respect Ireland’s “fighting spirit,” none will underestimate a clash with O’Neill’s squad, who have begun to display the cup-tie mentality on which his appointment was based.

No matter how the draw on December 12 works out, Ireland know the four best third-placed teams will advance beyond the group phase. And with 24 finalists in the mix, a less-than-formidable trio of opponents is possible. England, Switzerland and Slovakia would bring a private glint to O’Neill’s eye.

Q: Can we afford to be more expansive now that we’ve qualified?

A: Glenn Whelan was the only player who started on Monday night against Bosnia who also started against Croatia in the first game of Euro 2012 in Poznan. That says a lot about not only Whelan but also the pace of change in personnel over the past three years. Martin O’Neill has shown a willingness to try new players out as well as toy with new formations, so there’s no guarantee he’ll stick with those who have gotten him to France. However, he’s still aware of their limitations and it’s unlikely any combination of players would allow him to send out a more attacking side. There may be scope in some games for two up front, or Aiden McGeady on the wing again, but it’s hard to see the team and formation O’Neill’s happened upon changing significantly now after qualifying.

In fact, while O’Neill’s team selections have sometimes confused, it’s hard to argue what anyone would do better in terms of making the team more appealing to watch.Wes Hoolahan is starting, Jeff Hendrick offers guile in midfield, while Jon Walters, Shane Long and James McClean and Robbie Brady to a degree offer attacking intent.

McGeady would need a January move to force himself into contention, while Alan Judge or Harry Arter could make a push for selection if they continue to improve.

Q: Does Robbie Keane still have a part to play... is there another striker out there we are looking to hit form?

A: Stephen Hunt said in his column at the weekend the one player in the Irish dressing room he was never sure if he could indulge in ‘banter’ with was Robbie Keane.

We, in the media, knew what he meant. Keane has often given short shrift to questions, and displayed a demeanour that made Diego Costa look like a welcoming concierge.

But since being given the armband by Steve Staunton (remember him?) all those years ago, Robbie’s been a transformed character.

Partly as an obligation of the job he speaks more often, but he’s also become the face of the team and he’s fronted up on more than one occasion when lesser players would have hidden away. He kept scoring when he was called upon, and even when dumped to the bench, there’s been no sign of a strop or anything close to an undermining of the management.

Players and coaches have also spoken during qualification of his dressing room input, with the striker delivering speeches many might not have expected him capable of.

Given the paucity of striking options, it’s hard to imagine Keane being ditched entirely next summer, but one has to wonder if the off-field qualities above are enough to book a squad spot.

But he’s still a classic poacher and will get the late goals (a la 2002). If it was between Keane, Kevin Doyle, Adam Rooney and A.N. Other - the Tallaght man will be in France.