How the Irish fared: Time ticking for Irish players

Saturday’s Euro 2016 draw will have provided a timely reminder to those dreaming of being part of the Republic of Ireland squad that time is running out to book a place among the final 23.

Take Anthony Pilkington, for instance. He has been a regular in the Irish squad under Martin O’Neill but has not seen game-time in green since scoring in the 4-1 friendly win over the USA 13 months ago. You sense Pilkington realises the clock is ticking and is responding accordingly.

Nine days ago, he scored the winner in Cardiff City’s 3-2 Championship win at Bolton and on Saturday he was on the mark again with a brilliantly-timed run to beat the offside trap, round Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and stroke the ball into the empty net to put the Bluebirds 2-0 up.