Alan Judge’s verdict is that he’s ready

Patience has been a necessity at club level for late bloomer Alan Judge, so waiting for his international debut to eventually arrive tomorrow against Switzerland is not an issue for the 27-year-old.

Martin O’Neill has long talked about promoting the uncapped Brentford playmaker to his team and, with the second half of 2015 consumed by salvaging Euro qualification, a couple of Easter friendlies affords the boss leeway for experimentation.

It would be disrespectful to bracket Judge in risk territory. Having spearheaded their unlikely charge to the play-offs last season, this time around his 14 goals will be crucial in keeping Brentford in the Championship.