Midfield remains the minefield for Martin O'Neill

They started last night’s match in unison but as the friendly against the Netherlands progressed, it became evident Harry Arter and Stephen Quinn were battling against each other for a ticket to France.

Amid the auditions which began after Euro qualification was secured back in November, only one of the pair is likely to feature in the 23-man squad which Martin O’Neill settles on late into the night on Monday.

Central midfielders of different styles, both showed glimpses of their respective traits against the Dutch on an evening of relative experimentation. Neither did enough to suggest they’ll dislodge any of the three bankers for the position – James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan and Jeff Hendrick – but the alternatives like David Meyler, Eunan O’Kane and Darron Gibson are not assured of making the cut.