Stephen Ward plays waiting game as moment of truth looms for Ireland squad

He may be in a head-to-head with Robbie Brady for an actual starting place at the Euros but Stephen Ward, you would think, should at least feel pretty much assured of a seat on the plane flying out to France this day week.

Should, but doesn’t. For the ex-Bohs man, as for quite a number of other players, the nerves are tingling at the prospect of all being revealed after the final whistle at Turner’s Cross tonight.

“Yeah, there are nerves, to be honest,” says the Burnley full-back. “And if you ask the lads, I think by tomorrow morning, either way, they will be glad it’s out and you know who is going. It’s been a good week or 10 days and the manager will have all that in his thoughts. And with the game coming up tonight, we want to go out and impress.