Adam Idah and Chiedozie Ogbene likely to be given the nod against France

It’s likely only four of Ireland’s starting team will hail from the Premier League, one of whom – Ogbene – has yet to start for newly-promoted Luton Town

LIKELY STARTER: Chiedozie Ogbene during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Thierry Henry capturing the limelight at France’s Clairefontaine training ground evoked painful memories of his last brush with Ireland in Paris but also conjured a reminder of a glorious generation for the visitors.

Henry’s first day on the grass as Under-21 manager not only diverted media away from the senior gathering at the Pibarot Stadium but a cohort of players.