McGrath thinks Collins and O'Shea could make midfield switch for Ireland

Ireland legend Paul McGrath said he's "been through quite a bit in the last couple of years and especially in the last year".

OPENING UP: Former Ireland international Paul McGrath who has teamed up with Pringles this Movember to champion men’s mental health. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

It was a move he made to considerable effect during the Jack Charlton era and Republic of Ireland legend Paul McGrath believes either Dara O’Shea or Nathan Collins are more than capable of following in his footsteps by transitioning from defence to midfield at international level.

While centre-half was his most natural position, McGrath often found himself operating in the middle of the park for the Irish team – most notably in the 1988 European Championships and the 1990 World Cup. Given that central midfield is viewed as a current problem area for Ireland, it has been suggested that someone like O’Shea or Collins could be utilised in a similar role to the one McGrath played in a bid to bolster the side’s international prospects.