Double header takeaways: Jack Taylor impressed boosting Ireland's midfield presence

Dara O'Shea has filed every position in Ireland's outfield defence since his first cap four years ago.

IMPRESSED FROM THE BENCH: Ireland’s Jack Taylor came on in the 57 minute and had Ireland's two shots on goal. Picture: ©INPHO/Nikola Krstic

When Jack Taylor and Mikey Johnston joined the action for Ireland against Greece during the second half in Piraeus last Sunday night, they became the 25th and 26th players used by Heimir Hallgrimsson in four matches at the helm. That's the same number selected by John O'Shea in his four-match spell as interim boss from March to June this year. O'Shea awarded four new caps (Sammie Szmodics, Finn Azaz, Jake O'Brien and Tom Cannon). Hallgrimsson has given debuts to Kasey McAteer and Taylor.

It's clear that the long delay in appointing Stephen Kenny's successor cost Hallgrimsson a chance to get to know the Ireland squad and experiment with formations in friendly fixtures. Learning about his players in Group B2 of the Uefa Nations League has left the head coach and his team at a competitive disadvantage.

How well does Dara O'Shea fit the right-back slot?

Mr Versatile has filed every position in Ireland's outfield defence since his first cap four years ago. Left centre-back is his most frequent starting role (19 times in 30 appearances). Prior to Helsinki last week, he had played once for Ireland at right-back (0-0 v. Bulgaria in Dublin, November 2020). 

When Hallgrimsson switched to a back four against Greece in Dublin last month, Andrew Omobamidele was chosen in the No. 2 slot, with O'Shea partnering Nathan Collins in central defence. But Omobamidele has since struggled for playing time at club level. The selection of Liam Scales, a natural left-footer at left-centre-back, pushed O'Shea to right-back against Finland and Greece. 

One of six players to start all four matches under Hallgrimsson, he was substituted for the first time by the new coach after 82 minutes in Piraeus as Ireland sought greater potency down the right side.

How many attempts on target did Ireland have against Greece?

Two - both by substitute Jack Taylor, whose introduction after 57 minutes both boosted Ireland's midfield presence and improved their attacking impetus. A more natural all-rounder than Troy Parrott, who moved forward in place of Evan Ferguson, the bustling Ipswich player gives Ireland new options in a position filled previously under Hallgrimsson by Will Smallbone, Finn Azaz and Parrott. Taylor's arrival contributed to Ireland's improvement in the second half, which saw their rate of possession rise from 25% to 47%, and their passing accuracy jump from 66% to 81%.

How long since Ireland kept a clean sheet in a competitive match?

Excluding two wins against Gibraltar in 2023 (3-0, 4-0), not since June 2022. That famous 3-0 win against Scotland in Dublin was the highlight of Kenny's tenure. In 13 subsequent qualifiers against Ukraine, Scotland, Armenia, France, the Netherlands, Greece, England and Finland, Ireland's defence has been breached 22 times, including seven concessions in Hallgrimsson's four matches. 59% of the goals have been leaked in the second half of matches.