MUCH TO PONDER FOR NEXT IRISH MANAGER

Brazil brought their flamboyant samba soccer to Croke Park on a wet and windy Wednesday evening recently. I sat in the magnificent Hogan Stand wondering what Giovanni Trapattoni and Terry Venables would make of proceedings. Brazil ran out deserved 1-0 winners but the Republic Of Ireland’s performance could best be described as hugely encouraging. The first 90 minutes of a long International campaign displayed an interesting insight into the raw talent available to whoever becomes manager of the Republic of Ireland in the coming weeks and months.



THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL
Shorn of the talents of AC Milan’s Kaka and Pato as well as Barcelona’s Ronaldiniho the South American aristocrats still managed to put on an impressive show. The highlight of the evening was Robinho’s match winning goal in the second half of a lively encounter. What made the goal extra special was the way the Brazilian’s effortlessly moved the ball from their penalty area to the Irish box with a rapier like counter attack. Gilberto found Luis Fabiano and his magnificent back heel released the industrious Diego. The diminutive Brazilian midfielder found Robinho on the edge of the box and the Real Madrid star simply passed the ball between Lee Carsley’s legs and the out-stretched arm of Shay Given to complete a sublime move. The goal encompassed all that is good about Brazilian football: simple one touch passing, wonderful skill and movement off the ball culminating in a marvellous finish. They make it look so easy and that is why Brazil still remains one of the most gifted teams in the World. Dunga has added new blood to an already astonishingly talented squad with the likes of Manchester United’s Anderson and Liverpool’s Lucas introduced as substitutes. Few would bet against Brazil claiming the one title that has eluded them throughout their illustrious history – the Olympic (under23) tournament- with the current pool of talent at their disposal.



FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Ireland competed manfully for the full duration of last Wednesday night’s friendly encounter. A dull opening 45 minutes was quickly forgotten after a second half full of passion and commitment. Ireland failed to breach the Brazilian defence creating only a handful of half-chances, yet there was no denying the quality of some of the home side’s play. The return of Damien Duff was one of the most important plus points on the night. The Newcastle winger - dogged by recent injuries - made a welcome return on the left wing. After a quiet first half, the blonde winger burst into life with a series of mesmerising dribbles. On the opposite wing, Celtic’s Aidan McGeady gave his most impressive performance in an Irish jersey to date. McGeady is far from the finished article but he continues to improve and could become a vital player in the months ahead. Up front Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle worked hard all night despite little or no possession. The back four had a busy outing with John O’Shea and Kevin Kilbane excelling. Ireland gave 100% commitment and spent long periods chasing the ball with their illustrious opponents enjoying the majority of possession. Care-taker manager Don Givens had every right to feel proud of his side’s efforts after the final whistle and the Irish players should take heart from such an encouraging performance against a strong Brazilian selection.



MANAGER’S TO-DO LIST
The incoming Irish manager will have plenty of work to complete before the International qualifiers begin in earnest away to Georgia in September this year. Top of the list must be to persuade the hugely talented Stephen Ireland to return to the international fold. The Manchester City midfielder would be a huge asset to the current Irish midfield with his surging runs and goal-scoring ability. Liam Miller, Lee Carsley, Andy Reid and Stephen Reid are all accomplished international midfielders but none offers the goal-scoring threat that Ireland does. Second on the list should be to try to persuade Steve Finnan to reconsider his decision to retire from international football. Liverpool’s right back has an abundance of experience and following Stephen Kelly’s poor display against the Brazilians, the Republic desperately need cover in this important position. The only alternative at the moment is the un-capped Kevin Foley.

Third on the list is to get the best out of the erratic Stephen Hunt. The Reading midfielder has been used as an impact substitute in recent internationals but deserves a run in the side based on his performances for Reading this season. Hunt’s determination and commitment energise the crowd and players around him. His exasperation at being left out of the starting eleven was clearly evident in a candid after match interview on Wednesday night. Curbing his over-enthusiasm will make Stephen Hunt an even better player but he needs to start internationals rather than feature in the last 20 minutes.

Former Irish rugby international, Donal Linehan, wrote recently about the potential catastrophe of losing Ronan O’Gara to injury for both Ireland and Munster. The same logic applies to Ireland’s number one net minder Shay Given. Neither Joe Murphy nor Colin Doyle has received any kind of game time recently and both reserve keepers must be used in the upcoming summer friendlies. Memories of Paddy Kenny’s performance having replaced the injured Given in the catastrophic away defeat to Cyprus should provide ample warning. Ireland needs a competent back-up goalkeeper to Shay Given with that player gaining as much international experience as possible.



The first match of the new international season has been completed with a 1-0 defeat to Brazil consigned to the history books. Despite the loss, the overall Irish performance was a positive one. The new Irish manager needs to build on this and structure his squad accordingly in preparation for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. While the Irish players clearly favour Terry Venables for his man-management skills, it is the potential appointment of Giovanni Trapattoni that has the whole of the football world talking. The appointment of the former Italian manager would really be a masterstroke for the FAI.

It could be months before the next Irish manager takes up his new position but an encouraging performance against the boys from Brazil points to better days ahead.