Giovanni Trapattoni has been forced into a late reshuffle ahead of tonight’s game with Sweden, with Glenn Whelan and Robbie Brady ruled out through injury.
By Declan Whooley
Whelan had been carrying an ankle knock, but that has flared up today and James McCarthy will now take his place alongside Paul Green in central midfield. Brady had been a doubt, though Trap had indicated that Andy Keogh would take the Hull man’s place if he failed to pass the fitness test, but Jonathan Walters has taken his place.
The news makes Trap’s comments yesterday regarding Brady look more than a little ill-advised, but we have known for quite a while that the Italian works in mysterious ways.
Walters, and in particular McCarthy, have been in good form in the Premier League and would have been the preferred choice for many supporters, but injury means they will get their chance in Stockholm.
They will need to be at their best tonight if Ireland is to leave Sweden with a result tonight.
Republic of Ireland team v Sweden: Forde, Wilson, Clark, O’Shea, Coleman, Green, McCarthy, Walters , McClean, Keane, Long.
