Football: Doc is on call for key role in Japan

This Tuesday is D-Day for the 28 or so lads in the reckoning to make the Republic of Ireland's World Cup squad.

That's the day when Mick McCarthy announces which players exactly will accompany him on the plane to Japan.

It'll put an end to six months of "will he or won't he" speculation on behalf of punters and the press.

For some players, it will break their hearts and for others it will be the greatest moment of their lives so far.

My heart goes out to the lads who are about to be dumped. But I have to admit that I feel very jealous of the others who'll be getting the call from Mick, today or tomorrow, to tell them they're in.

Everybody has their own views about who should make the trip and I'm no exception.

Like most selections, mine has changed every few weeks since we qualified for the tournament on November 15 in Tehran.

But considering injuries and form, I've listed the players (right) who I believe represent the cream of the current crop.

Most of the squad picks itself, but Mick still has a few tough decisions to make.

Five months ago, I reckoned he'd be foolish to ignore the talents of Manchester United's John O'Shea when making his final selection.

That was before Gary Doherty's late, late return to action.

I know he's short of match practice and fitness, but if it comes to a choice between him, O'Shea and Andy O'Brien, then I'd have to go with Doherty.

I would take him for the simple reason that he offers options at both end of the pitch.

He can shore up the defence and, equally, he can hold up the ball in attack, similar to the job Niall Quinn's been doing for years.

If Doherty came along, it means that we wouldn't have to sacrifice a striker to bring along more cover in defence.

His inclusion would also leave plenty of room for David Connolly to join the squad though, in my opinion, Crystal Palace's Clinton Morrison has moved above him in the pecking order.

He doesn't have anything like Connolly's international experience, but I still believe he's a player on the up.

He's cocky and nothing seems to phase him and I can't see him being overwhelmed in any situation - even by an event like the World Cup!

As for the utility man, I reckon that spot belongs to Steve Finnan. Rory Delap is a fine player but Mick has to base his selections on the players who got us to the World Cup finals in the first place.

Roy Keane is obviously the first name down in Mick's squad, but I don't reckon Damien Duff is too far off the pace.

More than any other player in the current Ireland set-up, I believe Duffer is a star waiting to shine in Japan.

It's not for nothing that he's the crowd favourite at Ewood Park.

His skill on the ball, combined with that amazing pace, make him a big menace for any defence. And when he's on song, he's mesmerising to watch.

I'd include Niall in my travelling party, even if he'd two broken legs. His experience at this level will be invaluable.

Mick will probably find that one or two of the younger lads will be overawed by the whole occasion, and that's when Niall will come into his own.

He's been through it all before and the less experienced lads will look to him for reassurance.

Whichever squad Mick chooses to announce on Tuesday, one thing's for sure.

They'll have 110 per cent support from the fans as they embark on the most exotic adventure ever undertaken by an Irish team - I wish them the best of Irish luck.

INTERVIEW: Hugh O'Reilly

Copyright 2002 MGN LTD
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.