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Mick McCarthy must turn Wolves star Matt Doherty and Everton’s Seamus Coleman from rivals to deadly duo for the Republic of Ireland
At the weekend, the Republic of Ireland limped to a 1-0 victory over minnows Gibraltar thanks to Jeff Hendrick’s goal.
Mick McCarthy is still running the rule over his squad and he hasn’t quite got the formula right just then.
One of his main dilemmas is how to fit Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty into the same team. Both players started on Saturday with Coleman at right-back and Doherty on the wing.
There are three options for McCarthy. The first was trialled against Gibraltar and it did not really work; the Irish need an out-and-out winger playing further forward.
The second option would be to drop one of these players. But both have merited a spot in the starting line-up.
Everton’s Coleman earned his 50th cap and is the captain, while Wolves star Doherty has been one of the best full-backs in the Premier League this season.
But the third option is the one McCarthy should take: Coleman at right-back and Doherty at left-back.
Sheffield United’s Enda Stevens is the number one left-back and has done an adequate job but Doherty could take the Republic of Ireland to the next level in that role.
The 27-year-old has previously featured at left-wing-back for Wolves and would be comfortable there despite being right-footed.
With Coleman on one side and Doherty on the other, the Republic of Ireland would have two top class full-backs in their starting line-up.
The pair of them could form a potentially lethal coalition with constant streams of attacking threat coming from both flanks.