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Irish Mirror

Sport

Mark McCadden

10 games, 31 players used; analysing Ireland's 2022 and looking ahead to 2023

Stephen Kenny Robbie Brady Ireland Alan Browne Nathan Collins Callum Robinson Michael Obafemi Troy Parrott Callum ODowda Gavin Bazunu

Stephen Kenny says it’s up to others to pass judgement on Ireland’s year.

But as he jets out to Qatar to watch Euro 2024 opponents France and Holland in action, he will no doubt have his own strong views on the hits and misses of a year packed with ups and downs.

10 games, four wins, four defeats and two draws; relegation to the third tier of the Nations League was avoided, but it’s hard to view that as a success when the stated aim beforehand was to top the group and mix it next time out with Europe’s elite.

In total, Kenny used 31 players - from Mark Sykes who debuted with five minutes at the end of Sunday’s game against Malta to Nathan Collins, who topped the list of minutes played with 810.

Aside from sitting out the Belgium game, Wolves centre-half Collins played every single minute of every other game this year.

A degree of culpability for Norway’s winner last Thursday aside, it was a monumental year for the 21-year-old.

He became the most expensive Irish player in history when he moved from relegated Burnley to Molineux for just over €23m.

Barring injury, he will be a cert to start against France next March.

While Seamus Coleman came into the back-three in Malta on Sunday, Kenny looks set to go with Collins, John Egan and Dara O’Shea when the serious business begins.

One potential variable in this department would be the fitness and form of Norwich’s Andrew Omobamidele.

Could the former Leixlip United man step in and free up his fellow ex-Leixlip ace Collins to move into defensive midfield along with Josh Cullen?

An extra layer of protection might be necessary against the attacking might of France.

In that scenario, who would get the nod as the attacking member of Ireland’s central midfield trio?

There is a strong argument to be made that 2022 belongs to Alan Browne.

The Preston midfielder was hailed last weekend by Stephen Kenny for his “self sacrifice” and for being “a victim of his versatility”.

Browne was one of only two players to feature in all 10 internationals this year, along with Callum Robinson, with five starts and five substitute appearances.

His three goals saw him finish on top of the charts, ahead of Michael Obafemi, Troy Parrott and Egan on two each.

Yet he might have settled for cameo appearances in one or both of this past week’s games had Derby not held onto Jason Knight.

Browne, who has also played at wing-back, showed time and again this year his ability to ghost into the box from midfield.

He should have scored his fourth of 2022 against Malta, when another of those unseen bursts took him behind the defence and onto Matt Doherty’s pass.

Browne failed, however, to make a clean connection and the opportunity, just before the break, was lost.

But that shouldn’t take away from what was a successful calendar year on the international stage for the 27-year-old.

Up front, once again we lacked a prolific goalscorer.

Chiedozie Ogbene kicked off the year with a bang - and a bicycle kick - against Belgium, but didn’t add to his tally in his remaining appearances.

Troy Parrott and Michael Obafemi scored two each.

In their games together, they looked like the most potent of Kenny’s front-line options, but injury cut short Parrott’s year and Obafemi didn’t look as comfortable playing alongside Callum Robinson.

Decisions, decisions…

Left-wing back is a position where Kenny is blessed with an embarrassment of riches.

Callum O’Dowda started there against Norway and impressed, while James McClean was effective there on Sunday in Malta.

However, Robbie Brady’s set-piece deliveries, combined with real disappointment in that area on Sunday, could strengthen his claim for a starting spot against France.

“We had a tough night of it (in Malta),” admitted Kenny. “But Robbie is probably our best for our set-plays. I’d agree with that.”

Asked if he views Brady primarily as a left-wing-back, he replied: “Yeah, I do. There were just fine margins. Callum has caught the eye recently and James has different attributes.

“Robbie came on in that position against Norway but didn’t get on today.

“Robbie has a part to play, for sure.”

Caoimhin Kelleher won seven caps this year, including Malta, compared to Gavin Bazunu’s three. However, the Liverpool man is unlikely to be first choice come March.

“I don’t know. Gavin has been very consistent as number 1, playing well against Norway,” said Kenny.

Asked whether he felt 2022 was a good year, Kenny said: “I don’t know. That’s not for me to say. Everyone can have their individual opinions on that.

“Looking at the two (November) games, I do realise that there weren't loads of chances in both.”

Again, he referenced the respect shown by Norway in playing a low block on Thursday, before addressing the lessons learned in this window.

“At this time of year, when the Championship players have three games per week, you’re never going to get… We only came in on Monday and the match was Thursday,” he said.

“We got some good aspects and learned lessons, knowing we have to be better in certain areas. We’ve spoken a lot to the players about that.

“France is a different proposition and it will be interesting to see.

“I’m not certain they’ll play the same way against us as they will at the World Cup. Or what players they’ll have.

“We've got to get ready for France, to try to ensure our organisation and our planning is the best we can make it.”

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HOW IRELAND’S PLAYERS FARED IN 2022 (Minutes played - Caps - Goals)

Nathan Collins: 810 - 9 - 1

Josh Cullen: 711 - 8 - 0

John Egan: 692 - 9 - 2

Caoimhin Kelleher: 630 - 7 - 3 (clean sheets)

Callum Robinson: 551 - 10 - 1

Matt Doherty: 526 - 6 - 0