As a new qualifying campaign gets underway for the 2022 World Cup, OTB's Nathan Murphy and Stephen Doyle joined Eoin Sheahan on Tuesday's OTB AM to debate who should be picked in the Republic of Ireland team that takes on Serbia in Belgrade.
In the month that has elapsed since Nathan, Stephen and Phil Egan joined OTB AM to pick their ideal Ireland team for Wednesday night's game, Stephen Kenny has had to deal with plenty of bad news.
Besieged by injuries to usual starters and squad players, there is a genuine sense of uncertainty surrounding who the former Dundalk manager will pick to line out for Ireland in Belgrade.
Assuming that things cannot possibly become any more complicated, OTB's Nathan and Stephen joined Eoin to run through the Ireland team they would like Kenny to select.
Serbia vs Ireland | Wednesday, March 23rd, 19:45
There was plenty of agreement between the lads when it came to making their selections; nine players shared (albeit with some tactical difference) between both line-ups.
Entirely at ease with Mark Travers in goal, given the circumstances, and a back four of Stevens, Clark, O'Shea and Coleman, there were some discrepancies in midfield.
"He hasn't done anything wrong since Stephen Kenny took over," argued Nathan for his selection of Jeff Hendrick in a midfield three, "and he's a player with huge experience in a team lacking that.
"He comes in for an enormous amount of stick from Irish supporters, regardless of how he plays it can feel... [and] with Hourihane gone I think he will start."
Nathan's Ireland team to face Serbia:
Meanwhile, with David McGoldrick's international career at an end, Stephen explained why he was choosing Shane Long up front in his Ireland team.
"We know what Shane Long is good at," he stated, "he's got pace, he's strong, he holds up the ball well and he can bring players like Aaron Connolly, Matt Doherty or Alan Browne around him into the game."
Stephen's Ireland team to face Serbia:
What would your ideal Ireland team be for Wednesday night's game against Serbia?
You can watch the lads discussing their selections for this week's World Cup qualifier against Serbia here
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