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Is Ireland newcomer Brian Lenihan really ready for international soccer?

Earlier today, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill sprung something of a surprise when he ...



Is Ireland newcomer Brian Leni...
Soccer

Is Ireland newcomer Brian Lenihan really ready for international soccer?

Earlier today, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill sprung something of a surprise when he called up Hull's Brian Lenihan to the squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Germany.

Lenihan is yet to play a senior match for Hull after leaving Cork City for the Premier League side at the end of August.

 But is the 21-year-old ready for international football with most of his experience garnered in the SSE Airtricity League?

Roddy Collins and Stuart Byrne were in studio as always on a Tuesday to talk League of Ireland and they gave their take on a player who played for Cork in the first half of this season.

"The kid's not ready for it. I don't think he'll play," said Roddy, who added that it was a no win situation for O'Neill but also thinks Lenihan could bring a surprise factor.

Stuey said: "He's a good player. He's got a good head on his shoulders. He's physically very strong and athletically very good. He has a lot to learn in terms of his overall development. But he's got a chance."

Stuey described him as defensively strong and uses the ball well and would not be surprised if he develops into a midfielder, although he does not see him in the mould of an attacking full-back like Seamus Coleman.

The lads also talked about some nasty tackles in the FAI Cup semi between St Pats and Finn Harps on Sunday, as well as touching on the tightening of the title race between Dundalk and Cork City as "squeaky bum time" sets in.

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