The Football Show looked at the role that James McCarthy will play in Republic of Ireland teams going forward.
Dan McDonnell of the Irish Independent joined us to unpick the midfielder's career and what he might be in a position to offer.
McCarthy has 260 Premier League appearances, behind only Seamus Coleman and Shane Long in the current team, but there remain questions as to where he fits into Ireland best XI.
James McCarthy
"It shows you how many times that McCarthy has been picked at Premier League level but we haven't always seen that with Ireland. But with most managers, he has always been picked when he has been here, but he hasn't always been here.
"He has basically lost three years of his career, and there is an element of now-or-never about him. He is in danger of becoming a bit of a whipping boy, too.
"It is easier for him to go that way because people don't know all that much about him. He is not someone out there doing press."
But there was dedication to the cause even when his body failed him.
"Even when he was injured, there were a couple of times where he would come over even when he was never going to be fit to play. He did declare for Ireland when others walked away.
"The point is that there is a tone of criticism with him that can be a bit over the top but he hasn't had that run of commanding [matches.]
"I also think that part of his style is such that he is not going to necessarily be at the forefront of a winning performance in some landmark tackle or dominant moment. It is more work that teammates appreciate; the ground he covers or breaking up the play."
McCarthy's role
As for Ireland's future, it is McCarthy's ability to link play that might see him fill a crucial role, particularly now that Stephen Kenny wants to
"His role in the side is interesting. He is a big link between that defence and midfield. A lot hinges on his ability to cover ground and do the defensive work against what would be a good Slovakia three, but also dictating the tempo and getting the play moving.
"It is a big responsibility for him."
It appears that his manager is asking him to get on the ball and get it moving, so will he rise to the challenge?
"I think the question mark is if that role that actually suits his style and whether that is best for him.
"The argument is does he need someone in there next to him, in a 4-2-3-1. McCarthy can then keep doing what he does in unsettling opponents.
"We have seen him do it against Manchester United, with James McArthur, and a more creative player ahead."
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