After Ireland ground out a 0-0 draw against Georgia on Saturday afternoon, Kenny Cunningham called on supporters to trust in Mick McCarthy's decision-making ahead of Tuesday's crucial clash with Switzerland. 

As it stands, a win in Geneva would be sufficient for Ireland to secure their place in the 2020 European Championships.

Undefeated in the qualifying campaign thus far, a dour 0-0 draw with Georgia over the weekend has given certain onlookers cause for concern regarding Ireland's hopes of doing what is necessary to reach next summer's competition, however.

Crucially, Ireland's tally of six goals from as many games is looking a particular worry given that McCarthy's side has already taken on the group's lowest seed Gibralater on two occasions.

"I wouldn't agree that this is as bad as we would have seen, not in all aspects of the game," argued Kenny Cunningham on Monday's OTB AM against the suggestion that Saturday's performance was on par with the darker days of the Giovanni Trapattoni and Martin O'Neill eras.

"From a creative point of view, in terms of the quality of football and creating goal-scoring opportunities from general play, yes, there wasn't a huge amount there.

"In terms of defensive organisation, however, it's better when I look at the team and see some of the patterns for when they're hunting the ball."

Shane Duffy of Republic of Ireland following the UEFA EURO2020 Qualifier match between Georgia and Republic of Ireland. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Impressed by the defensive partnership of Shane Duffy and John Egan, Ireland's lack of goals is nevertheless a burning concern.

In Aaron Connolly, the impressive Brighton & Hove Albion striker who made his international debut in the final few minutes of Saturday's game, Cunningham considered whether or not Mick McCarthy would entrust the 19-year-old to start against Switzerland.

"He impressed in the small amount of time he was on the pitch and clearly strengthened his argument for inclusion in the starting lineup against Switzerland," he suggested.

"I think you've got to trust Mick to make the right decision. He'll assess Aaron over the next couple of days on a load of different levels."

Without much experience to his name in senior football, the Galway native impressed Cunningham with how he handled the occasion.

"It was interesting watching Aaron walking towards the touchline," he recalled from his perspective in the stands, "taking those first steps into international football, the shoulders were back, the body language was good. He gave the sense that he was ready for this.

"I think back to my first cap for Ireland and it was the opposite emotions I was feeling, a lot of dread and nervousness.

"Although I wouldn't say that he has to start, my gut feeling tells me that if he carries himself in training over the next few days the way he already has done, Mick will find a place for him in the starting line-up."

You can watch back Kenny Cunningham's full review of Saturday's game and a preview for Tuesday night's fixture here. 

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