It may not be the match many hoped for, but Ireland’s friendly against North Macedonia can still mean a lot to the team and fans.
For fans, it’s the first time since beating Portugal in November that Ireland plays at home. They get to welcome back the team that made them believe again, and raise the hopes of everyone that Ireland can soon end the World Cup drought.
For the players, it’s a chance to get minutes at the international level. Even if it’s a ‘dead rubber’, Heimir Hallgrimsson can give several players who have more than earned the opportunity to play in green.
Bosun Lawal. Pic: Warren Little/Getty Images
Several players could get the nod from Hallgrimsson, but here are three players we’d like to see.
Bosun Lawal
Given that his club boss Mark Robins was angry at the Stoke man’s selection, it was strange that Lawal didn’t make the matchday squad in Prague. But the 22-year-old Dubliner is almost certain to make his long-overdue international debut this evening — and in the centre of the park, where the need is more urgent for Ireland to develop some depth.
Harvey Vale. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Harvey Vale
The QPR attacker made the briefest of cameos off the bench in Prague after Sammie Szmodics was knocked unconscious.
This evening will be the first sustained look that Irish fans will get at the 22-year-old who has a creative spark that the team lack and he also has an eye for goal.
James Abankwah. Pic: Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
James Abankwah
The talented defender has ascended from the under-21s and has been playing regularly for Watford in the Championship after a spell in Italy with Udinese.
Even though his preferred position is centre-half, he has also played right-back for the Hornets, and the 22-year-old, who was born in Waterford but grew up in Longford, is primed for his senior debut.