Aston Villa are prepared to match bids from Liverpool in an attempt to beat their Premiership rivals to the signing of Preston and Ireland defender Sean St Ledger
Villa scouts have watched the Ireland international regularly while Liverpool assistant boss Sammy Lee has also been keeping a close eye on the progress of 25 year old StLedger over the past month.
St Ledger has recaptured his form and fitness after a difficult past 18 months where he saw a move to Middlesbrough collapse and tentative inquiries from Celtic come to nothing.
However, Preston are struggling to shed their debts and will be willing to listen to offers in January with an asking price of around £4million.
Villa manager Gerard Houllier knows he has an advantage over his former club Liverpool as St Ledger is a Villa fan and has partnered Richard Dunne at international level.
Houllier said: 'If we spot a good international player who can add something, we'll take him. We will have one or two coming in January.'
Everton boss David Moyes feels the time may now be right to send promising young Irish international Shane Duffy out on loan to gain first team experience.
The Toffees are believed to be willing to allow the Derry born defender to go on loan, although he clearly remains firmly in Moyes plans, having made the bench for the recent Premiership clash with Spurs at White Heart Lane.
No doubt Moyes decision was swayed by the positive impact a loan spell at Blackpool last season had on the development of fellow Irish international Seamus Coleman and feels a similar experience would be hugely beneficial to 18 year old Duffy.
Moyes said: “I'd like to put Shane out on loan. We've been keeping an eye on him at first (since his injury) and keeping him indoors. He's very good in the air though, and could have come on against Crouch (v Tottenham). If we find the right club he could go on loan.”
Duffy has been progressing well since his return from the serious injury he sustained in an Irish training game accident back in May.
Everton recently refused a loan request from League two side Northampton Town for the young central defender and he is likely to be on the radar of a host of clubs looking to take the player on loan, now that the Toffee’s boss has decided he has recuperated enough from his horror injury.
Ireland international David Meyler makes an ‘ahead of schedule’ return to competitive action when he gets a first real run-out for Sunderland Reserves tonight.
The Cork born Under 21 international has been sidelined since May when he ruptured knee ligaments in Sunderland's last home game of the season against Manchester United.
The very promising Irish midfielder twisted studs in the turf and damaged ligaments so badly that it was thought at one point, that the whole of this season could be spent recovering from the serious injury .
However, the earliest it was realistically thought he could be back playing football was the end of December, but he has astonished medical staff with the speed of his recovery, and after successfully coming through a behind-closed-doors game last week, is due to face Liverpool's second string
Meyler, 20, who was signed by Steve Bruce's predecessor Roy Keane from Cork City in 2008, started seven games for Sunderland last season prior to the injury, making his debut at the end of December.
He immediately caught the eye of manager Steve Bruce for his huge work rate during games. The Black Cats boss admitted he was stunned when the ProZone stats showed the volume of ground being covered by Meyler during a game, even surpassing that of Premiership marathon man, Cesc Fabregas. Bruce Said: “The lad’s miles above everyone else. He got through 13-and-a-half kilometres against City, which is phenomenal”.
The timing of Meyler’s injury could also not have been worse for the young player, as he had just been selected by Giovanni Trapattoni to take part in a senior Ireland training camp, which was due to take place the week after he sustained the ligament injury in May.
Sunderland will be keen not rush Meyler back too early, but the likelihood is, he will be back challenging for a Sunderland place after Christmas. He will also be keeping a close eye on his Ireland international chances, with a fit Meyler likely to be pushing for a squad place in the upcoming Carling Nation’s Cup competition, which starts in February against Wales in Dublin.
Ireland international Marc Wilson will be hoping to see more game time for Stoke in the coming weeks after putting in a solid shift in central midfield for the Potters against Man United last Sunday. And the trip to Goodison Park tomorrow is another opportunity to try and cement a starting place in the Stoke midfield.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has raised a few eyebrows at the Britannia stadium over his sparing use of the versatile midfielder, with Wilson making just his second Potters start since his £3 million move from Portsmouth this summer.
Stoke managed to beat several Premiership clubs to Wilson’s signature, with West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo & West Ham manager Avram Grant big admirers of the County Antrim born player.
Pulis will have to decide if he sticks with the Rory Delap/Dean Whitehead central pairing, which has had limited success this season or introduce Wilson for one of the two mentioned above.
Certainly the Delap/Wilson pairing sounds more attractive as you combine the industrial work of the defensive midfield with some quality on the ball from Wilson.
Wilson’s ability to use the ball intelligently could therefore make a difference particularly if a ball-winning grafter like Rory Delap was deployed alongside him to give him some protection.
The Ireland international appears to possess the qualities that the Stoke engine room has been lacking. Against Man United last week and in spite of the odd lapse of concentration, Wilson brought composure and vision to a midfield that is in need of some inspiration and flair.
On the international scene, and with Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni reviewing the makeup up of the central midfield positions, Wilson may be just the person to step in and shore up the current midfield weakness in the Irish team.
He certainly offers more than Paul Green and it would be interesting to see him start next month’s Norway friendly in the centre alongside Glen Whelan or even possibly Darron Gibson. Add to that his versatility and experience at right-back and right-midfield positions, and he sounds like an ideal candidate to be part of the Irish squad for years to come.
Reports today are suggesting that West Ham’s Mark Noble has decided to switch his international allegiance from England to Ireland.
The 23 year old central midfielder has played all his youth and first team football for West Ham and despite his still relatively young age, is their longest serving player, joining the club as a full time trainee in the summer of 2003 and making his first team debut at the age of 17 in the Carling Cup against Southend in 2004.
Noble is seen as a combative central midfielder, always strong in the challenge and has a fantastic engine enabling him to play an old fashioned box to box central midfield role. And its no coincidence that Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland side have been struggling in the central midfield area for the past year, with Glen Whelan, Darron Gibson and Paul Green all failing to stamp their authority in the central midfield position during recent internationals. Ireland assistant boss Marco Tardelli was at Upton Park last night to see West Ham seal an extra-time victory over Stoke and a place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.
Noble has represented England at u21 level and is believed to have been approached previously by Ireland when Steve Staunton was manager of the international side, a request that was declined by Noble at the time.
If the reports suggesting Noble’s change of international direction are true, it will come as a surprise to some in England who thought the Hammers midfielder could still challenge for a squad place in Fabio Capello’s side, although dislodging Gerrard and Lampard was an unlikely scenario for Noble.There has been no formal or official confirmation from Noble or the FAI on the international allegiance issue, as yet.
Ireland u21 international Robbie Brady is in contention to make his senior debut for Man United in tonight's Carling Cup tie with Wolves at Old Trafford.
The winger is very highly rated by Alex Ferguson and all at the Carrington training ground, and despite being out injured for seven months last year he has managed to get a run of games in the reserves and progress to the fringes of the first team squad.
The former St Kevin's Boys player has long been tipped for the top, and turned down the advances of a host of Premier League clubs to choose the Red Devils.
He trains with the first team squad on a regular basis and has recently made a step forward with his country by making his U-21 debut. The 18-year-old also helped Paul Doolin's U-19 side qualify for the elite phase of the European Championships with a goalscoring contribution in Bulgaria earlier this month.
Brady arrived at Old Trafford in 2008 and immediately impressed, but spent almost seven months on the sidelines last season.
Manchester United reserve manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently earmarked Brady as a player to watch now that he has overcome his injury woes.
"He came to our club two years ago and went straight into the reserves, which is unusual," said Solsjkaer. "But then last season he had a torrid time with loads of injuries that really restricted him and his development.
"This year, I've got him through pre-season with no injuries. He's got a very good left foot, and he's Irish so he's a very a good competitor. He's enthusiastic, he's quick and although he's not a big lad -- he's probably my size -- he wins more or less everything in the air.
"We've just got to work on his fitness and, if we can get him super fit ,then he'll be a very, very good player."
Brady has been a part of Ireland's international youth set-up for the last four years, progressing throuth the u15,u17 & u19 teams and last month make his u21 debut in the European u21 qualifier against Switzerland at the Cornaredo Stadium, Lugano on 3 September.
Rising Celtic starlet Paul George has committed his international future to Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland. The 16 year old striker is believed to have contacted the FAI requesting to be considered for selection.
George from Killough in County Down recently signed a three year deal with the hoops and spent last year on the Celtic Academy’s innovative school programme at St Ninian’s High, he has already made an appearance for the first-team, coming on as a substitute in a friendly match with AZ Alkmaar at the end of last season.
Speaking at the time of George's contract announcement, Celtic Head of Youth, Chris McCart said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured Paul for the next three years.
“Paul is a player we have had over here for two years now. He has settled into Scotland has been part of our schools project at St Ninian's for the last year and is the type of player that is an entertainer. He has very good skills, but is also dedicated and hard-working too.
Ireland u21 international Conor Clifford put in a fine performance in his debut for Plymouth against Huddersfield on Saturday.
The 19-year-old, Dublin born midfielder was signed on a one-month loan from Premier League champions Chelsea late on Friday afternoon, he then started for the Pilgrims the following day.
Clifford only met the Argyle squad for the first time shortly before kick-off.
The one exception was winger Craig Noone, who had collected him from Plymouth railway station on Friday.
Clifford admitted it had been a whirlwind experience for him, and also an enjoyable one.
He told Herald Sport: "Craig Noone picked me up from the train station and I stayed with him last night.
"So, basically, I went into the dressing room, put on the kit and went out and played.
"I didn't know anyone's name, but the lads were good to me. They looked after me on the pitch and helped me through it."
Clifford continued: "It was strange sitting down in the dressing room, with no-one knowing who you are.
"It did feel a bit awkward that I was starting, and other lads who had been training all week weren't.
"But I'm here to play football and it was brilliant (Argyle manager) Peter Reid threw me in.
"I wasn't expecting that at all, but he showed great faith in me. He told me to relax, to go out there and express myself, and not to be nervous."
Clifford followed those instructions, soon winning over the Green Army with his confident, positive approach.
Reid made his move for Clifford after seeing him in action for Chelsea reserves when they won 5-4 away to West Bromwich Albion last Wednesday.
Clifford said: "I played well in that game and I got a call from Frank Arnesen (Chelsea's director of football) that night.
"He told me Peter Reid had been in contact with him, and it happened really quickly from there."
Clifford thought Argyle were good value for their victory over Huddersfield.
Striker Bradley Wright-Phillips grabbed his sixth and seventh goals of the season as the Pilgrims won at Home Park for only the second time this term.
Clifford, an Ireland under-21 international, had not played any senior football before.
His previous experience had been limited to academy and reserve team action for Chelsea.
Dublin-born Clifford said: "It's very different to what I'm used to.
"Back at Chelsea there is a lot of tippy-tappy, nice football, but this is proper men's football.
"I thought the lads dug in and we all worked well for each other. It's a brilliant result."
Clifford was impressed with Wright-Phillips, who scored both of his goals after the ball was flicked on by his strike partner Rory Fallon.
"They were great finishes," said Clifford. "Every time Brad got a chance it looked like he was going to score."
Having broken into the team so soon, Clifford is now determined to try and stay in it.
His loan spell is initially for one month, but it could be extended later on.
Clifford said: "I'm still learning the game, and it's all good experience for me playing in front of big crowds and with these lads.
"I just want to keep myself in the team and keep playing well for Plymouth."
Clifford has become the third aspiring young Premier League player to be snapped up by Reid.
Goalkeeper David Button and midfielder Dean Parrett are both on season-long loans from Tottenham Hotspur.
Button was recalled to Argyle's starting line-up against Huddersfield after recovering from an ankle injury, while Parrett was an unused substitute.
Clifford said: "Not a lot of managers would take the risk with young players, but Peter
Reid seems to really have trust in us.
"I know Dean really well from playing against him up at Tottenham. He helped me a lot as well."
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has sang the praises of Seamus Coleman for his impressive progress at Everton this season. Ireland international Coleman spent three months on loan at Blackpool last season and played in the play-off final which saw Blackpool promoted to the Premier league.
In his column for the Independent on Sunday, Holloway wrote: "Seamus Coleman is a wonderful young fella who will be a top-quality attacking right-back in the Premier League. He thanked me earlier in the week for helping him during his loan spell at Blackpool last season. But its me who should be thanking him because I don't think he will ever fully realise how much he helped us.
"I had a situation where one of my players got injured and I needed some cover. I chose Seamus at Everton and we did a loan deal. It was one of the best things I did because he came in and added a new impetus and helped us go all the way to Wembley in the play-offs and win promotion.
"He helped us achieve something we probably didn't dream of. I love the way he plays. He runs with the ball and has a great touch. I tried to get him back on loan this season but David Moyes said no because Seamus would get in his first team. Typical Moyesey, he is a man of his word and put Seamus in. I saw him create Tim Cahill's goal in the Merseyside derby last week and I'm pleased for the lad."
Coleman is likely to feature in Giovanni Tapattoni's Ireland team in a friendly against Norway in Dublin next month.
19 year old Ireland international Greg Cunningham said that Saturday's Championship defeat at Swansea was a tough start to his loan spell at Leicester City.
The Galway born defender was thrown into the action at the Liberty Stadium just 48 hours after completing the loan switch until January from Manchester City.
Cunningham replaced the more experienced Bruno Berner at left-back and had a gripping personal duel with flying Swans winger Nathan Dyer as well as picking up a cut knee.
Cunningham said: "It was a tough game against a team who knocked it around well."
His battle with Dyer was one of the eye-catching duels of the day and it was about honours even at the end.
The youngster said: "He is a very good player and it was a test for me but I tried to stick to the task."
Cunningham was also in the wars and had to leave the field for treatment during the second half of the contest before returning to complete the 90 minutes.
"I got accidentally caught on the knee by Chris Weale's studs. They wanted to stitch it but I said that would take too long as I wanted to get back out there and stitch it later."
Cunningham's City's debut completed a whirlwind few days for the youngster.
He said: "I played for our reserves on Tuesday night at Wigan and then I was told Leicester wanted me on loan so I went there on Wednesday and met the lads for training on Thursday. They are a great bunch who really made me welcome. I want to play as much as I can while I'm here because I can already see it is a fantastic club with great fans."
City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson was in charge of Manchester City during Cunningham's first year at Eastlands, although their paths rarely crossed.
Cunningham said: "He was with the first-team squad at Carrington while I was with the Academy at Platt Lane so I didn't see him much.
"However, he had a good season and he has proved to be a good manager wherever he has gone."
His long-term aim will be to impress current Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini as he looks to add to his Carling Cup appearance at West Brom earlier in the season, an appearance that rules him out of Leicester's clash with the Baggies tomorrow night.
He said: "I'll just work hard each day and try to get as many games as I can between now and January and see what happens."
Ireland midfielder James McCarthy was carried off the pitch today in what looks to be a severe ankle or ligament injury whilst playing for Wigan against Bolton at the DW stadium.
The 19 year old international sustained the injury when he was tackled from behind by Bolton's Fabrice Muamba, in the Premier League clash.
McCarthy received several minutes of treatment before being carried from the pitch, and was eventually taken to hospital for an x-ray.
McCarthy was expected to be named in Giovanni Trapattoni's squad for next month's friendly clash against Norway in Dublin however that now seems unlikely due to the seriousness of the ankle injury.
Wigan Manager Roberto Martinez, speaking after the 1-1 draw, said that they will know the seriousness of the injury within the next 12 hours.
"He is going to the hospital now, and we will find out over the next 12 hours," Martinez said.
"His right ankle looks in a bad state, and we just hope that it is not as bad as we fear."
"It's a real shame, because he's been performing in a very special manner."
"When you look at the replay, he clearly gets his ankle first," said Martinez. "It's disappointing, it's from behind but the intent is to play the ball."
Bolton boss Owen Coyle, who has followed McCarthy's career as he came through the youth ranks at former club Hamilton, shared his Wigan counterpart's concern.
Coyle stated: "My thoughts are to make sure he's OK, because I've known him as a young kid progressing all the way through to where he is now and there's no doubt he's destined for a glittering career.
"Hopefully he's back very soon. Certainly from my position it looked an innocuous challenge. They both went to shut the ball."
Ireland Under-21 midfielder Conor Clifford has signed for Plymouth Argyle on a month's loan from Premiership champions Chelsea.
The Dublin born, 19 year old midfielder captained Chelsea to victory in the FA Youth Cup final in May, scoring the winner in a 2-1 (3-2 agg) victory over Aston Villa.
Clifford has signed for the Pilgrims until late November and it's a great opportunity for the former Crumlin United player to experience regular first team football with a team who are currently in need of an injection of skill and stability in their midfield.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti held back on sending Clifford out on loan after pre-season training in August as he wanted the player to spend time training with the Chelsea first team.
He is eligible for the clash against Huddersfield at Home Park on Saturday.
Argyle boss Peter Reid told the club's official website: "I've had him watched and he can see a pass, and he was very enthusiastic to come and play here.
"The Chelsea management team of Carlo Ancelotti and Ray Wilkins have helped greatly and I'm delighted to have him here.
"I'll decide whether he starts tomorrow but he has a good chance."
Nineteen year old Ireland international Greg Cunningham looks set to get some regular game-time at club level after joining Sven Goran Eriksson's Leicester City on loan until January.
The young Manchester City star is Eriksson's fourth recruit since taking over as City boss goes straight into the squad for Saturdays Championship clash at Swansea.
Galway native Cunningham played in the Carling Cup for Roberto Mancini's side this season after three appearances as a substitute during the previous campaign and he signed a new four-year deal at the club in August.
The highly talented left back made his Ireland debut against Algeria in May and also came on as a substitute in the glamour friendly against Argentina in August.
Speakng about his latest signing Eriksson said: "He is a young player with a good left foot who likes to get forward. He played for Manchester City reserves earlier this week and he has been training all season, so his fitness should be good."
Young highly rated Aston Villa defender Ciarán Clark is hoping to be in contention for a place in Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland squad next month following his decision to pledge his international future to Ireland.
Central Defender Clark is one of the brightest young stars at Villa Park and was called on to replace Richard Dunne last Saturday when he picked up an injury during the Premier League game with champions Chelsea, a game in which he impressed with his solid defending and cool head. And with a glancing header hitting the inside of the Chelsea post as the game neared its end, Clark almost broke his premiership duck after only four appearances for Villa.
Clark had been capped by England at underage level but after some discussions with Dublin born Dunne, Clark has decided to commit to Ireland. The 21-year-old has strong Irish connections as his mother is from Drumshambo, Co Leitrim, his father, although born in Scotland, grew up in Donegal and all four of Clark's grandparents were born in Ireland.
"I played for England at youth level but I didn't think I was going anywhere in that department. So when a young lad gets an opportunity like I have with Ireland, it's very hard to turn down," says Clark.
"Richard Dunne played a big part in me linking up with the Republic. He mentioned it to the Irish officials. And then they contacted me and Aston Villa at the start of the season.
"They gave me time to think about it to make a decision and I think I could be in contention for the next international if all the paperwork has gone through. It's fingers crossed. I have to keep working hard and hoping that it will happen," added Clark.
Ireland international Winger Aiden McGeady has settled quickly in Moscow and has said that it's a 'pleasure' to play for Spartak Moscow ahead of their Champion's league clash with Chelsea on Tuesday.
The 36 times capped Irishman is expected to run out against the Blues in their UEFA Champions League encounter after making the move to the Russian club in the summer.
Former Celtic man McGeady has enjoyed a successful start at Spartak, who are unbeaten in seven games since his debut last month.
The 24-year-old winger, who spent six years playing for the hoops, has produced a goal and four assists in six appearances for the Moscow outfit.
McGeady admits his new club's approach is entirely different to what he was used to in Scotland, but insists he is relishing the change.
"I like their style. It's not like the direct game in Scotland, the team look to pass and move. It's a pleasure to play."
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has indicated that James McCarthy and Marc Wilson are likely to play in next month's friendly against Norway at Lansdowne Road, and has also commented on some press criticism stating that he is overly cautious with team selection and system.
The Irish boss said : "Over two years we have shown you and your colleagues that we have changed many players," he said. "Yes, we had Keane, Doyle, Kilbane, Dunne, Given, Duff but there was no Lawrence, no Andrews, no Green, no Fahey. The others are new."
And with the Norway friendly next month and the Celtic cup tournament games starting in February, Trapattoni has a number of opportunities over the winter months to assess fringe players and blood some new faces before the European Championship qualifying action resumes in March at home to Macedonia.
"Obviously we look for others," he said. "We have already the names and we follow them over the next month. Maybe James McCarthy we look at him. Sure. But not only him. We look every moment to change and put the new players in the team. We saw Marc Wilson when he used to play at the back but he was not a defender and he likes to play midfield now. He’s clever, he’s tall and he reads the game very well. And we will look at other options.
"The tournament next year will also be a chance to try the new players but, remember, these are also games against Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We cannot afford to take it easy in these games. And we also have a responsibility to protect the young players. For example, if you play badly and lose the game, then you risk damaging these young players. You can give them the possibility to grow but within reason. You have to think about the balance of the team."
Trapattoni also suggested that he would not rule out experimenting with different systems and tactics.
"I repeat to you: I’m not afraid to change the system," he said. "In the past, I thought that Stephen Ireland could play behind the striker. Before Slovakia, we considered playing Shane Long on the right and McGeady behind the striker. Do you remember where James McCarthy played against Brazil? McCarthy can also play behind the striker. You need to be technical to play that role. I had many ideas before the game in Zilina but, on the night, we were good on the pitch. It all depends on the players you have available."
Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has hailed the great performances of replacements Shane Long and Keith Fahey as Ireland picked up a vital point last night in Slovakia.
Long was given his chance up front because of Kevin Doyle's knee injury, while Birmingham midfielder Fahey came in for his first competitive start after Liam Lawrence failed a late fitness test.
And both played their part in the 1-1 draw, with Fahey sending over the free-kick which resulted in Sean St Ledger giving the visitors the lead, while Reading forward Long was a constant menace to the Slovakia defence.
Trapattoni said: 'I thought Shane Long and Keith Fahey played great games. For the future we can have confidence in them knowing the options we have in the squad.
'We have time in the future, our next game is a friendly. I can maybe play one or two other young players and we can start the qualification again with more confidence.'
Last night's display capped a terrific international break for Long, who scored his first competitive goal in Friday's 3-2 defeat to Russia.
Trapattoni believes there is plenty the 23-year-old still has to learn about the tactical side of the game, but he is confident the raw ingredients are there.
'We thought about it in training because he's young,' Trapattoni added. 'We played a tactical game in training.
'He can show us pace but he is still young to master the tactical side of the game. He has technical quality and in the future he will understand.'
Group B looks set to be one of the tightest groups in the whole competition, with Russia now two points ahead of Ireland, Slovakia and Armenia courtesy of their lucky 1-0 victory in Macedonia.
Defeat to Slovakia would have left The Boys In Green with a major uphill battle but Trapattoni believes the reverse fixtures next year, when they play away in Russia then at home to Slovakia, are likely to prove decisive in sorting the final standings in the group..
'We have again this combination of games,' he said. 'Our group is very balanced. Russia won but only 1-0 and Macedonia missed a penalty.
'There are many situations that can happen. It's not about today or tomorrow, there are many games. It's important we believe in our performance, our attitude and our system.'
Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss agreed, adding: 'The group is very even and Ireland, Armenia and Russia all have great teams so it all depends on the next games.'
Giovanni Tapattoni has named his Ireland team for the crucial European qualifier against Slovakia in Zilina this evening.
As expected, Shane Long is a straight replacement for the injured striker - Kevin Doyle, and will partner Robbie Keane up front.
The back four remains unchanged from the Russia defeat last week with O'Shea, Dunne, St. Ledger and Kilbane all starting.
The suspect midfield pairing of Paul Green and Glenn Whelan get a chance to redeem themselves for their poor performance last week and Tapattoni will be be expecting a much more commanding shift from the key central midfielders.
The only other change from the starting eleven last Friday is the inclusion of Keith Fahey for the injured Liam Lawrence on the right wing. Aiden McGeady retains his place on the opposite wing and Shay Given starts in goal.
Shane Long is ready to take the place of the injured Kevin Doyle for Ireland's crucial European qualifier against Slovakia tomorrow evening.
Ireland are looking to bounce back from Friday nights 3-2 defeat by Russia in Dublin but were dealt a serious blow yesterday when striker Kevin Doyle was ruled out of the match in Zilina with a knee injury.
With manager Goivanni Trapattoni seemingly committed to playing two up front, either Long or Doyle’s on-loan Wolves team-mate Andy Keogh looks certain to be given a start
And it's the 23-year-old Tipperary born striker Long who looks the favourite after coming off the bench to score Ireland's second goal against the Russians.
Long said: “Nothing’s set in stone yet but I’d love to get a run on Tuesday night. It’s a massive thing to play for your country and I’ve only started once for Ireland in a competitive game.
“If I get the nod, I’ll be ready. It’s nice coming off the bench when the other team’s a little bit tired but I feel like I’ve been playing well for my club and it’s nice to show what you’re about.
“With the players we have in the squad, when you do get the chance you’ve got to take it. That adds to your own game a bit when you know it’s now or never, you go out and give it your all and hopefully it’s enough.
“They’re big boots to fill so there’s going to be extra pressure on whoever comes in up front but I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s a big game and if we can get three points it would turn the table right round.”
Ireland go into the match locked on six points with Slovakia and Russia after losing their 100% record in group B, and Long admitted the stakes have now been raised heading into what is expected to be one of the most difficult matches of the current campaign.
The striker said: “We’ve got pride and it’s not nice to lose at home but if we get a win in Slovakia it will redeem things a bit. Three from six points wouldn’t look so bad.
“At the start of the group stages we thought maybe draw our away games and try to win as many home games as we can but after Friday three points is more of a reasonable target for us.”
A lot of the focus in the aftermath of Friday’s loss has been on the Republic’s reliance on the long ball, with defender Richard Dunne particularly critical.
Long, though, has a different perspective, and is happy to take over from Doyle as the target man.
“I feel I’m good in the air as well,” he added. “Defenders don’t expect me to get up there but I can surprise them and if it comes long I’m sure I can deal with it.
“I don’t think we set out to play like that against Russia but it was hard to pass through the middle. We seemed to get a few shots off from that approach and it seemed to work so why change something that works?"
Issue 24 of You Boys In Green magazine is now available for download and to read online. This months issue features:
Barry MaGuire exclusive
Interview with Ipswich's new signing Mark Kennedy
Clinton Morrison is our Cult Hero
League of Ireland, Pats, Sligo and Drogs
The Recent trip to Armenia
Slovakia next week - what to expect
Aiden McGeady - the lowdown
You Girls in Green
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