Scotland have named their squad this morning. Usual story with them, very strong in central midfield and at left wing back, even without the injured Robertson. But weak looking in goal and at centre back, and Che Adams has yet to impress for them up front, though he's clearly a capable player.

Brady and O'Dowda in, and leave out Hamilton, Ebosele, Christie and maybe Stevens if not fit (last squad was 27, expect this to be smaller).  Lenihan could see himself left out too if Omobamidele is recalled, which seems likely.

Hourihane to retain his place due to lack of alternatives (just struck me - Sykes maybe?), but stuck in L1, his days should be numbered.

Nobody called up from the 21's.

Anyone else?

He might be an outside bet.

Lenihan is injured anyway so won't be in contention, likewise with Stevens I think.

O'Dowda is a major doubt trough injury also.

Brady should be back in, wouldn't be surprised to see him get game time over the 2 games, deserves it on form

Bazunu Travers O'Leary

Egan Duffy Collins Omobamidele O'Shea

Doherty Coleman McClean Brady Manning

Cullen Molumby Hendrick Browne Hourihane Knight Sykes

Parrott Obafemi Ogbene Robinson O'Dowda Keane/Hogan

I don't see any surprise additions, I don't think anyone in the Under 21s has done enough to get a senior call up this time around.

In terms of the starting team it will be Bazunu for the injured Kelleher presumably and Doherty for Browne at right back. And then a decision to be made on the third centre back alongside Collins and Egan (one of Duffy, O'Shea or Omobamidele). 

Other than that just keep the team the same, I'd go with the same three in centre mid as the home game and try and win the physical battle again there. I'd fancy any of Parrott, Obafemi or Ogbene against their centre backs and Gordon so maybe start the same two as last time and if it's not working bring on Ogbene.

Starting tonight

Surprising because Cardiff themselves said he was a major doubt for tonight & the weekend.

Scores early on too

Outside of that group any new caps for the seniors? Anyone we need 'capped ASAP ? 

Kenny loves the pair of them, was only name checking them last week. Can see both being called up if fit and available. I know they currently play the same position at their clubs but early on when we played 4-3-3 he had them both playing the left and right of the front 3.

Collins, omobamidele and oshea maybe the exceptions.

In all honesty, it's the same with us. Patterson, McGregor, Taylor and Hickey are our only players currently on form.

I think the goalkeeper and defence will be fine anyway. Bazunu has been mostly good and now playing at a much higher level, all the centre back options other than Duffy have been playing well, Duffy just hasn't been playing and maybe won't play for us as a result. McClean looks in good form so it's just Doherty on the right that's the concern, would be good to see him get minutes this weekend.

Cullen sitting in front of them has been good also and I wouldn't have any major concerns about Knight or Molumby.

The big issue looks to be up front, the two lads that won it for us in June just aren't playing well and the Obafemi situation in particular is a big concern. Maybe need to look at starting Ogbene now if Obafemi isn't going to play for Swansea this side of the international window. 

As for the rest

I wouldnt be quite as concerned on that front.

Doherty's lack of minutes is a concern, but at least he's fit. Baz is doing fine after his big move. Plenty of Cbs in form - Duffy the concern there. McClean/Brady/O'Dowda all options at LWB, all playing well and in form.

Cullen doing grand - Molumby and Hendrick in much better positions than they were 12 months ago and starting regularly. Knight playing as a L1 RB is the main concern there.

Up front Obafemi's strop and Parrott's form is a concern, but on the upside Ogbene has taken to the Championship like a duck to water and CR7 is back starting and got 2 assists last night. Idah's ongoing injury issue is unfortunate as he could have offered something different.

I think that for the most part, the squad is in much better shape than it was last season. Doherty/Coleman/Duffy/Knight/Idah, the self induced Obafemi and Parrott are all concerns to varying degrees, but we are not in bad shape overall imo.

O'Dowda needs to go and get a long run of starts under his belt to prove he can stay fit before getting back in.

Sykes is a good shout, but as a CM, not a RWB.

I know he's playing RWB for Bristol but we don't need him there, we need to bulk out the midfield selection ahead of the Euro Qualifiers. The main thing is he's playing regularly & proving himself at Championship level. Kenny won't care if he's playing RWB (see Ogbene) at club level.

Manning deserves to keep his spot in the squad. Scales is miles off. Ebosele & Smallbone should be in.

Could well see one of Byrne, McGrath, Ronan too.

Need backup for Cullen still, but unlikely Coventry will be called up with the U21s Play-Off.

I clearly said O'Dowda needs to prove he can stay fit. Like Obafemi has been doing this year, like Brady & Smallbone are doing now, like Idah needs to do before getting back in the squad.

We play 352 now, O'Dowda only fits in as a LWB. Even switching to 3421 (which should only be a secondary option) there's plenty better options ahead of him for the front 3.

He's got 23 caps for us & never done much in any of them.

We're totally lacking in creative CMs, & if Smallbone is being left with the U21s this window then Byrne, McGrath & Ronan get in the conversation by default, regardless of gametime.

Ebosele is a top young prospect (with a much higher ceiling than O'Dowda). Worth a development spot for that alone (& Crawford won't play him anyway).

Not to mention the fact he's playing LWB. A position that is certainly up for grabs for Ireland.

Yeah, I'm not sure how Brady has proved himself, if O'Dowda hasnt - O'Dowda also has the goal involvements to back it up, whereas Brady's Preston side are struggling for goals and I would assume Robbie has been taking their set pieces? 

I'm not sure I'd name O'Dowda in the squad right now, I certainly wouldnt have him starting either game as a LWB, but he's as entitled to consideration as Brady and he's a fair bit younger in terms of the next campaign. If he's naming a 28 man squad, he will likely make the cut. If he goes with 25 he may miss out this time. I do think he can play as the most advanced of the 3 midfielders in a 5-3-2 set up, probably not against stronger opposition like Scotland, but certainly against the likes of Armenia.

Smallbone should stay with the U21s, I'm a long time advocate of his and would like to have seen him included in senior squads previously, but now is not the right time.

I'm not privy to the details re Crawford's alleged spat with Festy - so I wont comment further on that other than to say it's disappointing, but Festy should 100% be with the U21s - he doesnt deserve a spot in the senior squad on merit, off the back of a few starts in the Championship for Derby last campaign. The U21 games are potentially momentous and qualification would be a great boost for all of our young players - if lads are not likely to play the senior games then they should be considered for the U21 panel in my opinion - that includes Ebosele, Connolly and perhaps even Omabamidele. Spats should be resolved.

I also saw some criticism of Scales a few posts up, my understanding is that he's doing very well for Aberdeen and putting in MotM performances as a left sided centre back. If that spot in the squad is to provide cover for both LWB and LCB, then I dont see why he shouldn't be in the reckoning. Previous selections would indicate that the management team arent entirely convinced by Manning.

Time enough for Lyons, but he is playing very well and looking a cut above LoI level. Looking forward to seeing him in the Championship post Christmas.

I'm not advocating for him here at all, but what is Christie's club situation like, has he been playing regularly? I agree with others that naming a third RWB option would be prudent given Doherty/Colemans' minutes and recent injury issues. Sykes has obviously been mentioned, but Christie is the current incumbent and nobody has mentioned him. Fwiw I have no idea of what kind of shape he is in currently and I'm not a big fan, just wondering why he hasnt been mentioned as an option?

Seemed to me like Kenny kind of gave up on Christie half way through the last round of games. When he started picking Alan Browne out of position ahead if him it wasn't a good sign.

He's in and out of the Hull team I think. Might squeeze into the squad but I'd doubt we'll see much more of him at this point.

Aye, fair enough, his time is likely up. However with Coleman seemingly on his last legs, there's no entirely obvious candidate to back Doherty up. Sykes/Mc Namara/Christie. Browne oop isnt really a l/t solution, likewise Knight, who is at least currently playing there :), while Ogbene will surely continue to be utilised further up the pitch.

Lyons must have a good chance for the next campaign if he can hit the ground running at Blackpool. Ebosele also if he can force his way in to the Udinese team or at least get regular minutes from the bench, not convinced he is a wing back though, much like Ogbene.

I am thinking:

Jamie McGrath - after a bright start, has settled in to mid-table Scot Prem level.

James Collins - dropped to L1 and doing little.

Daryl Horgan - made little impression in the Champ and now a bit-part player in L1.

Cyrus Christie - Hardly getting a look-in for Hull.

Conor Hourihane - dropped to L1 where he's working away.

I see Hourihane in and even getting caps, but as for the rest, don't think any will even make the squad and be even further adrift as future squads get named.

Hourihane will soon then fall away also.

McGrath has a chance to come back, but little sign of that as yet.

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Duffy (Fulham), John Egan (Sheffield United), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End). 

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jeff Hendrick (Reading), Jason Knight (Derby County), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Conor Hourihane (Derby County), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).

Forwards: Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), Michael Obafemi (Swansea City), Troy Parrott (Preston North End), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Scott Hogan (Birmingham City).

Look like Brady is going to be McClean's competition for left wing back based on the lack of any other option and the fact that he's in the squad as a defender. That will be interesting. 

It’s a good hours walk . Best to find a bar nearby and wait for the crowds to die down 😬

Good to see Brady back in.

Not happy to see Hourihane at all. There's just not enough in midfield.

Eoink21 wrote: Stevens, Hamilton, Festy, Will Keane, Manning, Dunne, Lenihan, Christie, Kelleher omitted from last squad. All fit bar Kelleher?

Stevens & Lenihan both injured too.

Not too many form players going into this round of games unfortunately.

Stillill wrote: Lads anyone been to Hampden before? I know you can get a train out from Glasgow but a Scottish mate has just told me they close the station after the match as it's too small to accommodate the crowds. That can't be right, can it? I'm in the Scottish end with the young lad, I'd rather not be stuck without an exit plan.

All you have to do is walk down the road to Cathcart station (less than ten minutes walk) and you can get a train back to Central from there, it's what many Scotland fans do after a game. The area is also quite safe to walk about at night in.

So it's not closed after the match?

Going into a game vs Armenia with no creative CMs...

Only 24 named, I wonder who's close to being added.

If Byrne puts in a performance this evening vs Gent he might be added.

Mount Florida (the closest station to Hampden) is sometimes closed after well attended games so I think it probably will be closed for the upcoming game. There have been some unpleasant bottlenecks in the narrow footbridge leading from the direction of Hampden into Mount Florida and the platform has also at times became dangerously overcrowded.

That's why even if Mount Florida is open many of us just walk down to Cathcart which has a big long platform more suited to accommodating crowds.

Agreed. Far more concerned with Armenia than Scotland game. 

Lisa needs braces. DENTAL PLAN!

It's quite alarming to see no midfielders or attackers playing in the Premier League.

Aye, it's hard to point to anybody that could feel genuinely aggrieved at omission, Manning perhaps, but the management team have always seemed pretty ambivalent about him.

As for Keane/Hogan - I doubt if last night's hat trick made a difference. Hogan was preferred previously vs Scotland and did well in that game, so I'm guessing he was always ahead of Keane in the pecking order for this one.

Would agree re the midfield depth, but I think one or two of Kilkenny/Coventry and definitely Smallbone would have been called up, but for the big U21 game. I'd imagine Smallbone will take Hourihanes spot for the next campaign.

Only one is the lack of creative midfielder. I will make a prediction bar a spate of injuries this is the last squad Conor Hourihane will ever make. Smallbone the obvious front runner to take that place as soon as the next squad but Ronan Coventry Kilkenny even the likes of Connell Moran at Brighton is making strides so many candidates there to take his place at this stage! 

Cyrus Christie is hopefully done in an Irish shirt long term too. No disrespect to him a trier but is a liability the Ukraine game was a 2/10 performance!

He'd need some stellar performance to put himself even close to the frame imo. Changed the game in Djurgaarden's favour when he came on last week.

Still dont think he's up to it personally, but even if Kenny does, he'd be coming in on the back of a pretty disjointed season - I just cant see it. I'd prefer Ferrizaj tbh 

There's loads of train stations around there. If you're in the east end of the stadium head to Kings Park Station. If you're in the north stand you could go to Crosshill (though you're heading into a slightly rougher area in doing so). If you're in the south or west head to Cathcart. Mount Florida is best avoided whether it's open or not due to crowds. The area is generally very safe apart from possibly up to the north towards Crosshill, but even there it should be fine if you're only going as far as the station.

Bar Smallbone, there's a lot of ifs regarding the other lads you have named there - Coventry the most likely to make it imo, but he will need to at get Conference minutes at least with West Ham. Lage has had nice things to say about Ronan, but until we see him on a pitch, it looks like he is in a bit of a limbo. Kilkenny needs to get fit, not sure what the issue is there? and then get in to the Stoke first XI on a regular basis. Connell's playing League One but will hopefully continue to progress after a couple of wasted years at Celtic. Moran's still a youngster, albeit an exciting one, but I'd imagine barring a breakthrough at Brighton, he'll be with the U21s for the next campaign. Realistically I'd be happy if Smallbone and one of Coventry/Kilkenny/Ronan reached the required standard during the next campaign.

I'm no big fan of Christies, but our RB options when Coleman goes arent exactly inspiring. If he's fit and playing regularly he could earn a few more caps yet, particularly if Doherty has fitness issues. He's still young enough (3 years younger than Hourihane who I agree should be jettisoned)

I'm sure he could handle coming on for the last 30 minutes against the might of Armenia.

Well if we need 30 minutes of Jack Byrne to overcome the might of Armenia then we really do have problems.

I see you've successfully blocked out the memory of the game in June. I tried to too, but so far haven't been able.

          Omobamidele Collins Egan

Doherty                                   McClean

                   Cullen Molomby

                        Parrott

                  Ogbene Obafemi

Agree, dont think he will (or should) play 3 forwards away to Scotland. It hasnt really worked for us even against  lesser opposition, but I wouldnt be adverse to giving it another try vs Armenia.

It is likely to be the same 3 that did so well vs Scotland last time, although Hendrick has a chance of starting in the 3 also, now that he is back playing regularly. Cullen, Molumby, Knight looks the safe call with Hendrick pencilled to start in Molumby's place vs Armenia.

Obafemi-----Ogbene

Parrott

Brady------Cullen------Molumby----Doherty

Egan-----Collins---Omobamidele

Bazunu

I assume McClean and Duffy will probably start though. Maybe Knight as well.

I don't know why so many people pick teams with only two central midfielders when we get consistently ripped to shreds in midfield whenever we go with just two central midfielders.

Cullen, Molumby and 3 CBs should be able to provide enough cover. Omobamidle adds good recovery pace.

Parrott is actually hard working for a technical player, so he can easily drop back if required. Knight can do that too.

I agree, he'll play 3 in midfield vs the Scots likely Cullen, Molumby and Knight. Hendrick an outside bet for one of the three spots.

I would also, but I think he'll stick with the 3 that did so well in the reverse fixture and it would be hard to argue with that.

Molumby's tenacity was important vs Scotland last time. His pressing was key. It lead to the Obafemi screamer.

It has been proven that this is not the way to go.

Any time we have played with three forwards, we have made a show of ourselves.

And a return to that, while appealing to people who have short memories and like lotsa forwards on the pitch, would be a tactical misstep for Kenny, and that's being generous.

I'd guess retaining the same midfield vs Scotland again is the most likely scenario and I'd fully expect Hendrick to then start vs Armenia.

Just to pick up on these points from a couple of days ago:

John Nice wrote: Yeah, I'm not sure how Brady has proved himself, if O'Dowda hasnt -

Brady has started 9 games, completed 6 full 90's, and not got injured.

O'Dowda only completed 2 full 90's and got injured on his 6th start, missing the following 2 games. That's not a good sign.

I'm not privy to the details re Crawford's alleged spat with Festy - so I wont comment further on that other than to say it's disappointing, but Festy should 100% be with the U21s - he doesnt deserve a spot in the senior squad on merit, off the back of a few starts in the Championship for Derby last campaign. The U21 games are potentially momentous and qualification would be a great boost for all of our young players - if lads are not likely to play the senior games then they should be considered for the U21 panel in my opinion - that includes Ebosele, Connolly and perhaps even Omabamidele. Spats should be resolved.

Festy played 37 games for Derby last season - 20 of them were starts. (& now 1 Serie A appearance)

For comparison:

Omobamidele got called up off the back of 8 starts in the Champ.

Idah to this day has only started 12 games for Norwich (& you were arguing he should start for Ireland).

Kelleher still only has 15 or so starts.

Parrott had barely played any senior football & was called up by both by McCarthy & Kenny (& has been a constant in Kenny's squads).

Bazunu had 28 starts for a Rochdale side that got relegated from League 1.

O'Shea had 16 Champ starts & 4 PL starts (& 26 League 2 starts) before his Ireland debut.

Knight had about 25-30 starts for Derby

Molumby had 35 starts for Millwall.

Senior injuries/Covid were a large factor in most of those lads getting called up too. Festy has done more than most of them, & about the same amount as O'Shea, Molumby & Knight. And he is considered a "High Potential Player" by the Ireland setup.

If we're talking "merit", he certainly has that (particularly considering the unknown status of Doherty & Coleman's fitness).

Wing back?

Scales called up

Omobamidele is a miss I was hoping to see him in a 3 with Collins and Egan.

Lenihan is injured - Luckily it is an area of the pitch where we have reasonable options. Presumably it's Collins, Egan and either Duffy or O'Shea. Surprised it wasnt Manning called up I know he's not exactly a CB, but he can play there. He must really not have impressed in previous camps. Pleased for Sclaes though, Aberdeen fans seem impressed albeit before his red at the weekend, but he struggled a bit at Celtic, so nice for him personally to get the call.

Afaik Lenihan is injured

He's injured has missed a few games now

NI would be foolish not to give Jimmy Dunne a call again. If Scales is getting called up ahead of him with Lenihan and Omobambidele already out it's clear he's never going to get a chance under Kenny. Questionable management decision just from that perspective alone IMO.

Ah come in, I dont think it's that egregious a decision. It's not like Kenny hasnt had a look at Dunne (and Manning), he has been over in previous squads. Scales is having a very good season at Aberdeen by all accounts and clearly Kenny rates him. Dunne is 5 odd years younger than the likes of Duffy, Lenihan and Egan, so he just needs to keep the head down and keep improving, his chance will come yet, ditto Manning, who has a 33yo Mc Clean and an injury probe Brady ahead of him. I have no dog in this fight, maybe Scales ability to also play as a LWB also had a role to play in the decision. I'd imagine as a border county man myself that there's also a fair chance that  a young lad growing up in Dundalk like, Dunne doesnt really want to play for the North.

Extremely unlucky to concede the peno and pick up the 2nd yellow - looked to me like he was the one being fouled. Had been enjoying an excellent season up to that point with a couple of MotM performnaces in there.

Doesn't really make a difference who is called up for Omobamidele, they're realistically going to be 5th or even 6th choice.

You'd image he'll go with Collins, Egan and O'Shea with Duffy next in line and Coleman after him at RCB.

The experienced head of Shane Duffy (pun inteded). 

In all seriousness, Duffy's headers could be our main threat of scoring. Or maybe we won't need him at all and we'll score 3 goals from play with great shots from Parrott/Obafemi/Hourihane etc. 

Also, I wonder who that is leading training in the RTE report today:

Kenny was asked in the presser the other day. They've nobody in line yet but said they're working on it.

Thats Damien Doyle the fitness coach.

Scotland play tomorrow night.

And the UK public period of mourning is over. 

Thanks for this - hadn't realised there were games tomorrow. That is a relief!