Martin O'Neill: It's a friendly game but we want to be competitive

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill insists it is his intention to win the upcoming friendly internationals against Switzerland and Slovakia, as well as using them to give players such as Alan Judge and Jonny Hayes international game time.

O’Neill cut seven players from his 40-man squad on Saturday, with former St. Patrick’s Athletic and current Peterborough United midfielder Chris Forrester, the most notable omission from the squad members that the manager has retained.

Regarding Forrester’s release from the squad, Martin O’Neill explained: “He’s a young fella and he’s got lots and lots of time.”

However, the Derry native has kept several other uncapped players in his squad for the games at the Aviva Stadium.

Versatile Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Matt Doherty, Aberdeen’s tricky winger Jonny Hayes, Manchester City’s Jack Byrne and mercurial Brentford midfielder Alan Judge have all been kept in the squad.

Questioned as to whether or not the trio will receive their first caps over the matches, O’Neill said: “Yes there is a possibility of that.”

“It’s two fold, obviously. It’s a friendly game but we want to keep our good form going and be competitive. It’s also experimentation time and I want to see a couple of lads play, but it’s all about balance.

“I’ll certainly be taking a look now at the likes of Jonny Hayes and young Judge who has actually impressed in training and in recent matches. It’s those type of players that we will be taking a look at.”

Judge in particular has caught the eye this season by playing regularly at Brentford. The former Notts County man has scored 14 league goals this term and attracted strong interest from Championship leaders Burnley during the January transfer window.

His flair, creativity and scoring abilities have been widely praised across the water and a call-up was welcomed due to this outstanding club form. O’Neill feels that club form is a major agent in his decision making regarding those chosen to be part of his international squads.

“There are a few players who have proven their worth and you could name them in the squad now (for the euros). But there is another few places up for grabs and obviously club form will come into it.”

O’Neill also provided some advice to the new players in the squad during the press conference and has encouraged them to seize the opportunity to wear the green shirt.

“It’s to feel that they have been picked for showing some club form and to try and continue that, and not to be overawed.”

The manager reserved high praise for Aiden McGeady. The wide man left Everton on-loan in January having not featured in a league game all season, and joined Championship high-flyers Sheffield Wednesday where he is enjoying an upturn in form.

“Aiden McGeady going out on loan and taking the gamble was very good.”

The manager was adamant that he wanted to use the fixtures to good effect, with only three months to go until the European Championships, and that trying too many rookies could affect the ethic of the team that qualified for the tournament.

“I don’t want to be throwing four or five young players in with no leadership around them. Everything is focused on the Euros. Really after these two games, it’s about organising a group of players and hoping that they get through unscathed over the next few months.”

Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle have joined the squad having been involved for LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids respectively in the MLS at the weekend.

However, O’Neill has some injury concerns to contend with. Harry Arter limped off during Bournemouth’s away humbling to Tottenham at the weekend and is a doubt for the Swiss game.

“Harry Arter came off at the weekend and a few others have niggles, but we’ll see how they are.”

There is a good vibe and a strong competitiveness in the squad according to O’Neill. O’Neill added: “the side is brimming with confidence since our victories over Germany and Bosnia.

“It is an interesting thing. Glenn Whelan told me that he and Stephen Gleeson are cousins, but if he (Gleeson) thinks that he’s coming in to take my (Whelan’s) place, then he’s got another thing coming.”

Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers has joined the squad surprisingly, but the former Meath GAA player won’t feature in any of the upcoming games, and instead is only training with the squad.

“Myself and Seamus McDonagh met up with him and we wanted him to meet up for a couple of days training and that’s what we have done. We have stuck to our word.”

Switzerland romped to qualification for this summer’s European Championships, finishing second to England in Group E and they boast the attacking threats of Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri and Haris Seferovic.

O’Neill concluded proceedings by saying: “They look pretty strong; they’ll want to do well with not a lot of time left.”

Ireland will entertain the Swiss on Friday evening, before Slovakia visit the Lansdowne Road venue the following Tuesday.