O'Neill names provisional squad for 'tough' Danish test

Martin O’Neill has named his provisional squad for next month’s 2018 FIFA World Cup play-off against Denmark. There were no major surprises amongst the 34 players named.

There was no place for Jonathan Walters who was omitted due to his ongoing knee injury. However, Martin O’Neill wasn’t quite ruled him out saying at Thursday's press conference “we will see what the next seven or eight days bring.” Keiren Westwood made a return having overcome a rib issue.

David Meyler is included in the squad but the captain from the recent wins over Moldova and Wales is suspended for the first leg in the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Saturday 11 November. He will be available for selection for the second leg back in Dublin on Tuesday 14 November at a sold out Aviva Stadium.

Included in the squad is Matt Doherty and Martin O’Neill commented today on the former Bohs youth team player that "he is playing well for Wolves, so I'd hadn't forgotten about him."

The Danes finished second in their group five points behind table toppers Poland. They won six, drew two and lost twice in their Russia 2018 qualifying campaign – the losses were a 1-0 home defeat to Montenegro and a 3-2 loss in Poland. Denmark extracted revenge over the Poles later in the campaign with an eye catching 4-0 home win.

“It will be tough,” said O’Neill about the upcoming games against Denmark. “(Christian) Eriksen is playing out of skin at the moment.” The Spurs player scored eight goals across the ten group games Denmark played.

“They are very strong. I think they are much better than when they played in the playoff games against Sweden (for Euro 2016 which they lost 4-3). They are better equipped and stronger.”

Republic of Ireland Squad for World Cup play-off
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United), Colin Doyle (Bradford City).

Defenders: Cyrus Christie (Middlesbrough), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Paul McShane (Reading), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Kevin Long, Stephen Ward (Burnley).

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Sunderland), Daryl Horgan, Alan Browne (Preston North End), Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), James McCarthy (Everton), Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Eunan O'Kane (Leeds United), David Meyler (Hull City), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), Jonny Hayes (Celtic), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion).

Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Nottingham Forest), David McGoldrick (Ipswich Town), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Aiden O'Brien (Millwall).

Here it is...the #IRLMNT squad to face Denmark in FIFA World Cup Play-Off #COYBIGpic.twitter.com/bD0TXEOv3Z

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) October 26, 2017