It’s all getting very real now as the Republic of Ireland fly out to Prague ahead of their World Cup play-off against Czechia on Thursday night.
Heimir Hallgrimsson has some big calls to make.
A few players pick themselves. Caoimhin Kelleher came through Brentford’s goalless draw at Leeds unscathed on Saturday and will be between the sticks, backed up by Mark Travers – deputising for Jordan Pickford at Everton – and Luton Town’s Josh Keeley, who is included in the senior squad for the first time.
Up top, Troy Parrott carries the hopes of a nation. His brilliant five-goal burst against Portugal and Hungary back in November is the reason Ireland are in this position. He’s maintained his goalscoring form…