First of two end-of-season friendlies for Ireland is tonight in Paris. As friendlies go, this one is fairly high profile and we are certain to face a very strong French outfit. Should be a significant test for our inexperienced players. I'm hoping players like Alan Browne (who hasn't impressed in his international appearances so far) will begin to show their club form. Jeff Hendrick is out of the France match, but, hopefully, will be back for the USA on Saturday. Irish Squad: Goalkeepers: Colin Doyle, Conor O’Malley, Shane Supple Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty, John Egan, Shane Duffy, Kevin Long, Darragh Lenihan, Declan Rice, John O’Shea, Enda Stevens, Derrick Williams, Greg Cunningham; Midfielders: Callum O’Dowda, Harry Arter, Jeff Hendrick, David Meyler, Eunan O’Kane, Alan Browne, Shaun Williams, James McClean, Daryl Horgan; Forwards: Jonathan Walters, Shane Long, Graham Burke.
Disappointing 2-0 loss in Paris. France missed lots of chances, but, that said, the two goals we conceded were sloppy, and Shaun Williams should have scored at the end. We were outclassed from start to finish. Was hoping for more from the Declan Rice-Alan Browne midfield axis, but at no point did we string more than 3-4 passes together. Can't see a big crowd turning out in Dublin on Saturday...
Shane Long will miss out tomorrow with a knee injury. Looks like Graham Burke might even get a start.
And what a home debut for Graham! Great for Rovers and the league but a very poor game. Thanks for the memories Graham and bon voyage.