Soccer

Blades striker Robinson could provide the cutting edge as Republic look to see off Switzerland in Dublin Euro 2020 clash

Republic of Ireland's Callum Robinson is in fine form for Sheffield United
Republic of Ireland's Callum Robinson is in fine form for Sheffield United Republic of Ireland's Callum Robinson is in fine form for Sheffield United

SHEFFIELD United striker Callum Robinson could be the spearhead of the Republic of Ireland attack for Thursday night’s crucial Euro 2020 qualifier against Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium.

Robinson scored one goal and made the other as the newly-promoted Blades held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge and with Shane Long dropped and Sean Maguire injured, manager Mick McCarthy may elect to keep faith with the in-form frontman.

“I haven't known him that long but all I know is that he's a really good character,” said McCarthy yesterday.

“When he came on in Denmark, I thought he was very good and I thought he was really good against Gibraltar, he was one of the plus points in that game

“I think he's got good pace, good movement, two decent feet. He came in off the right and hit the post against Gibraltar, I think he can be a lot better as well. There's a lot of improvement in him and I think he believes that as well.”

The Republic sit top of Group D on 10 points, five ahead of Denmark and six in front of Switzerland. However, their position has been inflated by home and away wins over Gibraltar and a 1-0 home win against Georgia. The 1-1 draw against the Danes in Copenhagen has been Ireland’s best result so far.

“We've got the points we had to get to give us half a chance of qualifying,” observed McCarthy on his side’s bright start.

“The Denmark point was a real bonus. We had to get nine from the other three games and we did. I think the others will get nine from those games, Gibraltar home and away and Georgia at home. “They were essential points and we've got the tougher games to come. These are a good side. I've been watching these from the game against Denmark, I don't know they ended up drawing 3-3.

“They lost it at the end. And then the England game as well. They were very possession based with technical players who work hard. They're a good side, they've been one of the top teams in Europe for a long time.”

Meanwhile, McCarthy insists that Shane Long’s international career isn’t over despite preferring to call up Luton Town’s James Collins instead of the goal-shy Southampton striker after Sean Maguire was forced to pull out of the squad with an eye injury.

Long’s superb winner against Germany back in 2015 was instrumental in the Republic reaching Euro 2016 but he has scored just three times since for his country and his club form has also tailed off during that period with just 10 league goals in the past three seasons for the Saints.

The Tipperary native has yet to start a game for Southampton this season. He was left out of the original squad and a substitute appearance against Manchester United last weekend wasn’t enough to earn him a call-up.

“Shane is not playing,” said McCarthy at the Republic of Ireland training base in Dublin yesterday.

“I spoke to Shane the other day and he said he played pre-season games and I said: ‘I know, I remember playing pre-season games as well’.

“He hasn't played really since the end of last season although he came on the other night.

“James Collins (three goals for Luton) to be fair to him got promoted last year and is coming in with momentum.

“He has taken to the Championship, he is scoring goals in the Championship and it's just based on playing, someone who is scoring goals and playing.”

McCarthy insists that the Long story can change with regular game-time at club level.

“If you look at it logically you will come to the same conclusion as me as to who should be in the squad,” he said.

“Sean Maguire was in the squad in front of him as he's been playing and scoring.

“Shane has had some long term injuries, he was out for a bit of time and I know he got back in at the end of last season but he has not had game time.

“I spoke to him the other day and if he gets playing, there will be other games so I hope he gets fit and back in.

“I think every player, unless they have retired, always want to be involved in the squad.

“Equally Robbie Brady is injured as well. They are all disappointed and they all want to play but I have to pick players who are fit and playing.”