Eunan O’Kane in line for his debut with the Republic of Ireland
DERRY born Eunan O’Kane could be in line for his debut tonight against Gibraltar after being called up by Republic of Ireland for the first time (kick-off 7.15 pm).
The 25-year-old midfielder has impressed manager Martin O’Neill at English Premier side Bournemouth in recent weeks.
The Republic will be targeting three points away to minnows Gibraltar to keep their dream of Euro 2016 qualification alive.
Martin O’Neill’s side won the reverse fixture 7-0 in Dublin last October, and will be aiming for the win that could help them leapfrog Scotland into third place in Group D, should Gordon Strachan’s side drop points in Georgia on the same night.
James McCarthy underwent a scan following a knock last week, but the Everton midfielder is expected to be available against Gibraltar, with assistant manager Roy Keane saying:
“He did get a knock last week, but I think if you’re playing in the middle of the park, you should be getting knocks every week.
“That’s the name of the game. You’re hitting people, they’re hitting you and I’m always concerned when lads turn up, particularly midfielders, and they’ve not had knocks.”
While Jonathan Walters is also set to feature despite a turbulent few days at club level.
The 31-year-old handed in a Deadline Day transfer request in an attempt to force a switch away from Stoke City, but will remain at the Britannia Stadium until at least January after a move failed to prevail.
But Keane is unconcerned about Walters, despite the fact he was briefly excused from Ireland’s training camp while his future was still unconfirmed.
“For a player like Jon, he’s experienced, he’s not a young kid. I think maybe the move was on the cards over the weekend but it’s not panned out.
“But Jon is in a good position. He’s a good player. The fact that a few clubs were interested in him probably helps his confidence.”
