Martin O’Neill’s midfield miscalculation calls Ireland future into question | Paul Doyle


Republic of Ireland manager’s substitutions abandoned the heart of midfield to Christian Eriksen and Denmark, and the manner of defeat could hardly have been worse for O’Neill

Martin O’Neill said he would take a couple of weeks to mull over the implications of the Republic of Ireland’s play-off defeat before deciding whether to follow through on the informal agreement he reached a month ago to remain in charge for another two years.

He would be entitled to reach the conclusion that one ghastly loss does not negate the positives that preceded it; results have generally been better than expected during his four years in charge. The question is would that continue to be the case? The answer is probably not but he has somehow defied probability for much of his career. Not on Tuesday night, though.

Related: Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dream shattered by Eriksen and Denmark

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