I sense an air of trepidation ahead of Ireland’s two-legged Nations League playoff against Belgium. This should not be the case. Belgium are an inconsistent side and they’re not miles ahead of us, so we need to believe there’s a chance of beating them.
With that said, Ireland’s performances under Carla Ward have failed to inspire. I don’t think she is generating much excitement or a buzz among the fans either. It feels like we’re always waiting for something to happen, for someone to burst on to the scene, for a big performance where the promised ‘Carla Ward-ball’ materialises and the buzz returns. We can’t wait any longer.
Nothing surprised me about the squad she named – there was a predictability about it. The most glaring issue for me is our midfield options, or lack of them.
Ward spoke this week about how cata
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