After a draw in Serbia which produced the most mixed emotions since Ireland scored a last minute winner in San Marino under Steve Staunton, Martin O'Neill's men enter qualifiers against Georgia and Moldova knowing only six points will be an acceptable return in their quest to reach Russia.
The Ireland team to play Georgia has now been named, as O'Neill's side square off with their perennial qualification opponents at the Aviva Stadium. Despite worries as to his fitness, James McCarthy starts in the centre of Ireland's midfield.
There's no place, however, for Wesley Hoolahan, a decision which we're sure will make for some compelling viewing when RTÉ kick off their match coverage later this evening. In his place, presumably, starts the in-form James McClean, which means we find ourselves in the precarious position of lacking that 'injection of intensity' from the bench.
Ireland Team To Play Georgia
BREAKING: The Ireland starting team to face Georgia has been announced! #COYBIG #IREGEO pic.twitter.com/bGKvXO1UQk
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) October 6, 2016
23: Darren Randolph
2: Séamus Coleman (c)
3: Ciaran Clark
7(?): Shane Duffy
8: James McCarthy
9: Shane Long
10: Robbie Brady
11: James McClean
13: Jeff Hendrick
17: Stephen Ward
19: Jon Walters
Please note that there will be a moment's applause for Georgia's Valeri Qazaishvili in the ninth minute of tonight's game, in recognition of his contribution to Irish sport. #ThankYouValeri - help us to get it trending.
