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The Best Possible Uncapped Irish XI Of Currently Available Players

Mikey Traynor
By Mikey Traynor
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Martin O'Neill has created an outstanding atmosphere within the Irish camp ever since he took charge.

While the desire of the vast majority of Irish players to represent their country was never in question, you get the feeling that the players really really enjoy meeting up for international duty under O'Neill and Keane, as opposed to... Well, Trapattoni.

The management team have introduced a number of new faces to the fold, but there are still a number of talented players who have yet to earn a cap at full international level. With that in mind we decided to take a look at the best possible team we could field with players who are still waiting for the call.

Here's what we've come up with:

Goalkeeper - Stephen Henderson

It's kind of strange that Nottingham Forest goalkeeper never earned a cap over the past few years as he has been one of the more consistent goalkeepers in the Championship. Having moved from Charlton he finds himself as second choice, however, so that call may never come, but he's a very solid player.

Left Back - Derrick Williams

A former U21 captain, Williams made the switch from Bristol City to Blackburn Rovers and has claimed the left-back position as his own this season. We are very, very short of left backs in general, let alone uncapped ones, but Williams is someone who could feature in the future.

Centre Back - Andy Boyle

Called up by Martin O'Neill for the most recent qualifier in Vienna, Boyle was there as backup but deserves to earn a cap in the near future based on his performances for Dundalk.

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Centre Back - Tommy Hoban

A standout player at U21 level, Hoban is someone who is predicted to have a very bright future. Having moved from Watford to Blackburn he's getting more gametime, and he has been going well despite the club's results.

Right Back - Matt Doherty

The Wolves fullback is another who looks nailed on to get a cap soon and has been involved with Ireland squads before. Having played left back and right back numerous times this season his versatility could be a big plus.

Holding Midfield - Stephen O'Donnell

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The Dundalk captain is one of the finest players in the League Of Ireland and is the heartbeat of his Dundalk side when he plays. As unlikely as a full cap looks considering he's past 30, he could definitely do a job in midfield.

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Centre Midfield - Jack Byrne

After initially picking Stephen Gleeson in this role, only to find out that he got two caps as a youngster on a US tour thanks to Stephen Elliot, we've given Jack Byrne the nod.

While things aren't really going to plan at Blackburn, he's still a very bright prospect with hopefully an Ireland cap to come in the future.

Centre Midfield - Conor Hourihane

Another one who is only a matter of time, Hourihane has already scooped a Championship POTM award this season and looks to be very comfortable on the ball. At only 25, he is someone for Irish fans to be excited about.

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Left Wing - Daryl Horgan

It. Has. To. Happen.

After a fantastic season, Horgan has been showcasing his skills to Europe and they like what they see. Of course he's been around the squad, and many were unhappy to see Aiden McGeady come on ahead of him in Vienna, but he'll get his chance.

Right Wing - Chris Forrester

Playing out of position to accomodate this 4-3-3 formation we've settled on, the fact is that Chris Forrester is so talented he can play anywhere across the midfield or on the wings. He's been going really well for Peterborough and has a good decade of high-level football ahead of him, so hopefully we'll see him capped soon.

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Striker - Adam Rooney

The Aberdeen striker has proven himself to be a reliable goalscorer in Scotland, and it seems like he's been included in Ireland squads for ages, but he has still yet to get a chance to actually see some gametime. He'll surely be given that chance in a friendly down the road.

We deliberately didn't include Scott Hogan, as although it very much looks like he will declare for Ireland... We're still waiting for that to happen.

There are bound to be omissions and picks that you don't agree with, so get in touch and let us know who you want to see get a full cap soon.

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