John O'Shea believes that Matt Doherty will add much-needed experience to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of this week’s doubleheader against Finland and England.
Ireland were hit with some high-profile – and highly experienced – withdrawals from the squad as the Heimir Hallgrimsson’s charges prepare for the UEFA Nations League fixtures, as captain Seamus Coleman and Shane Duffy have been ruled out.
Veteran defender Matt Doherty was among the replacements drafted in as cover ahead of the two games, and while the Wolves man was a notable absentee from the October games, O’Shea has described his return as "straightforward".
O’Shea revealed that Hallgrimsson did speak to Doherty ahead of the recall, however, he does not envisage any issues ahead of this week’s camp as Ireland look to get back to winning ways and complete the double against Finland.
"The boss would have spoken to Matt and it was straightforward," said O’Shea, speaking at this afternoon’s press conference in Dublin.
"Like I mentioned in terms of that experience that's needed around the group, he's one of the elder statesmen as well and it's important to have that experience of lads who have been around the group for a long time.
"It's getting the balance right and trying the newer players in different positions etc, getting the balance of that right over the next few games and seeing what happens with the draw and planning going forward."
O’Shea empathised with Duffy who has had to withdraw having just been recalled to the national squad.
The Derry defender has been playing well in the heart of the Norwich defence this season, and Hallgrimsson made a point about the qualities that he brings to the squad when the squad was announced last week.
However, Ireland will now have to plan without the towering centre-half, although, it’s a case of like for like with the return of Jake O’Brien to the squad to add numbers to the defensive units for the upcoming matches.
"There’s never an issue in…what we are looking for from our central defenders," said O’Shea, when asked was Duffy’s recall a message to the other central defenders regarding certain aspects of the manager’s tactical approach.
"Shane got back into the Norwich, had a couple of injuries, and then got back in and was playing really well, and then unfortunately he just picked up that little issue that will keep him out of this camp.
"But it’s about getting back in, knuckling down, getting playing ultimately as well, that’s the ideal scenario. We have to adjust with certain positions because of where we are with injuries."
Adam Idah was also forced to withdraw from the squad through injury, while concerns remain over the fitness of Festy Ebosele, who is expected to start against Finland in the absence of Chiedozie Ogbene. Dara O’Shea is also reportedly carrying an injury.
"Festy hopefully will be able to take part in training tomorrow," said O’Shea. "But we’ll assess him this afternoon and we’ll wait and see how he goes.
"He has been in fantastic form for his club so hopefully we can get him fit and ready for Thursday.
"Like everyone, we will assess that when we get proper eyes on him (O’Shea) and we will take it from there.
"It was great to see him get through the game against Tottenham. Like everyone who comes into the squad on international duty, we look after them and do what's best for them."
And looking ahead to the two games, O’Shea is confident that the side can take heart from the victory in Helsinki and build some momentum following the set-back in Athens, where Ireland lost 2-0 to Greece.
"The big thing would be to take control of games earlier if we can," said O’Shea, reflecting on the October window.
"Not to obviously go behind in games, to need to have more freedom in our play, to be more expressive and stronger in our play right from the start of games.
"Psychologically making sure you're on the front foot right from the off and not needing a setback to fire the system up.
"Ultimately building on a lot of positives, as well. You obviously have to look at all aspects and there are areas we know we can improve."
"In terms of the time on the grass it's a challenge with the ideas you're wanting to get across to people," he added, when asked about the lack of time to work with the players ahead of Thursday night’s encounter.
"It's a difficult one. Hopefully there will be enough time with it and we'll be well prepared. We know Finland from the last time around and full focus on that, but we're obviously aware it's a quick turnaround again for England too.
"The video sessions and detail meetings, there will be a few more of them…but look, the players are well used to it now as it's a strange process with the speed of recovery that you have to get into lads, and hopefully some lads play two games and then you're managing the first game to make sure they are available. But most importantly, full focus on Finland."
