New era haunted by old problems

FOR all the talk in the pub and the programme about the beginning of a brave new era, most of the same old problems were there…

FOR all the talk in the pub and the programme about the beginning of a brave new era, most of the same old problems were there for Mick McCarthy as they had been for Jack Charlton three months ago.

And why be surprised? For the Republic of Ireland's shallow soccer resources meant that the new manager had to rely mainly on the old Charlton reliables.

The 2-0 scoreline was about what the Russians deserved. Even Ireland's penalty miss, disallowed goal and shot against the crossbar in the second half could not disguise the fact that in the departments which matter most, passing and shooting, they were in a different class from the men in green.

There was no lack of Irish spirit. With the crowd roaring them on, and the Russians making sure all their substitutes got a game, the Irish could even have snatched an undeserved draw.

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But spirit is not enough. An international team needs strikers who know how to score goals rather than merely win corners; a defence which does not depend so heavily on the ageing, if still brilliant, Paul McGrath; and a midfield which does not falter when either Townsend or Keane leaves the field.

There were hopeful signs last night. If he can control his temper Keane still has the makings of a world class player. Kennedy came out of his cocoon in the last quarter of the game to show his considerable potential. Young Shay Given made a confident debut.

But where was the new passing game promised by McCarthy? It was the Russians who provided it.

The big Barnsley miner's son has a lot of work to do, and a lewd new players with Irish grannies and shooting boots to find, before we can contemplate thoughts about competing once again against the world's best.