MICHAEL CULLEN,
Madam, - Emmet Malone's reflections on the problems facing the Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy, and his team (Sport, October 18th) was one of the most sober and intelligent analyses of the subject in recent days. Without Roy Keane's presence on the field, McCarthy must select the best players available to him and in their strongest positions.
For the reasons outlined by Emmet Malone, Ian Harte, Gary Breen and Kevin Kilbane should be dropped from the starting line-up. Manchester United's John O'Shea deserves a role in central defence and Damien Duff should be given a wide scheming role. By playing both Robbie Keane and Clinton Morrison, McCarthy has the best hopes up front.
With Ireland's next qualifier for Euro 2004 not scheduled until the end of next March, the interim period must be used wisely. The FAI must determine whether McCarthy is really serious about the job in hand - and that includes the implications of leaving Keane in the wilderness - or whether he is killing time until a suitable offer comes his way from an embattled English Premiership club. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL CULLEN,
Sandycove,
Co Dublin.