While readily admitting that his options are limited by the absence of some of his more experienced players, manager Don Givens yesterday reacted to Thursday night's defeat by Colombia in the opening game of the Toulon International Tournament by looking for ways to change personnel and tactics in several key areas of the pitch.
Still seeking his first win in the job, the former Neuchatel coach remarked that only two of Thursday's starting line-up - Tranmere goalkeeper Joe Murphy and Stoke City midfielder James O'Connor - "came out of the game with any real credit".
That assessment would suggest wholesale changes for their next game against Ghana. However, Givens cites lack of experience as a major source of his side's problems and with many of those who sat on the sidelines at the Mayol Stadium less seasoned than those who started, he admits he is struggling to settle on a line-up which can play the Irish back into the tournament this evening (Eurosport 7 p.m.). Even more than at club or senior international level, players involved with teams like the one competing here tend to reflect the views of their coach and yesterday at the Republic's hotel in Sanary there was no shortage of players willing to concede that they might, justifiably, be among those facing the axe.
Almost certain to miss out is Arsenal's Graham Barrett, a casualty - with a hip injury - of the defending champions rather robust approach in their opening game. Barrett, more than two years younger than many of his team-mates, saw little of the ball against the Colombians on Thursday and so could be forgiven for making little impact. Nevertheless he may well have been among those to be replaced anyway.
Out wide Alan Quinn and Martin Rowlands failed to provide any sort of service for Gary Doherty up front and one of them is almost certain to miss out. But it is in defence, where Givens knows the Irish looked most under pressure late on against the Colombians, that the choices are most difficult.
While Liam George may get to renew his partnership with Doherty up front and Richie Partridge looks a good bet to come in on one of the flanks, the main alternative to, say, Barry Ferguson or Brian McGovern is the younger, less experienced (for Ireland at least) centre back John O'Shea.
In spite of that the Waterford-born, Manchester United player may make his under-21 debut tonight in Le Pontet with McGovern or Greg O'Halloran possibly replacing Thomas Heary at right full.
"It's going to be hard," admits Givens, "but if we beat Ghana - which I have no doubt we can do if the lads play to something more like their potential - then we'll be right back in it. And in a tournament like this once you win a game then all the confidence is back and you start to quite fancy yourselves."
Ghana, in centre forward Baffour Gyan and a remarkably versatile midfield which includes a couple of full internationals, possess the sort of pace and skilful movement that will once again severely test Ireland's back four.
Like the Irish, Emmanuel Afranie's side need a win this evening. The difference, Givens will be hoping, is that after a little soul-searching the Irish will simply want it a bit too much for their Group A rivals.
Jim Leighton's colourful career will finally end after today's Scottish Cup final against Rangers at Hampden Park. Earlier this week the 41-year-old Aberdeen and former Scotland goalkeeper decided to hang up his gloves and become the club's first full-time goalkeeping coach.
Those who thought that his initial return to Dundee and then Hibernian after an unhappy time at Manchester United heralded the demise of his career were wrong. He re-established himself in the Scotland team, winning 91 caps in total.
