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Will Robbie Keane start? The view from Owen Coyle and Stephen Hunt

As Ireland prepare for their first big test of their Euro 2016 qualification campaign, the big ta...



Will Robbie Keane start? The v...
Soccer

Will Robbie Keane start? The view from Owen Coyle and Stephen Hunt

As Ireland prepare for their first big test of their Euro 2016 qualification campaign, the big tactical conundrum is whether Martin O'Neill should risk playing record goalscorer Robbie Keane from the start against Germany?

On one hand, there isn't a comparable finisher at his disposal. But Scotland and Poland have found that counter-attacking at pace can unsettle a formidable though vulnerable German side - and pace is something Keane does not have at his age.

Shane Long would appear to be the logical option to stretch the German rearguard.

But what should O'Neill do? Stick with the captain or drop him for tactical reasons?

Former Bolton and Wigan manager Owen Coyle and ex-Ireland winger Stephen Hunt told Off The Ball that they were confident that Ireland can get out of this group.

But where do they stand on the Keane issue?

"He's still a wonderful player. I watch the MLS games and he still has a tremendous impact in them. He's such a talented player and is always capable of winning games," said Coyle.

"Martin may feel that Shane Long can chase things into corners and get flicks on in the air."

Meanwhile, Hunt said: "I think we'll go with Robbie and three in midfield. My question mark would be if Wes Hoolahan plays and will [O'Neill] sacrifice him for a ball winner in Stephen Quinn and put Glenn Whelan back in."

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