Ed McGinty’s name on the teamsheet for Monday’s derby between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers raised a few eyebrows. Hoops boss Stephen Bradley had claimed that both McGinty and wing-back Adam Brennan would be released to meet up with the Ireland squad earlier that day, and would therefore miss the games against Bohs and St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday. But when the teamsheet for the Dalymount Park clash came out, McGinty’s name was included. It was no surprise to see Dawson Devoy in the Bohemians-11, after
his manager said last Thursday that his star midfielder would not meet up until after the Qatar game. So while Devoy will miss Thursday’s Aviva Stadium friendly, McGinty will be in Heimir Hallgrímsson ’s squad for that one, along with teammate Brennan. How so? Well, after naming his squad for the two friendlies, the Boys in Green boss was asked about the clash with key League of Ireland games. And he suggested at the time that goalkeepers were in a different category to outfield players.
“Obviously there are two goalkeepers there from the League of Ireland,” he said, referring also to Cork City’s Conor Brann. “I’ve said to both coaches (Bradley and Cork City’s Barry Robson) that they could play the game on the Monday (Cork aren’t in action on Monday), because we will not train on the Monday and then show up on the Tuesday. “It’s a little bit different, the goalkeepers position and how it plays.” Referring to Brennan and Devoy, he added: “Like I said, if they
decide they can’t (meet up with the squad) until we fly to Canada, then we just take that. “So they will be in the squad. We understand 100 percent if they will not be available.” Bradley opted against retaining Brennan for the games against Bohs and Pat’s. Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond .
Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers, Ed McGinty, Stephen Bradley, Adam Brennan, Heimir Hallgrímsson, Conor Brann, Dawson Devoy, Dalymount Park, Ireland squad