The three Ireland players key to the Martin O'Neill era
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The three Ireland players key to the Martin O'Neill era

WHEN Ireland take on Serbia tonight in Dublin, it will mark the real start of the Martin O'Neill/ Roy Keane era as they field their first fully-chosen squad.

Here we pick the three players that we reckon will be crucial to Ireland’s success as they warm-up for the campaign to get to France and Euro 2016.

1. SHANE LONG

Shane Long

The Hull frontman has enjoyed recent fine performances since joining the Premier League side in January, and will be looking to cement his place in the starting eleven in the absence of Robbie Keane. As you'll see from the video below, he's also not a bad singer!

 

2. SEAMUS COLEMAN

seamus coleman1-n

Coleman has been impressive for Everton, achieving status earlier this year as the highest scoring defender in Europe’s big five leagues with six goals this season.

 3. JAMES McCARTHY

james mccarthy1-n

Everton's McCarthy has been in great form and was awarded the Young International Player of the Year for the second year running at the Three FAI International Football Awards on Sunday evening.