Republic of Ireland Interim Head Coach John O’Shea has named a 26-man squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Hungary and Portugal.

Why though was the announcement not given the same youthful treatment as last week’s announcement of the Women’s squad?

Ireland are set to welcome Hungary to the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, June 4, with kick-off at 7.45 pm, before they travel to Aveiro to face Portugal on Tuesday, June 11.

Leicester City striker Tom Cannon receives his first senior international call-up following an impressive run for the Foxes towards the end of the season having recovered from a stress fracture injury earlier in the campaign. The 21-year-old made one appearance for the Republic of Ireland U21s in 2-1 win over Iceland where he netted the opening goal.

Celtic centre-back Liam Scales returns to the squad having missed the March international window through injury whilst there is also a return for Stoke City left-back Enda Stevens.

Adam Idah, fresh from his Scottish Cup Final winning goal for Celtic at the weekend is the featured player in the social media image above used to name the team.

We have to wonder though why the men’s team announcement is such a static affair as opposed to the Women’s squad announcements into which a fair amount more energy and vitality is being poured.

Last week we highlighted the Irish dancing theme of the announcement video which captured the mood of a young fan base that wants to be entertained more than informed.

In Ladies Gaelic Football, yesterday’s Championship launch was accompanied by a video that combined youth focused filming techniques and music. Very TikTok-able.

Is it that the Men’s game is seen as being too serious, too important to look at it through fresher eyes?

It isn’t down to the timing as the Women’s team names were only added in post-production and the same could have been done here in as short a time as it took to create the graphic.

The FAI and League of Ireland social teams are consistently scoring winners in our monthly look at Irish Sport on Social media. This though is one of those set-piece events that could and should be used to raise interest.

Maybe next time for the Nations League Game against England which will take place in September…

 

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