Football: Kinsella's best man to partner ace Keane

MICK McCarthy must be one happy man after Wednesday's game with Denmark.

This is a Republic of Ireland team which is getting better and better all the time.

Winning suits them and, with each game, the players get more comfortable and more confident.

At times it looked like they were playing five-a-side out there in midweek. The passes were short, sharp and fast and the lads were obviously enjoying their game.

In fact, at times, they reminded me a little of Cameroon - except with a lot more discipline!

People have speculated that they might be peaking too soon, but I don't think so. Winning is never a bad thing and the more victories they notch up, the harder it's going to be for any team to beat them.

Right now, Ireland would be a difficult team for anyone in the world to take on. And that's the way it should be going into the World Cup.

We could hold our heads up against Italy, Brazil or France. This team has proved itself and the sense of assurance that comes with that is marvellous.

I have to admit I feel a tinge of envy. In just a few months, most of the guys who took to the pitch at Lansdowne Road are going to be having one of the biggest adventures of their lives in Japan and South Korea.

I was lucky enough to play in two tournaments and the one in Italy was the highlight of my sporting career.

Nothing ever matched the sheer scale of the event after that. It's the most watched event in the world and when you're out there playing, you can sense the eyes of the world on you.

It's no wonder then that the lads are geared up and their enthusiasm was infectious. The hunger of the fringe players gave the game an extra edge.

Colin Healy and Stephen Reid did themselves proud and Clinton Morrison should be very pleased with his first start in an Ireland sweater.

He could have had a hat-trick if his finishing was a little stronger and that can only be encouraging news for Mick.

In the battle of the central midfielders, I'd still pick Mark Kinsella (below) over Mattie Holland. I know Mark hasn't had a lot of match practice this season.

And he didn't really get a chance to stretch himself on Wednesday evening, but for my mind he's still the man to partner Roy Keane in the Far East.

The main reason is that he's never put a foot wrong for Ireland in the past. His work rate is enormous. He gets in there and puts in tackles and shows all the hallmarks of a quality midfielder really.

He reads events before they unfold and drops into positions which other players on the pitch haven't figured out yet.

If Roy, or whoever is playing with him, goes forward his holding qualities are amazing.

I suppose picking Mattie would have the added bonus of him possibly nicking a goal for you, but my money would be with Mark.

Finally, just a word about Damien Duff. People used to say that Ireland have only one world class player, but something tells me that situation may be about to change.

Duffer was a joy to watch on Wednesday evening, his skills are such that it's hard to keep up with him, even when you are only watching!

I don't know what it must be like for the poor defenders who have to take him on.

I think he can make a very big impact on the world stage come this summer.

Now that's something I'm really looking forward to seeing!

Mick must be pretty sure who is on the plane by now and here I've picked my 23 players who should be included in the World Cup squad at this stage.

INTERVIEW:

HUGH O'REILLY

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