Mikey Johnston and Jayson Molumby must start after what West Brom duo did on international duty
Mikey Johnston and Jayson Molumby’s performances off the bench showed that the West Brom stars should have started for the Republic of Ireland against Greece on 13 October.
Left on the bench by Republic manager Heimir Hallgrimsson until the 73rd minute – by which time the visitors were already 1-0 down in Athens, Johnson and Molumby both impressed once coming on.
Replacing the ineffective Jason Knight and Sammie Szmodics respectively, the Albion pair did their best to drag the Boys in Green back into the contest, until Ireland were hit by a late sucker punch in a 2-0 loss.
West Brom duo now undroppable for the Republic of Ireland
The Republic’s erratic performance in Athens became much, much more composed once Molumby was introduced in the middle of the park, providing a level of control yet to be seen under Hallgrimsson so far.
In just 17 minutes, Molumby had 17 touches and completed 17 passes at a 100 per cent success rate, hitting two accurate long balls and a further two through passes into the final third [FotMob].
The Albion midfielder therefore didn’t give up possession once, and proceeded to recover it on four separate occasions, with his calmness on the ball a far cry from Knights 72 per cent pass completion.
Johnston, meanwhile, was tasked with providing the attacking flair Ireland needed to equalise, and went close to delivering with a long-shot attempt from the edge of the box flashing just wide.
The £3million Baggies signing from Celtic completed 90 per cent of his 10 passes, and was successful with both his long ball and dribble attempts, winning two of three ground duels and a free-kick [FotMob].
The 25-year-old’s 13 touches saw just one come in the opposition box, and his shot on goal having just 0.02 xG behind it reflected on what was a sluggish and chance-sparse performance from the Republic.
Hallgrimsson clearly has plenty to work on if he’s to pick up a first win as Republic of Ireland manager any time soon, and he could do those chances no harm by starting Molumby and Johnston from the off.
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