Ireland v Slovakia predicted team: How the Boys in Green should line-out for the Euro 2020 playoff

The time has come for Stephen Kenny as his reign as Ireland manager well and truly gets underway against Slovakia.

In a free-shot at Euro 2020, Kenny has the chance to qualify for a playoff final in Bratislava.

And after enjoying 180 minutes to assess his Ireland players in the September window - Kenny now must show his Ireland hand and name his strongest XI for the clash.

Apart from captain Seamus Coleman, Troy Parrott and injury concerns around Harry Arter, the ex-Ireland U21 boss has a clean bill of health.

With games against Wales and Finland later in the window to give him a chance to experiment further, Ireland need to be on song against Slovakia if they're to qualify.

Here's who we think should start the Euro 2020 playoff semi-final.

GK - Darren Randolph

Goalkeeper Darren Randolph (©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)

Not even remotely a debate, he was in good form in September for Ireland and we'll need more of the same.

LB - Enda Stevens

Ireland's Enda Stevens plays a pass against Finland (©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)

A shaky start to the Premier League season won't be enough to dislodge the Sheffield United man, he's usually solid in green.

CB - John Egan

Ireland's John Egan (©INPHO/Kostadin Andonov)

Another Blade, John Egan is very much a fixture in the heart of defence these days.

CB - Shane Duffy

Ireland's Shane Duffy encourages his teammates after scoring the equalising goal in injury time (©INPHO/Kostadin Andonov)

Expected to take the captain's armband in Coleman's absence, Duffy has had plenty of game time over the last month since a move to Celtic - Ireland will need him to be sharp.

RB - Matt Doherty

Ireland's Matt Doherty with Glen Kamara of Finland (©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)

Perhaps in danger of losing his place to Coleman before the injury, Doherty needs a good performance to really try and nail down the right-back role.

CM - Jeff Hendrick

Ireland's Jeff Hendrick and Louie Annesley of Gibraltar (©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo)

Playing in a box-to-box midfielder role, Hendrick should be expected to bring plenty of energy in the middle while given licence to get forward when he can.

CDM - James McCarthy

Referee Manuel Schuettengruber speaks with James McCarthy of Ireland (©INPHO/Kostadin Andonov)

Going by Kenny's opening two games, he'll need someone to not only sit on front and protect the back four, but also to take the game by the scruff and dictate play. With Arter ruled out, we think McCarthy can step up.

CM - Conor Hourihane

Ireland's Conor Hourihane (©INPHO/Kostadin Andonov)

In great form with a rejuvenated Aston Villa, the dead ball specialist has plenty to offer in the middle in support of the front three - he just beats Jayson Molumby to get the nod.

LW - Aaron Connolly

Ireland's Aaron Connolly with Nikolai Alho of Finland (©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)

Another nailed-on call, although he doesn't always looked comfortable out on the left. But with perhaps a centre forward playing a little deeper and Enda Stevens pushing up from the back - he'll operate that bit more central where he can do damage.

CF - David McGoldrick

Ireland's David McGoldrick (©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)

With Adam Idah playing more as a target man in September, we're hoping Didsy will get the nod and play his centre forward role. If he comes in deeper it'll allow the wingers to cut inside and act more as inside forwards.

RW - Callum Robinson

Ireland's Callum Robinson with Otar Kiteishvili of Georgia (©INPHO/Tommy Dickson)

Many are touting the in-form West Brom man to start up front with McGoldrick behind him, but we reckon he can put in a shift on the right. With Doherty pressing high and Didsy leaving space in the centre, he surely won't be spending too much time on the right flank.