Stephen Kenny looks poised to make one or two subtle changes to his Ireland team for tomorrow’s clash with Finland.
But ahead of his first game at home, the manager said there is little to be gained making sweeping ones if the team is to evolve.
Kenny kept his cards close to his chest at today’s pre-match press conference but confirmed that David McGoldrick won’t start.
The Sheffield United ace and recently crowned FAI ‘Player of the Year’ missed Thursday’s 1-1 draw in Bulgaria.
That was planned as he has struggled with a foot injury since the end of the Premier League season.
But after flying in last night, he trained with the squad in Dublin today and is expected to play some part, just not from the start.
Ireland have no injury concerns and Kenny said: “Some of the players are in pre-season, and some of them (Bulgaria) was their first game in six months.
“There's a balance to get right. On one hand, you want the back four to be consistent but we need that injection of energy (further up) the team also.
“It's great to get David back in the squad. He's had a good season with Sheffield United and he leads the line brilliantly.
“The foot injury was problematic for him. He's only really had a week's training, that's his first week back training if even.
“He comes into the squad but most likely not to start - it's too soon for him.”
Kenny continued “Continuity (in a team) is important. You need energy as well and that comes into the thought process. We want to have a closer look at some options.
“Tomorrow's game is important in its own right. We respect Finland - they've qualified for the Euros which is a great achievement.
“We'll have to earn it. Finland rested some players against Wales (in Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Ryan Giggs’ young side) that we expect to come back in.
“They are where we want to be - in the Euros. It's our ambition to get there.
“But one of the things I'm not going to do is give my team away. It's rule number one you learn at Under-15s. We'll have to wait on that.”
