Fans ask ‘what does he have to do?’ as favourite snubbed Ireland start v Hungary

JAKE O’BRIEN was a surprise omission from the Ireland starting XI for their international friendly against Hungary.

John O’Shea begins his second stint as interim head coach with the visit of the Euro 2024 finalists to Dublin.

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The former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United defender made a couple of interesting calls in his starting team.

In terms of who is in the team, the note-worthy names include Finn Azaz, with the Middlesbrough midfielder making his first senior international start.

However, social media reaction was reserved for who WASN’T in the starting line-up, namely Jake O’Brien.

The Corkman is among the most in-form players available to O’Shea, having capped off an impressive debut season with Lyon by scoring in the French Cup final against Paris St Germain.

That, and his defensive efforts which involved going up against new Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappe, meant fans assumed he would be in the Ireland team.

The 23-year-old has had to settle for a place on the bench, however, with Shane Duffy preferred in a back three which also includes Seamus Coleman and Dara O’Shea.

It is safe to say that fans were far from impressed by O’Brien’s omission.

Aaron said: “What a joke, O Brien playing week in week out for Lyon coming up against the likes of Mbappe, oh but I forgot Duffy is playing for Norwich in the championship so he must start, what a joke we are”

Another commented: “Jake O’Brien should be a starter and get his first cap, its a friendly, he is playing for one of the biggest teams in France at a higher standard than half of the players in the squad!”

Niall echoed: “Jake O’Brien and Liam Scales should be starting over Duffy & O’Shea. John O’Shea saying yesterday his job is to pick a team to beat Hungary

“What does O’Brien actually have to do”

Colin said: “Surely Jake o brien has to start, he’s had a great season in France. Tonight was a perfect opportunity for him”

John said: “After the season has had with Lyon, not sure what more Jake O’Brien needs to do in order to get an Ireland start”

John O’Shea’s decision to call-up Shane Duffy was a topic of conversation from the outset.

The Norwich City defender was charged with drink-driving after being found to be nearly three times over the limit following a two-vehicle collision in Norfolk on May 6.

Defending his selection, O’Shea admitted he did not seek FAI approval to select the 32-year-old.

He said: “No, no. I spoke to Shane just to see where he was in terms of the end of the season, stuff that had gone on.

“He was unequivocal in terms of his passion to play for Ireland and be involved. It’s obviously not good but we have to support people as well.

“He’s been a big player for Ireland and it’s important to support people too. He will have that support with Ireland.”