Preston North End's Callum Robinson in line for Republic of Ireland appearance against Wales
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The Lilywhites frontman played 25 minutes of Ireland’s 0-0 draw with Denmark and helped bring some attacking intent to their play.
So there could be a chance from the start for Robinson in this evening’s Dublin clash with Wales.
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Hide AdIt was the Welsh who were the opponents when he won his first senior international cap last month.
Robinson started the 4-1 defeat in Cardiff, one which the Republic will be seeking to avenge at the Aviva Stadium.
His impact off the bench on Saturday against Denmark did not go unnoticed by the Irish coaching staff.
Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill said: “Callum Robinson came in and enlivened us, got the crowd going and it was brilliant for him to make that impact.”
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Hide AdRobinson could get the nod up front tonight, with O’Neill hinting at a change of system to 4-4-2.
Or the PNE man could get a role on the wing in place of Bristol City’s Callum O’Dowda who got a bang on the head in the Denmark game.
Robinson trained with the Irish squad yesterday, North End team-mates Alan Browne and Sean Maguire also going through their paces.
Browne did not feature in the matchday squad at the weekend, something of a surprise as he has tended to make the bench at least when named in previous squads.
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Hide AdHim training yesterday was an indication that he simply had been left out on Saturday, rather than carrying any form of injury.
Certainly the Republic’s squad is well stocked when it comes to the midfield. O’Neill even played Cyrus Christie, a right-back by trade, in midfield against Denmark.
Browne was one of four midfielders who watched from the stand or the bench.
North End striker Maguire was an unused substitute on Saturday.
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Hide AdWith Maguire only having 20 minutes of action under his belt since recovering from a damaged hamstring tendon, his staying on the bench was met with a big sigh of relief at Deepdale.
PNE’s fitness staff have been in close contact with their Irish counterparts as they look to keep Maguire’s comeback on an even keel.
Maguire, Robinson and Browne will be back training with Preston at Springfields on Thursday morning ahead of Saturday’s visit to Hull.
The KCOM Stadium clash is followed by two home games on the spin against Brentford and Rotherham.
Then there are the two long trips to Ipswich Town and Bristol City before the next international break.