Nathan Collins

Kildare native fits the modern mould of tall, ball-playing centre half to a tee

Listening to the players it’s clear they have bought in completely to the manager’s approach

Malachy Clerkin hands out the marks after a comprehensive win in Dublin.

A crowd of 25,000 is expected for Tuesday night’s friendly match at the Aviva

‘It’s possibly fair to say, that 60 to 70 per cent of our best players are defenders’

The manager’s long-term vision for Ireland is clear but he desperately needs some results

A near neighbour of Andrew Omobamidele, Collins’s family are steeped in the game

Ireland goalkeeper knows a decision will have to be made whether to return to City

Ireland manager says ‘we need to turn our draws into wins’ against Azerbaijan

Manager’s long-term goal becoming clearer as young prospects impress

It is hard to see past a win for the visitors but Republic will be judged on their performance

Stephen Kenny’s team take on Portugal on Wednesday night at the Estadio Algarve

Kenny’s side braced for daunting test against multitalented Portugal squad in the Algarve

Ireland must plan without Alan Browne and Callum Robinson as squad announced

Aaron Connolly returns for next month’s fixture list, with Callum Robinson absent

Realistically only four players at three clubs can expect first team football this season