WANDERERS fans' favourite TV pundit Mark Lawrenson has branded Mick McCarthy's Irish team "much of a muchness" - and warned they could be on the first plane home from the World Cup.
Former Republic of Ireland international Lawrenson, now a BBC pundit covering the tournament in Japan and South Korea, revealed his fear the Irish could be caught cold when they take on Cameroon in their opening game on June 1.
He believes defeat then would leave McCarthy grappling with his one-dimensional gameplan for the clash with Germany four days later, in a match which could effectively seal Ireland's exit from the competition.
But despite his gloomy prediction of a swift exit, Lawrenson saluted McCarthy.
"Jack Charlton gave Ireland organisation and direction - and Mick's taken that mantle up," he added.
"Mick doesn't have as many good individual players as Jack had in 1990 and 1994, but he's built up a club mentality.
"Also, they never accept defeat, which is one of their strongest factors."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article