Josh Cullen and Will Smallbone partnership key to new-look Ireland formation

Familiarity may well breed contempt, however, in John O'Shea’s case it allowed him to hit the ground running when he took the reins of the national team last month.

Having previously worked with the Ireland Under-21s and the senior squad, O’Shea had an in-depth knowledge of the players at his disposal and those he would place his trust in for his perceived short stint at Ireland manager.

Since retiring from the playing side of things five years ago, O’Shea has been plotting his way towards becoming a manager, not just with the Ireland set up but from the end of his playing days at Reading, as well as at Stoke City and Birmingham City.

It all put O’Shea in a strong position to confidently and quickly assemble a squad and name a starting XI for his first game in charge; the scoreless draw with Belgium on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.

A familiar side but with the stamp of the new man in charge, and most notably in the centre of midfield where O’Shea opted to send Will Smallbone in to work hand in hand with Josh Cullen.

Cullen was the mainstay of the previous regime, tasked with sitting in front of the defence during the Stephen Kenny era, however, it could be argued that the Burnley man put in one of his most commanding performances against Belgium.

Named player of the match for his all-round play, Cullen was aided enormously by his fellow midfielder, Smallbone, who was equally impressive throughout.

The two moved about the pitch almost as if a ten-metre rope was attached to them throughout such was the symmetry in their performances around the middle of the park.

And it was very much part of the plan from the new manager who knows the two players very well, identifying a perfect partnership to anchor his side against the fancied