Sean McCaffrey faces striker dilemma

During the qualifying group phase in Cork, the starting strike pair of Clarke from Ipswich Town and Arsenal’s Stokes performed with great distinction and was ably supported by the Glasgow Celtic duo O’Brien and O’Carroll whenever they were called upon.

Manager McCaffrey’s dilemma arises from the fact that injury prevented Shane Long of Reading from being involved in the qualifying group and the interim period has witnessed the emergence of Adam Rooney at Stoke City. Long has played a significant part in securing promotion to the Premiership for Reading and has been part of the first team squad for several months, scoring four goals.

The former Crumlin United and Ireland Schoolboy striker Rooney delayed his departure to professional football until he had completed his Leaving Certificate. In recent weeks, he too has fought his way into the first team at Championship club Stoke and scored four goals.

Clarke, who has played in the first team at Ipswich, spent the final months of the season on loan with Division Two promotion candidates Colchester United in order to secure further experience. Stokes, who will not turn 18 until July 2006, made his Arsenal first team debut earlier this season in the Carling Cup fixture with Sunderland and has continued to impress all who see him.

With both Glasgow born O’Brien and Kerry native O’Carroll earning high praise for their goal scoring exploits in the Glasgow Celtic reserve and youth sides, the extent of the selection challenge facing Sean McCaffrey can not be underestimated.