Former Ireland full back Paddy Mulligan is worried about Cyrus Christie's defensive qualities as the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Austria approaches.
The Derby County right back has stepped into the role at international level due to the broken leg suffered by captain Seamus Coleman in March against Wales and scored his second international goal against Uruguay on Sunday in a friendly win.
Paddy knows a thing or two about representing Ireland at right back and while Christie's attacking qualities are clear, the ex-Chelsea and West Brom defender has some concerns about the 24 year old Coventry born player.
Paddy told me: "I'm a bit concerned about Cyrus Christie because I'm a little bit concerned about his defensive qualities. Yes, he's very good going forward and a good user of the ball, a bit like Seamus Coleman, but defensively he gets himself into the wrong positions on occasion and doesn't get into the covering position when he should do and doesn't get tight on people when he should do and doesn't know when to jockey. That would be a concern for me but hopefully he won't be put to the test too much against the Austrians."
Ireland and Serbia currently sit four points clear of Wales and Austria on 11 points each at the top of the World Cup qualifying group - Serbia are ahead on goal difference - and given how the group is poised, Paddy feels a draw may not be enough for O'Neill and his team.
"I fancy Serbia to win so I think Ireland have to win on Sunday against Austria because I think Serbia will take care of Wales. I think the Welsh have gone off the boil and Serbia are a very good team with the likes of [Dusan] Tadic in midfield," he said.
Paddy also looked back on the Champions League final and the legacy, if any, this back to back Champions League winning Real Madrid side will leave and how they got the better of Juventus in Cardiff.
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