Republic of Ireland and USA will both be hoping to end 2014 on a strong note as they prepare for their final fixture of the year on Tuesday. Martin O’Neill’s side's hope of qualifying for the Euro 2016 faced a huge dent when they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Scotland on Friday. A wonderfully crafted goal ended with Shaun Maloney curling the ball into the back of the net which condemned Ireland to only their first defeat of the Euro 2016 Qualifying campaign. They currently sit fourth in a group which also comprises of the likes of Germany and Poland.
A number of changes are expected for either sides, for Ireland Robbie Keane who started on the bench against Scotland will not feature during Tuesday's friendly match after being allowed to join up with LA Galaxy ahead of the MLS play-offs. Darron Gibson on the other hand has also returned to Everton after picking up a knock.
Assistant manager and former Man United star Roy Keane has expressed is agony over English side Everton who according to the Republic of Ireland coach are giving a false account of the fitness of their players.
"I worry that [McCarthy] is under lots of pressure, particularly from Everton's point of view," he told reporters.
"Every time an international match comes around, it always seems to be Seamus and James who are under pressure. They're turning up or they mightn't turn up, or they're struggling."
"I think Martin has been more than fair when it comes to friendlies. These are big qualifying matches now. Ask most international managers and it's a difficult role when a player turns up and he isn't quite fit or he is struggling; we've had that a number of times with lots of players.
"It's the big downside of international football: you have to be fair to their club and the player but you also want them out there representing your country. It's difficult for James as well. There is a player between the two managers, I know from experience, they're under pressure."
USA on the other hand are winless in their last three matches and will be hoping to bring an end to that run. They suffered a defeat at the hands of Colombia last time out despite of picking up an early lead courtesy of a goal from Jozy Altidore. Carlos Bacca and Teofilo Gutierrez scored goal apiece for Colombia in the second half as Los Cafeteros raced to a 2-1 victory.
USA will be without Jermaine Jones, DeAndre Yedlin, Lee Nguyen and DaMarcus Beasley who were all released to prepare for the MLS play-offs.
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