One of the perceived concerns for Ireland ahead of next month's Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany is that natural holding midfielder Glenn Whelan will be suspended.

But John Giles thinks a more versatile and creative midfielder like Stephen Quinn could do an equally good job as he gave his take on the cons of designated defensive midfielders.

He told Off The Ball: "I'm not a fan at all of the holding midfield player because you hear about players like Whelan and other players protecting the back-four. Well, there hasn't been a player born that can protect a back-four because you've got the wide positions. They just can't cover that much ground and what happens with the holding player like Whelan, instead of combining and scoring a goal, they wouldn't have to defend that much. If he helps somebody who's in trouble on the ball then he wouldn't have to win the tackle having lost it."