When you have someone in Hope Solo’s category, being the star that she is, for RTÉ to be able to sign her up is a big deal - Darragh Maloney

Studio presenter, Darragh Maloney, feels that their international guests help provide a different perspective, one that might not occur if they concentrated solely on Irish or British guests.

He was speaking as the broadcaster set out its schedule and plans for the upcoming World Cup in Russia. The 2018 edition is set to be one of the biggest yet. with a whole array of new stars and competing nations.

The national broadcaster was keen to announce the various guest panellists and commentators coming on board for this tournament’s coverage. Along with the current personalities, they also revealed more who are set to make their debut during the coverage. They included former internationals Richard Dunne and Shay Given, along with current Northern Ireland manager, Michael O’ Neill. The name which created a lot of interest though, was that of Hope Solo. The former American goalkeeper is a global star and will bring a fresh viewpoint.

She, along with former German international Dietmar Hamman, provides the station with insight from abroad. Maloney for one, is looking forward to working with her.

“When you have someone in Hope Solo’s category, being the star that she is, for RTÉ to be able to sign her up is a big deal. You have to jump at these opportunities. She has a huge global presence. I believe she has something like 1.1 million followers on Twitter. She is a global star and known absolutely everywhere. I am dying to work with her, and I know Jacqui and Peter are also.”

He is also keen to point out that this is not a new phenomenon. “Yeah. We have had that for a while. Going back to when Ozzie Ardiles was there for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Graeme Souness was there with us at that time also.”

Hamann is yet again involved and is now a key part of their line-up. Maloney stated “Didi has become part of the established team now at this stage. He was there for the Champions League final and he really enjoys working with the lads. He enjoys talking about the matches and being in Ireland as well. He has fun here while we are doing all the football stuff.”

With such a diverse and broadening tournament, he feels it is key to give an alternative slant on issues. Particularly as there is more happening than just related to Ireland. “That’s always been there. It’s really important though. To have that different dimension, just spreads it out. It can’t just be about us anymore!”