The morale would be good around Stoke now, with them having a cup final to look forward to, probably accounts for their end of season committed performances.
Walters looked the part when he played for us, in that friendly against Wales.
I agree with BonnieShels. I like Walters a lot. He's just what we need up front and I for one will be very disappointed if Trap doesn't start him against Macedonia. I can see him now taking the ball from halfway and running at their defence like there's no tomorrow. Shane Long playing beside Walters and Robbie just behind the front two, supplying the ammunition - Trap should start with that trio and build his team from there.Originally Posted by BonnieShels
Yeah, but he's running out of options Tets. He's gong to have to go with either Robbie and Walters up front or Long and Walters? With Doyle out of the picture presumably, he's got no choice wouldn't you say?
I would not say he is running out of option more spoilt for choice, probably a case of picking two to start
with and then making a substitution depending on how things are going.
There's a difference between giving someone else a chance up front, and changing the formation, which was more my point
Walters' absence put down to having aggravated a shoulder injury and the lack of original explanation an "innocent miscommunication":
The injured Walters is understood to have contacted the FAI yesterday, as it became apparent that his particular case was an innocent miscommunication.
The Stoke forward fractured a bone in his shoulder eight weeks ago, but played through the problem as the club reached the FA Cup final. Walters had another scan after his team’s defeat to Wigan on Sunday, when it was revealed the injury had been aggravated. He reportedly explained that to the FAI yesterday.
It seems that Walters was crocked by Gary Caldwell on Sunday. I am really beginning to hate Caldwell, Wigan and Martinez!
McDonnell quotes Walters as being gutted to be missing out.
In fairness to Walters, he doesnt appear to be the type to mess around. Has been a part of the Irish set up (U21s etc) for a number of years now. Still this whole communication issue with both sides at fault needs to be addressed. Happening too often.
So I take it then that Walters is out of the Macedonia game? Bloody great, because we badly needed him there.
Seems that way. At the moment our striking options are simply Keane, Long, Cox and Keogh. Although there are rumours Best is fit and might join up. So much for all those strikers we had floating around. It also make Stokes' self-exile even more ludicrous.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
If Cox plays another blinder against the Scots then he has a chance of making the starting 11.
"If God had meant football to be played in the air, he'd have put grass in the sky." Brian Clough.
You'll NEVER beat the Irish.......you'll just draw with us instead!!!
I would agree with that. He's had a good 2nd half of the season, and he is definitely an adequate replacement for Doyle. Also, it means the hoof ball that has been prevalent, has to stop, and we'll have to have a more composed, possession retained game to utilise what we have.
While the Cox effect of the other night was arousing, lets see if he can come up with something as pulsating against the Scots, he then could be regarded as top shelf. Doesn't disguise the fact that in the absence of a target man ala Doyle or Walters for balls to jizzed up to, this Cox just isn't wooden enough.
Oh mother of.....
Last edited by Kingdom; 26/05/2011 at 11:26 AM.
Here they come! It’s the charge of the “Thanks” Brigade!
I'd say Long and Keane have to sown up if they stay fit, but Cox must be first option off the bench - bet he didn't think he'd already be third choice for a big game.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
Cox in the box
Seems that way. At the moment our striking options are simply Keane, Long, Cox and Keogh. Although there are rumours Best is fit and might join up. So much for all those strikers we had floating around. It also make Stokes' self-exile even more ludicrous.
Couldn't agree more about Stokes. Never met him but I'm told he's related to me - distant second cousin. Even so, I say good effing riddance to him? If you want to know tiredness Anthony, try steppin into some of the Irish or Celtic fans shoes for a while.
Could Ward be a serious option up front, or back-up at least? He's played there for Wolves although I can't say I've any idea of how effective he is there.
Gary Doherty Mk.II?
Absolutely. He started out as a striker/left wing for Bohs, scoring goals and playing as an attacker is how he made his reputation and what engineered a move to Wolves in the first place. Also I haven't watched him enough this season to be sure, but his most impressive appearances this season appear to have come up front or behind the striker. Plus he scored the winner when playing up front against Liverpool. He would definitely be a serious option.
Harsh!
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
Further exoneration for Walters apparently
Pulis claims he offered to fly over to have his shoulder checked but that the FAI said it was OK not to.
No clarification on Wilson though.
Whelan came over, went back, and is coming over again on Monday.
Who was it that said Stoke laid on a bus to take the 3 of them to the airport? Stoke themselves?
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