Stephen Ireland

**Lionel Ritchie** · 13/11/2013, 8:17 AM

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

The real question after all this time, is he good enough? I would say doubtful...

It's a valid question AB. Being certain he's a tool is one thing. Being certain he's the tool for the job is another.

I don't think he'll be back anyway now that it's been confirmed that the FAI never even considered making his Da manager thus enabling Stephen to run home to tell Mama if he didn't get picked.

If the remark about having til next September to decide is genuine, coupled with the "I've a lot to think about" nonsense, well then he should be left in peace with his profound thoughts.

**Stuttgart88** · 13/11/2013, 8:21 AM

I was just reading Malachy Clerkin in the Irish Times. O'Neill didn't try and coax him back. He was asked what his position on Stephen Ireland was and he simply replied that if Keane can return after Saipan then anyone can. He said that he had a big issue with John Hartson one time and it was resolved, and Stephen Ireland is smaller than Hartson!

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/socc...1592579?page=2

Edit: in fact O'Neill says a bit more about Ireland in this article, saying he doesn't know him well, he wasn't instrumental in signing him for Villa, and yesterday he seemed to put the ball in Ireland's court.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/socc...lash-1.1592364

Sorry, I'd quote the relevant paragraphs but its not that easy to cut and paste from an iPad.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 13/11/2013, 8:37 AM

He's had more than enough guff written about him;a link is more than sufficient.

**tricky_colour** · 13/11/2013, 3:52 PM

http://dai.ly/x1716aj

Walters and Ireland's goals from the Swansea match, Ireland took his goal well as did Walters

**swinfordfc** · 14/11/2013, 2:49 PM

Ireland at the minute should not be in the panel - let's see in the new year!

**Fixer82** · 14/11/2013, 3:15 PM

Premiership midfielder popping up with a goal every few weeks. He warrants a place in the squad

**Stuttgart88** · 14/11/2013, 3:27 PM

Originally Posted by swinfordfc

Ireland at the minute should not be in the panel - let's see in the new year!

Martin O'Neill has been outed.

**Crosby87** · 23/11/2013, 12:50 PM

Robbie: He must choose now. (Also plugs 29 year old MLS player for possible Ireland call up.)
http://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/socc...-warns-2836702

**Crosby87** · 23/11/2013, 12:54 PM

And while Sparky lauds the "Triple W" of Walters, Wilson and Whelan, he says it is "too soon" for SI to return to intl football.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/4961/...turn-says-mark

**DannyInvincible** · 23/11/2013, 4:57 PM

If he's ready to play in the Premier League, why wouldn't he be ready to play international football? He's not been injured or anything, has he?

**SkStu** · 23/11/2013, 8:28 PM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

He's not been injured or anything, has he?

He was carrying a bruised ego for some time. They can be a divil to get over...

**SkStu** · 07/12/2013, 3:59 PM

Just seen his goal against Chelsea. It was a lovely curled left footed shot from outside the right of the area in off the far post. Apparently he missed a great chance to put Stoke 3-2 up before Assaidi did with a stonker of a shot. They switched over after the Liverpool game so caught the last 5 mins and Wilson was a rock - the commentator mentioned he'd been a commanding presence.

**tricky_colour** · 07/12/2013, 5:01 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhlDfDUkGII
goal above until it is remove, poor quality video though, but it's a nice finish, almost a nonchalant strike