Stephen Ireland

**Stuttgart88** · 27/04/2009, 5:36 PM

Can anyone saying that Ireland should be in the team please tell me exactly where in the team you'd play him and who else you would pick as a consequence?

I'm not saying he should be in or out, just asking the appropriate question. It'd a bogus statement just to say "he should be playing". Only a twit couldn't see that it's not that simple.

I've said a few times above how I would fit him in, but it'd be interesting to see what others think.

Having him the squad is a no-brainer though.

**Superhoops** · 27/04/2009, 7:22 PM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Can anyone saying that Ireland should be in the team please tell me exactly where in the team you'd play him and who else you would pick as a consequence?..

Pointless question. He is not available so why speculate?

**Stuttgart88** · 27/04/2009, 7:44 PM

Pointless & belligerent response.

Many here talk about him being a potentially great addition to the team and I personally think it's a necessary question to ask those people - to keep the whole "will he, won't he, should he, shouldn't he" debate in its proper context.

**carloz** · 27/04/2009, 7:45 PM

Disgrace that he hasn't won young player. Young has been good this season(very good at beginning, seriously tailed off since), but nobody can really argue he has been better than Ireland. However im sure the fact that Ireland has basically retired himself from international football for no reason whatsoever cost him votes and hence the award. Being voted for by other players means it sometimes reflects more than just who's played well over a given season and i have no doubt this cost Ireland

**theworm2345** · 27/04/2009, 7:53 PM

Originally Posted by carloz

Disgrace that...basically retired himself from international football for no reason whatsoever

Sums up this thread really

**Manblue** · 27/04/2009, 8:20 PM

Originally Posted by youngirish

Does anyone else realise Manblue is undoubtedly Stephen Ireland? Nearly everyone of his 51 posts mention the man and most praise the hairless sulk in a positive tone and defend his indefensible position regarding the national team.

He also posts inside information on the player from time to time.

Maybe he lost the young player of the year because all the Irish players got together and decided to vote for the overrated, headless chicken, Ashley Young realising he was Ireland's nearest competitor even though Ireland is a far better player.

Haha hands up,, you caught me there and taking time to read all my posts,, Good work detective.....

Sorry you are wrong though

**Stuttgart88** · 27/04/2009, 8:58 PM

Originally Posted by carloz

Disgrace that he hasn't won young player.

Didn't Rooney beat John O'Shea to the same award a few years back, despite Rooney having done little other than announce his arrival against Arsenal? O'Shea played most of the season, Rooney played only a few games.

**Manblue** · 27/04/2009, 9:01 PM

English players will always get more votes as its a glorified popularity contest,
Evans and gabby Agbon also finished ahead of him

**bellavistaman** · 27/04/2009, 10:10 PM

Oh my god, OMFG, im watching the awards there stephen ireland didnt even finish in the top 3 for young player, im insulted. What has football become at all. Johnny Evans and agbonlahor ahead of him. Christ thats fairly bad tbf.

**seanfhear** · 27/04/2009, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by bellavistaman

Oh my god, OMFG, im watching the awards there stephen ireland didnt even finish in the top 3 for young player, im insulted. What has football become at all. Johnny Evans and agbonlahor ahead of him. Christ thats fairly bad tbf.

It looks like Stephen is not that popular with his fellow professionals as I would say that he has had the best season of the five nominees.

**Greenbod** · 27/04/2009, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by bellavistaman

Oh my god, OMFG, im watching the awards there stephen ireland didnt even finish in the top 3 for young player, im insulted. What has football become at all. Johnny Evans and agbonlahor ahead of him. Christ thats fairly bad tbf.

Hey it's hardly surprising.....three current internationals finished ahead of a mid-table club player...Wish all three were Irish!

**Manblue** · 27/04/2009, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by seanfhear

It looks like Stephen is not that popular with his fellow professionals as I would say that he has had the best season of the five nominees.

Prob true but the majority of the time the players dont even fill these forms out and the club rep is left to do it for all the players

**Superhoops** · 27/04/2009, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by Manblue

Prob true but the majority of the time the players dont even fill these forms out and the club rep is left to do it for all the players

Not that popular with club reps either

**Colbert Report** · 27/04/2009, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by Manblue

Prob true but the majority of the time the players dont even fill these forms out and the club rep is left to do it for all the players

How do you know this? Are you Stephen Ireland or one of his teammates or something?

**SkStu** · 28/04/2009, 2:55 AM

4/5 says its his granny. The first one he killed.

**irishfan86** · 28/04/2009, 9:00 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Can anyone saying that Ireland should be in the team please tell me exactly where in the team you'd play him and who else you would pick as a consequence?

I'm not saying he should be in or out, just asking the appropriate question. It'd a bogus statement just to say "he should be playing". Only a twit couldn't see that it's not that simple.

I've said a few times above how I would fit him in, but it'd be interesting to see what others think.

Having him the squad is a no-brainer though.

Start him on the bench. Bring him on for one of the wingers, or even Robbie Keane's role if needed (I think this is where we'd see his best form).

If we were chasing a game I would consider dropping one of our central midfielders (Whelan/Andrews/Gibson) and let him drive from midfield.

**lionelhutz** · 28/04/2009, 9:06 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Can anyone saying that Ireland should be in the team please tell me exactly where in the team you'd play him and who else you would pick as a consequence?

I'm not saying he should be in or out, just asking the appropriate question. It'd a bogus statement just to say "he should be playing". Only a twit couldn't see that it's not that simple.

I've said a few times above how I would fit him in, but it'd be interesting to see what others think.

Having him the squad is a no-brainer though.

I'd definitely have him as a starter but in what position would depend on the opposition. For example, if he came back now for the remaining games I'd start him on the right against Bulgaria with the freedom thats given to McGeady. I think it'll be of the utmost importance to hold possession in Sofia and McGeady wouldn't be anywhere near as good at that as Ireland.

I'd play him in the same position against Cyprus for the above reasons but I'd put him in centre midfield for the home games against Italy and Montenegro. His workrate has improved immensely since he last played for Ireland and I think he'd excel in the middle in the home games cause the opposition won't be intent on attacking and Ireland could make the telling contribution to break them down.

If Stephen Reid is fit for the last three games, I'd play Reid and Andrews in the middle against Cyprus with Ireland on the right, and I'd play Reid and Ireland in the middle for the two home games. I think they would be an excellent combination.

**tetsujin1979** · 28/04/2009, 10:24 AM

from http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....real_superhero

Club skipper and erstwhile Republic of Ireland team-mate Dunne admits that he has stopped asking the 22-year-old when he might re-sign on for duty in the green of his country but is nonetheless glowing about Ireland's season of brilliance that is likely to eclipse all-comers in City fans' own player poll to be taken in the coming weeks.

**seanfhear** · 28/04/2009, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by Superhoops

Not that popular with club reps either

I suppose, how popular can a Granny Killer be !

**livehead1** · 09/05/2009, 5:06 PM

Was asked about his future with Ireland today and said "to be honest it doesn't look as if i'll ever go back". Seemed to indicate he just doesn't like international football.