Keiren Westwood G Crewe Alexandra b.1984

[OwlsFan]

Westwood didn't play in the 4-1 defeat at the weekend by Bristol City. Westwood pulled out in the warm-up due to illness so he missed the hammering. Not sure of the nature of his illness.

[Charlie Darwin]

Westwood didn't play in the 4-1 defeat at the weekend by Bristol City. Westwood pulled out in the warm-up due to illness so he missed the hammering. Not sure of the nature of his illness.

He thought it was an international.

[OwlsFan]

He thought it was an international.

Don't think so because he was due to start the game and not play second fiddle to inferior players.

[geysir]

It just goes to prove that you can't depend on him to turn up, even when he's selected to play.

[SkStu]

if any of you find yourselves doubting Westwood and his squad pull outs, just remember he's a good Catholic lad. Jesus has forgiven him- so should we.

[Closed Account]

if any of you find yourselves doubting Westwood and his squad pull outs, just remember he's a good Catholic lad. Jesus has forgiven him- so should we.

I guess you're right, just a shame in this day and age that he still thinks it's better to pull out than to just show up with proper protection.

[SkStu]

He'd rather sit on a bible than sit on the bench!

[OwlsFan]

Did well on Saturday and some of his kick-outs had pinpoint accuracy. Has equalled last season's club record of shut outs and another one against Wolves this weekend will see the record broken although he could be rested.

What's the word on Given?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-consistent-keiren-westwood-thrives-on-the-big-stage-1-7928946

“He had a period where he had some problems. After his last physical problem, he has been fantastic. He came back very strong. He is playing fantastically after the injury, he is strong and in his best shape of the season.”

[DannyInvincible]

Note the colour of his gloves and the tricolour.

I recall when he started against England in the friendly last year, he also sang 'Amhrán na bhFiann', so he obviously has strong sentiment for his heritage. Odd then that his commitment/reliability appears to be in question.

Here's a fan video of the anthem:

[paul_oshea]

And that M'Lord is all the evidence we need

[DannyInvincible]

And that M'Lord is all the evidence we need

Well, that and his Catholicism, of course!

[OwlsFan]

I don't doubt his commitment to Ireland. I doubt his commitment to being No. 3 (sometimes 4) on the Irish team to what he and many of the rest of us perceive are inferior players. I have to be honest and confess I noticed this in a kick around before an Irish game when the keepers came out. Westwood was totally disinterested and he just messed around - can't remember which game but for obvious biased reasons I was keeping an eye on him and thought his behaviour strange. I can understand it but not condone it (I sound like the Hibs' manager last Saturday). The fate of a No. 3 keeper is a lonely one.

[paul_oshea]

I think thats footballers, or many sportspeople, you see it when they retire as well they don't have much interest in following their country or club to a lesser extent). I mentioned it before but I think this is a prime example of it.

Their interest is only as far(or lasts as lomg) as their own participation.

That's why I really admire and respect Robbie. And I really hope he gets a chance or two(to play) out in France, because I also think he could still nick a goal, and certainly finish a penalty.

[DeLorean]

Bonner - Issues holding Westwood back (rte.ie)

[DannyInvincible]

Packie is of the opinion that Randolph, Given and Forde will make the final squad, but it's nothing more than speculation. As far as I can make out, he has absolutely no inside info on who'll get the shout and he's very vague about these alleged "issues". Does he actually know the score? Doesn't sound like it. He's just basing his call on a hunch and even admits, "I could be totally wrong".

[DeLorean]

Oh yeah, in fairness Packie was very clear that he knew no more than ourselves. He's obviously just going by O'Neill's comments on Westwood in the past I guess. I wonder will O'Neill save Westwood or Forde the bother of joining up with the squad if they're not going to make the cut? It would seem a bit much dragging them over to basically tell them they haven't made it, and is there much point in being involved against Belarus if they haven't?

[paul_oshea]

The romantic in me, would like to see a place afforded to ...sorry. Forde is 36, and he is not our goalkeeping future, however he probably would be very happy just to be on the plane and 3rd choice, which says a lot about the man himself.

The tough decision is to bring Westwood over Forde, because he is more of our future than Fordey.

[TrapAPony]

One is a top championship goalkeeper (could yet be Premiership by the end of the week) the other is permanently benched at League 1 level & has always been an average keeper. If the criteria is re International experience then that is ridiculous too as Forde has only 5 caps more. Bringing Westwood over Forde is the most simple decision MON could make. Obvious choices are Randolph, Westwood & Given.

[Stuttgart88]

I agree unless there is some sort of personality clash within the keepers clique themselves, which I doubt there is.