Stephen Ireland

[Stuttgart88]

Funny thing is, I don't think he did that well for Bent's goal, in the sense that he gave Cech every chance. He gave Bent plenty to do still and he could have drawn Cech better.

His self-imposed exile is one thing, but again it's got to be said that he's a final third player and would have no place in Trap's thinking as a central midfielder in a 4-4-2.

4-4-1-1 maybe, but quite frankly I'd prefer to see Hoolahan in that role. He too can pass well and is very busy, probably better at dictating the tempo than Ireland. Ireland is a decent player who arrives late, but without the rest of the package that Scholes was able to bring.

[geysir]

From what i've seen of Ireland, he's definitely more mobile than Hoolahan, he may well do his best work in the opposition half but he does cover, whereas Hoolahan rarely moves into his own half of the pitch. He does most of his game around the D. Then again, I have only seen Hoolahan against Tottenham, a quite ineffective role on the day.
Just on football ability alone, Ireland would have a much better chance to get into our team.

mark12345

That's the point I'm making - there are alternatives. Ireland is not my cup of tea as a person, but Trap does like him.

Ireland is not an available alternative. He is the one to get his game together consistently and then step forward to make amends in regards to his international future. As it stands now, the chances of that happening are zero.

[Charlie Darwin]

If current form is maintained on a semi-consistent basis for the remainder of the season, the positons of Whelan and Andrews in the national team have to be under threat.

He's played one game. One game isn't "form".

[mark12345]

Agreed, one game doesn't make it form.

Lads, take out a gun and shoot me why don't ya. All I'm saying is there are alternatives to our present midfield duo. As Stuttgart quite rightly points out, Hoolahan would also be a good option. So there's another one, making it Hoolahan, McCarthy, (I won't even mention Ireland at this point) and Ciaran Clark, and let's not forget Robbie as a creative midfielder, as options to the Whelan and Andrews. Whelan and Andrews should not be guaranteed places at this point. And for those who keep talking about people fitting into schemes, how can you say this player or that won't work in a scheme if he is never tried?

[Charlie Darwin]

Andrews is essential for our midfield - he's the best Irish midfielder by a long way this season. His partner is up for debate. I'd love to see Ireland, Gibson and McCarthy competing to be his partner, but at the moment McCarthy is the only one putting his hand up. Whelan is playing well enough to keep his place.

[tricky_colour]

http://watchhighlightsonline.blogspo...a-stephen.html

Ireland goal if you missed it.

[Murfinator]

In the bbc team of the week

Scored his first goal in two years and unselfishly laid on Villa's third for Darren Bent in an outstanding individual display by the Irishman. He exposed David Luiz's defensive frailties and made Chelsea look pedestrian at times.

[Murfinator]

let's not forget Robbie as a creative midfielder,

I rather would forget it, its a total myth that he can play that role.

[mark12345]

I rather would forget it, its a total myth that he can play that role.

Myth?

He and Duffer (before McGeady came along) were the only two players who, for ten years after Roy Keane, could take possession of the ball in the opposition half, control it, and make things happen. Fact is Robbie has always been creative with his movement and passing so it's a perfect fit for me. Plus he's lost that yard of pace he needs to be chasing balls into the box. Robbie playing behind the front two of Long and Walters (or Doyle) and feeding them through balls, works for me.

[tetsujin1979]

Myth?

He and Duffer (before McGeady came along) were the only two players who, for ten years after Roy Keane, could take possession of the ball in the opposition half, control it, and make things happen. Fact is Robbie has always been creative with his movement and passing so it's a perfect fit for me. Plus he's lost that yard of pace he needs to be chasing balls into the box. Robbie playing behind the front two of Long and Walters (or Doyle) and feeding them through balls, works for me.

Andy Reid?

[Murfinator]

https://rapidshare.com/#!download|164tl|825632260|ireland3.wmv|145724|R~7 47E3B0FBB6CEB24B4882B66D56DE7D7|0|0

Video download of his play against Chelsea. His flicks and interplay was on a different planet, even his tracking back and defensive work was fantastic.

[drummerboy]

One swallow doesn't make a summer. This certainly applies to SI.

[amaccann]

Any other player I'd suggest we keep an eye on him, in case he'd be a good choice for the Tournament squad.

Stephen Ireland? Given how much Trap stresses the importance of team unity & a happy camp, I can't see how including someone as notorious & potentially unpopular as him would be a good move. To abandon his country's team in the way that he did, and then to be rewarded with a spot on the plane, this would be bound to have a negative effect on the squad.

Keep him out of the Ireland squad until he grows up a little. We don't need another tournament with ructions in the camp.

[tricky_colour]

https://rapidshare.com/#!download|164tl|825632260|ireland3.wmv|145724|R~7 47E3B0FBB6CEB24B4882B66D56DE7D7|0|0

Video download of his play against Chelsea. His flicks and interplay was on a different planet, even his tracking back and defensive work was fantastic.

file not found

[geysir]

Surly not an actual dead link?

[tricky_colour]

Surly not an actual dead link?

Actually It does seem to work if you copy the text.
But clicking the link would not work in my browser.

This one might though.

https://rapidshare.com/#!download|16...66D56DE7D7|0|0

and indeed it does.

[geysir]

That would be in line with the many previous false alarms over dead links to SI.

[mark12345]

Yeah Andy was good, no doubt about. Pity about his limited opportunities.

[SkStu]

That would be in line with the many previous false alarms over dead links to SI.

if its any consolation Geysir, i got it the first time...

[SkStu]

was subbed on 68 today for Marc "Headless Chicken" Albrighton.

I hope his impressive run of form starts again sometime...