Up to the usual punditarena standards
I would say that this is the problem with social media and the wider internet providing a forum for writers like that. But then the old traditional broadsheet that is the Indo has hardly exercised its editorial judgement to great degree recently either on this topic.
Yeah, had a look at the rule again and it's one switch full stop (as long as you haven't played a senior competitive international), not one switch at underage and another at senior level, as they seem to be saying. Really, what's the point of this? Most of these players either haven't shown interest or aren't playing at a high enough level to make it worth Mick's while considering them, especially given his timescales - that's why he's right to focus on Rice and, maybe Bamford - Crowley has submitted his paperwork so doesn't need to be persuaded, just monitored. I mean, consider the players we do have - there are 20 outfield places in the squad - if we hold on to Rice and Robinson gets his rumoured move to an EPL club in January, then we will have 16 outfield players in the Premier League (8 defenders, 5 midfielders, and 3 forwards, assuming we use Rice as a midfielder).
We also have two outfield players in The Championship with over 100 EPL appearances each and extensive international experience. That leaves just two outfield places available and, given the recent form of the likes of McGoldrick, Egan, Maguire (when fit), O'Dowda (ditto), Hourihane, Browne, Williams, Keogh, Lenihan and Stevens (who all have at least a cap or two under their belts), along with a number of prospects who are close to a breakthrough, I don't see why Mick should be even thinking about many of the players on this list. I would even question if Bamford should be in the squad, if he switches to us - I would have Long, Obafemi and Robinson for sure, with the final place probably going to McGoldrick
Also, I just want to note that the proportion of the Irish squad currently playing in the English top-flight currently is similar to the proportion in the squads of '90 and '94
Last edited by samhaydenjr; 30/12/2018 at 3:11 AM.
Anyone know if the unionist lads in the north need an Irish passport to play rugby for Ireland?
I'm guessing the laws are much less stringent given lads can play after 3 year residency. No passport is required, its not a requirement John of IRB to have a passport to play for a country.
I'm a bloke,I'm an ocker
And I really love your knockers,I'm a labourer by day,
I **** up all me pay,Watching footy on TV,
Just feed me more VB,Just pour my beer,And get my smokes, And go away
No they don't. And similarly the Kiwis and Saffers in the squad can play and don't ever need to get an Irish passport (although getting one might make travel easier for them).
But you do need a passport for international soccer don’t you?
There’s lads playing rugby for Ireland who I’m not sure even have Irish citizenship. Crazy!
Kenny spoke on the Eamon Dunphy podcast on this topic. I won't quote him word for word on but I'll give the gist of it. Stated that dual nationality is a complex area but that he thinks that if there was a more cohesive approach between underage and senior management in years gone by then Grealish and Rice would still be with us because they are dual Nationals that do identify with Ireland and the path wouldn't have been as long as transpired. Seemed to be open to fast-tracking.
Not sure if he's totally correct there. But it is important to balance his point with the fact that he is openly selecting the best under 17 players at under 21 level and he name-checked Bazunu and Parrott to demonstrate the point. I can see an Ireland squad under him that looks a bit like the Welsh squad i.e. the best young players born in the country or another, so for every Ben Woodburn you could have a Harry Wilson.
Balls.ie summary:
https://www.balls.ie/football/stephe...podcast-413879
https://twitter.com/swearimnotpaul/s...982542336?s=19
Interview with Ryan seems to imply there have been some complications on his switch. Sweden are waiting in the wings and he is hedging his bets. We are his first choice so hopefully the FAI push it through.
Half full, half empty.
Bayern prospect Johansson's eligibility for Ireland thrown into doubt https://the42.ie/4750723
I think this will be cleared up. I hope. We are biased towards assuming the worst in scenarios like this.
The article from the 42 certainly makes Johansson look better -- it says his first choice is still Ireland. It sounds like he's just hedging his bets with Sweden. In the circumstances I'd prefer if he just shut up and waited or even better pledged to fight this all the way to play for Ireland, but maybe a bit much to ask in the circumstances.
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