Squad for Cyprus

[Wheels]

Anyone know when this will be announced?

[irishultra]

Fenlon names the u-23 squad today and I presume it thats when the senior squad list will be released to the press.

[Wheels]

Thanks, will keep an eye out. With a few injuries we might get a few 'surprise' inclusions...

Delap? McCann? McCarthy?

Delap might be a good bet actually, with Finnan, S. Reid, and possibly Kelly and Miller out... his versatility and good form might get him a call.

[third policeman]

Thanks, will keep an eye out. With a few injuries we might get a few 'surprise' inclusions...

Delap? McCann? McCarthy?

Delap might be a good bet actually, with Finnan, S. Reid, and possibly Kelly and Miller out... his versatility and good form might get him a call.



Miller out? You've just made my day.

[Wheels]

Ah I like Miller, but I hope Andy gets a shot at the position. We're at home, against a team we should be able to outgun in midfield... he should be given the chance to impress.

[Wheels]

Well they named the U23's... but still no sign of the senior squad. I guess he's taking an extra few days, seeing as we're not playing until Wed. But I'd have liked to see the squad together for those few days and keep building the understanding. Especially with the injuries forcing a couple of changes in vital parts of the team.

[irishultra]

I honestly think Fahey with the injuries to S.Reid and Liam Miller should be a shoe in for this squad. I'd personally prefer Garvan in because he's younger and style is very good but since he's in the u-21's we need a creative midfielder especially if something was to happen to andy reid.

[tetsujin1979]

Dunne will be in the squad according to Man City's website: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid={DBD12D53-8346-431D-A04F-5D0F8664DE80}&newsid=6619918

Blues skipper Richard Dunne will face Cypriot opposition for the second time within a couple of weeks when Ireland take on Cyprus at Croke Park on October 15thNo great shock there to be honest

[NeilMcD]

Squad is being named tomorrow as it was always going to be named.

[Scram]

Squad is being named tomorrow as it was always going to be named.

I reckon it will be named "Republic of Ireland"....what do you reckon?


:o

[NeilMcD]

Eire I think ha ha !!!

[dr_peepee]

Steven Ireland's gonna be a surprise inclusion in the squad!!!!

I can feel it in me waters!!!

[Sligo Hornet]

Steven Ireland's gonna be a surprise inclusion in the squad!!!!

I can feel it in me waters!!!

No wonder you're called "pee";)

[Stuttgart88]

Irish Times confirms what we've been fearing: Steven Reid almost certainly out, Finnan definitely out. Miller a major doubt (thank God).

I'd go for McShane at RB with some reservations. Steven Reid's replacement is less obvious. Andy Reid may get his chance. O'Brien or Garvan would be more of a like-for-like replacement though.

[Wheels]

Squad is being named tomorrow as it was always going to be named.

Any idea of time? Still no mention on the fai website.

[NeilMcD]

I think its either 2pm or 3pm

[NeilMcD]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/mccann-has-earned-irish-call-1491633.html

I would have Joey O Brien and right back and Andy Reid in centre midfield. Little fuss and both players playing in positions that they are comfortable O Brian had an nightmare against Cyprus in central midfield the last time and I would not have him there with Whelan. We need somebody brave in midfield who is prepared to show the moral courage (I sound like Johnny Giles here) to get on the ball and dictate the play. Andy Reid would do that, and Joey O Brien would have the pace and the physical strength and height to play as full back. We would have a fine big back line of O Brien, O Shea, Dunne and Kilbane. Duff coming in for Hunt and that would be my team.

[Wheels]

What about Whelans fitness levels?? Hasn't been in Stokes team... t.g. it's only Cyprus at home, not Italy away!!

[Noelys Guitar]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/mccann-has-earned-irish-call-1491633.html

I would have Joey O Brien and right back and Andy Reid in centre midfield. Little fuss and both players playing in positions that they are comfortable O Brian had an nightmare against Cyprus in central midfield the last time and I would not have him there with Whelan. We need somebody brave in midfield who is prepared to show the moral courage (I sound like Johnny Giles here) to get on the ball and dictate the play. Andy Reid would do that, and Joey O Brien would have the pace and the physical strength and height to play as full back. We would have a fine big back line of O Brien, O Shea, Dunne and Kilbane. Duff coming in for Hunt and that would be my team.

I agree with you Neil but doubt that O'Brien will leap ahead of McShane in Trap's pecking order. O'Brien for me has more guile than McShane, but at least McShane is getting playing time with a team on the up. Andy Reid covered a lot of ground (no pun intended) for Sunderland against Arsenal. His passing was a bit off (weather maybe?) but he tracked back and really got stuck in. Against quality opposition he looked as good as anything Arsenal had in midfield. I have no doubts about playing Reid alongside Whelan against Cyprus.

[shakermaker1982]

Duff and Joe Murphy in. S Reid, S Kelly and Finnan out. Breaking news on rte.....

[Closed Account]

Duff and Joe Murphy in. S Reid, S Kelly and Finnan out. Breaking news on rte.....
Given
Kiely
Murphy

O'Shea
Dunne
Bruce
McShane
Kilbane
Delaney

Reid
Miller
O'Brien
McGeady
Duff
Hunt
Whelan

Doyle
Keane
Keogh
Long
Murphy

[Drumcondra 69er]

Given
Kiely
Murphy

O'Shea
Dunne
Bruce
McShane
Kilbane
Delaney

Reid
Miller
O'Brien
McGeady
Duff
Hunt
Whelan

Doyle
Keane
Keogh
Long
Murphy

Is that confirmed? Very very light at right back.

[colster]

Is that confirmed? Very very light at right back.

O'Shea, O'Brien and McShane can and have played right back.

[Closed Account]

Is that confirmed? Very very light at right back.
Not confirmed, just a guess based on last squad, omissions, additions and only 21 named. I imagine some will be added from the B squad based on performance, training etc.

[Stuttgart88]

O'Shea, O'Brien and McShane can and have played right back.
As has Bruce. I think O'Shea must only be considered at CB for this game.

[colster]

As has Bruce. I think O'Shea must only be considered at CB for this game.

I agree. From that squad i'd choose either O'Brien or MacShane to replace Finnan and leave the rest of the back 4 alone.

My team would be

Given

McShane Dunne O'Shea Kilbane

McGeady Whelan A.Reid Duff

Doyle Keane.

Picks itself really.

[noddy102]

O'Brien should be there instead of McShane, otherwise I agree.
McShane is a liability no matter where he plays.

[tetsujin1979]

I'd go along with that Colster. Slight, very slight, possibility of Joey O'Brien playing ahead of Andy Reid, as he's the closest in the squad to Steven Reid
It'll be McShane at right full, he's playing there regularly for Hull, and not doing too badly. Joey O'Brien has been playing in centre midfield for Bolton, when he does play.

[stickyjoe]

My team would be

Given

McShane Dunne O'Shea Kilbane

McGeady Whelan A.Reid Duff

Doyle Keane.

Picks itself really.

Would go with that team except Joey O Brien in instead of McShane

[Closed Account]

Hasn't Trappatoni previously shown a preference for a Miller/Whelan midfield? He may have a different choice of tactic at home though and Miller may eventually pull out with injury. I'd have McShane at right back. Suffers from confidence but he should be full of it at the moment with Hulls recent performances. I hope if he is picked the supporters get behind him.

[Sligo Hornet]

Squad confirmed:

The Republic of Ireland squad is:
Shay Given (Newcastle United), Dean Kiely (West Brom), Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United), Alex Bruce (Ipswich Town), Damien Delaney (QPR), Richard Dunne (Manchester City) , Kevin Kilbane (Wigan Athletic), Joey O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers), John O'Shea (Manchester United), Paul McShane (Sunderland), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Aiden McGeady (Glasgow Celtic), Damien Duff (Newcastle United), Liam Miller (Sunderland), Andy Reid (Sunderland), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Robbie Keane (Liverpool), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Shane Long (Reading), Daryl Murphy (Sunderland).

[Juanace]

I hope if he is picked the supporters get behind him


Why wouldn't we?

[noddy102]

Why wouldn't we?

Cause he has red hair.

[Closed Account]

Sorry, not suggesting we wouldn't. What I mean is, McShane deserves to play right back ahead of anyone else in the squad, with the best performances in that position at the highest level.

[NeilMcD]

I think a small squad and one or two will come up from the B Squad I think

[Drumcondra 69er]

O'Shea, O'Brien and McShane can and have played right back.

And O'Brien is the only one that would give me any confidence and he's not played there recently.

O'Shea needs to stay at Centre hjalf now that he's found some form and McShane is very weak for me....

[Razors left peg]

I hate critisising any of the selections in the squad but it makes no sense to me how Shane Long is in the squad ahead of Noel Hunt, the lad is on fire at the moment and Long cant get near the Reading team because of him. I know Trap is conservative and likes to go with what he knows but its frustrating. As is the continued selection of Liam Miller

[Closed Account]

I hate critisising any of the selections in the squad but it makes no sense to me how Shane Long is in the squad ahead of Noel Hunt, the lad is on fire at the moment and Long cant get near the Reading team because of him. I know Trap is conservative and likes to go with what he knows but its frustrating. As is the continued selection of Liam Miller
From FAI.ie
Duff returns to Republic of Ireland squad for World Cup qualifier against Cyprus (http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3673)

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Noel Hunt has been withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for Thursday's Senior International friendly match against Nottingham Forest at Dalymount Park. The Reading striker suffered concussion during his club’s game against Burnley on Saturday which forced him to be substituted.I'd imagine he might of been involved after the B friendly against Notts Forest. Certainly has been more impressive than Long, Keogh or Murphy this season.

[Razors left peg]

From FAI.ie
Duff returns to Republic of Ireland squad for World Cup qualifier against Cyprus (http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3673)
I'd imagine he might of been involved after the B friendly against Notts Forest. Certainly has been more impressive than Long, Keogh or Murphy this season.


forgot about that concussion....Sorry Mr Trapattoni:)

[lionelhutz]

Hasn't Trappatoni previously shown a preference for a Miller/Whelan midfield? He may have a different choice of tactic at home though and Miller may eventually pull out with injury. I'd have McShane at right back. Suffers from confidence but he should be full of it at the moment with Hulls recent performances. I hope if he is picked the supporters get behind him.

I'd be more worried if Miller plays. He's an absolute failure and I think there could be disastrous consequences if he starts against Cyprus. I pray that Trap has realised how poor he is.

[Jicked]

I hate critisising any of the selections in the squad but it makes no sense to me how Shane Long is in the squad ahead of Noel Hunt, the lad is on fire at the moment and Long cant get near the Reading team because of him. I know Trap is conservative and likes to go with what he knows but its frustrating. As is the continued selection of Liam Miller

Jaysus, some people don't seem to have a clue.

Long has been in the squad for a couple of years now, has been involved with Trap in all of his squads and the Portugal breaks. He knows his international teammates, knows what system and style Trap wants to play and has experience of playing (and scoring) in international games. Yes Noel has been better than Long in recent weeks, but its hardly the time to throw in a rookie, especially when you can wait until the B international v. Forest (if he was fit) or the upcoming friendlies to have a look at Hunt, meet with him and discuss/show him what Trap wants from his strikers. Its not simply a case of throwing together the 'Team of the Week' ffs.

And fwiw, as a Rovers fan I'd love nothing more than to see Noel get capped, but this game isn't the time when he's never even been involved in a squad before.

[Razors left peg]

Jaysus, some people don't seem to have a clue.

Long has been in the squad for a couple of years now, has been involved with Trap in all of his squads and the Portugal breaks. He knows his international teammates, knows what system and style Trap wants to play and has experience of playing (and scoring) in international games. Yes Noel has been better than Long in recent weeks, but its hardly the time to throw in a rookie, especially when you can wait until the B international v. Forest (if he was fit) or the upcoming friendlies to have a look at Hunt, meet with him and discuss/show him what Trap wants from his strikers. Its not simply a case of throwing together the 'Team of the Week' ffs.

And fwiw, as a Rovers fan I'd love nothing more than to see Noel get capped, but this game isn't the time when he's never even been involved in a squad before.

How does saying that I think Noel Hunt is a better player than Long equate to me not having a clue? Hunt has been more prolific in time at Reading than Long ever has, plus he has been prolific in the SPL too... Anyway as has been pointed out to me Hunt is ruled out because of injury so my point doesnt matter this time around

[theworm2345]

Jaysus, some people don't seem to have a clue.

Long has been in the squad for a couple of years now, has been involved with Trap in all of his squads and the Portugal breaks. He knows his international teammates, knows what system and style Trap wants to play and has experience of playing (and scoring) in international games. Yes Noel has been better than Long in recent weeks, but its hardly the time to throw in a rookie, especially when you can wait until the B international v. Forest (if he was fit) or the upcoming friendlies to have a look at Hunt, meet with him and discuss/show him what Trap wants from his strikers. Its not simply a case of throwing together the 'Team of the Week' ffs.

And fwiw, as a Rovers fan I'd love nothing more than to see Noel get capped, but this game isn't the time when he's never even been involved in a squad before.

Shane Long has something like 12 goals in all competition over the past 4 years, Hunt had more than that last year alone (albeit in the SPL, but Long didn't even get it done in the CCC). Yes, he bagged a couple against a lackluster Denmark and one against Bolivia/Ecuador (I can't remember), but unless he starts scoring in the league I'll have no choice but to assume those were flukes. He is still young though. in my opinion he should be in the u21s, not the senior squad.

Also, if we go by your reasoning of international experience and knowing the teammates there are two other guys with 9 goals (1 each against Cyprus as well) and over 30 caps I can think of who should be in there (and both were Trap's first squad, though ones hurt)

[eirebhoy]

The Herald says that Trap confirmed already that McShane, O'Shea, Dunne and Kilbane will be his defence vs Cyprus. They also said Miller will almost certainly come in for S.Reid.

[shakermaker1982]

The Herald says that Trap confirmed already that McShane, O'Shea, Dunne and Kilbane will be his defence vs Cyprus. They also said Miller will almost certainly come in for S.Reid.

God help us if Miller gets a starting berth.

[Scram]

Eire I think ha ha !!!

Doh!!

[Scram]

Miller's never had a bad game for us so I don't know where this hate brigade for him comes from. He's not or never has been a bad player or a liability. He's at worst an average player but I've always felt that he's held his own whenever he's played for us. I'd obviously take Andy Reid ahead of him but after that Miller should be next on everyone's list.

Miller's never had a good game for us! He's out of his depth. Average, maybe. Andy Reid offers so much more, as you say.

[third policeman]

Miller's never had a bad game for us so I don't know where this hate brigade for him comes from. He's not or never has been a bad player or a liability. He's at worst an average player but I've always felt that he's held his own whenever he's played for us. I'd obviously take Andy Reid ahead of him but after that Miller should be next on everyone's list.


Technically you may be right, as you have to be "in" the game in order to have a bad one. Miller's weakness is not that he does particularly bad things, makes poor passes etc, but that he simply is not engaged in what's happening around him. In the Columbia and Serbia games he was a complete passenger. Playing Miller and Whelan is in my view tantamount to not having a midfield at all. We are going to rely 100% on the wide players to create chances, which with Keane and Doyle as our strike force seems like an optimistic approach.

I know Trap's a tactical genius and I am an opinionated arse-hole but I just dont understand what's going on with our midfield selections at the minute.

[Brendan 82]

I feel the same way as you do third policeman but if they beat Cyprus comfortably I will STFU

[third policeman]

I feel the same way as you do third policeman but if they beat Cyprus comfortably I will STFU


Cheers Brendan. on this occasion humble-pie would be an appetising dish next Wednesday.