Republic of Ireland V Cyprus - Wednesday, 15th October 2008 - World Cup 2010 Q

[shakermaker1982]

I'd have an inexperienced Gibson over Miller every day of the week. Miller lacks bite and drifts out of games way too much for my liking. Unlucky Reidy.

[Duggie]

miller isnt that bad, true id have reid in over him any day but it would be a gamble playing gibson IMO. Miller has the talent, its just u want to shake him and get it out of him.

[jbyrne]

is gibson even getting regular football these days? if so, who with?

[Fergie's Son]

I'm very nervous over the midfield as they consistently ran over us in the midfield in the last 3 games we played against them (remember the 1-0 win under Kerr in Cyprus?). I really wish we had Carlsley. We need destruction in the middle with our wide men to be creative.

[Drumcondra 69er]

is gibson even getting regular football these days? if so, who with?

Came on for ManUre in a league cup game a few weeks back, that's been his lot as far as I know.

[Cloggs]

when is the team being announced for the game?

[geysir]

The Cyprus manager is turning to God (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2008/1014/ireland_cyprus.html) for help.

Midfielder Constantinos Charalambides is suspended
Michael Chrysostomos is out with a hip injury.

Fitness doubts over midfielder Marios Nikolaou, who has a foot problem, and strikers Michael Constantinou, with knee and ankle problems, and Yiasoumis Yiasoumi, who has a calf strain, but all three could yet make it.

[zenokelly]

You're right!

Team:

Republic of Ireland team to play Cyprus
Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Kevin Kilbane, John O’Shea, Paul McShane, Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Darron Gibson, Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle

From fai.ie

[NeilMcD]

Brave move but obviously Millers lack of physicality has meant him losing out

[Irish_Praha]

You're right!

Team:

Republic of Ireland team to play Cyprus
Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Kevin Kilbane, John O’Shea, Paul McShane, Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Darron Gibson, Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle

From fai.ie


Gawd a central MF pairing with how many first team appearances for their clubs in the last month? Or should I ask how many minutes of first team football between them?
Hope it works out.

BTW that lineup is a bit misleading. Where do O'shea and McShane play?

[zenokelly]

Ya I'll reserve judgement til tomorrow night, but it is a massive risk.

I'd have no probems playing Gibson alongside S.Reid (or A. Reid for that matter Trap:cool:) but to play him alongside another grossly inexperienced player could turn out to be costly.

Please God they have a weak midfield.

[shaneker]

Hmmm. Hope Trap knows what he's doing. In fairness every time I've seen Gibson (which is a handful at most) he looks good, he must be lethal in training. In Trap I trust - ask me after the game.

Be worth it just for the reaction on OWC.co.uk if he scores though!

(Just a joke, no need to start a debate about it)

[stiffler]

Wow, didnt see this coming....i wish the lad all the best tomorrow, im sure he will impress!

[Razors left peg]

well after the way Miller and Whelan were over run by Columbia Im glad to see that Trap doesnt want to try it again. Gibson must have done very well in training over the last week to make an impression and he is a lot more physical than Miller. Its a massive gamble but Miller has had his chance over the years and never taken it so maybe Gibson will grab his chance and be in the team for years to come.... heres hoping anyway

[yablazer]

Big big gamble. Not one to shy away from making big calls is our Trap. Anyone see him play for wolves?

[irishultra]

He can definetly pass the ball, but with an average player(not being mean to GW but its the truth) I'm not optimistic that this will work.

Edit:

He wasn't that good for Wolves, but his style of play doesn't suit lower league football. Look at a player like Michael Carrick, went on loan to first division teams as a youngster and didn't do anything of note.

The slower tempo of Int. football might play to his advantage but he really needs to show that Steven Reid 'personality'

[Splurge]

Its a risky central midfield pairing, but it'll be intresting, i vote YAY!

[eirebhoy]

I'm certainly a lot more excited about tomorrow's match than I would be if Miller was starting instead.

[third policeman]

Very brave decision, but it must be sickening for Reid. Gibson is a real enigma, if he was going to make it at United you imagine that he would have figured more in recent weeks when they have been without Carrick and Hargreaves. He didn't really make a big impact at Wolves either. McCann, Garvan and O'Toole have all been more consistent performers in the Championship. Hope it works out but it is a big big risk.

[irishfan86]

I think overall I'm happier with Gibson getting a chance over Miller, but as people have said here, it's a huge gamble.

On a side note, I find it interesting that most people are commending Trap's courage here for making a bold selection instead of calling him out for making a bizarre decision- we would have slaughtered Staunton for doing something similar.

In Trap's defense he was right about Whelan, O'Shea at centre-half, etc, but I still find the attitude about this questionable decision interesting.

Let's hope the gamble pays off tomorrow.

[SUB of the day]

I know a lot of the players are not regulars at their respective clubs,but the list of teams where our starting 11 are based is certainly impressive, when compared to the 3 British teams of Wales Scotland and NI.

[yablazer]

I think Staunton's decisions tended to be riduculed after it was clear that they had turned out to be the wrong ones. We'll see how Gibbo gets on 2m, cud go wither way. And anyway, as you've rightly pointed out, so far trap has been right more than he's been wrong. ah blazes i can't wait for 2m night

[Fergie's Son]

Shocked to be honest. I think he must have seen that Cyprus were too physical for Miller. Huge gamble but then again, this is Cyprus. At home.

Time to step up Mr. Gibson and do your country proud!

[eirebhoy]

On a side note, I find it interesting that most people are commending Trap's courage here for making a bold selection instead of calling him out for making a bizarre decision- we would have slaughtered Staunton for doing something similar.
That's Stan, this is Trap.. Trap gets the benefit of the doubt, fans genuinely felt they knew more than Stan and they probably did. :)

[Armando]

On a side note, I find it interesting that most people are commending Trap's courage here for making a bold selection instead of calling him out for making a bizarre decision- we would have slaughtered Staunton for doing something similar.

In Trap's defense he was right about Whelan, O'Shea at centre-half, etc, but I still find the attitude about this questionable decision interesting.

Let's hope the gamble pays off tomorrow.

Very good point....and I did slaughter Staunton for doing something similiar...
it was in this very same game against the cypriots last year that an inexperienced Joey O'Brien lined out in centre mid after excelling at centre half against Germany a few days earlier. However, the main absurdity as I saw it was not his lack of experience but the fact that he was shifted out of a position he proved himself in and now he was under pressure to prove himself all over again....and as we all know, and as I thought it would go before hand, he had a shocker. I felt very sorry for Joey O'Brien that night.

I don't agree with playing Gibson ahead of Andy Reid, especially at home, but have to admit he is a good like for like replacement for Steven Reid - same sort of composure on the ball and they're even a similiar build. One things for sure he will see more of the ball than any other irish player tomorrow so hopefully he steps up to the plate and has a blinder:ball:

[Razors left peg]

I think overall I'm happier with Gibson getting a chance over Miller, but as people have said here, it's a huge gamble.

On a side note, I find it interesting that most people are commending Trap's courage here for making a bold selection instead of calling him out for making a bizarre decision- we would have slaughtered Staunton for doing something similar.

In Trap's defense he was right about Whelan, O'Shea at centre-half, etc, but I still find the attitude about this questionable decision interesting.

Let's hope the gamble pays off tomorrow.

Its a fair point but at least Trap is explaining his decisions and has a set system that the players have to fit in to whereas Stan seemed to be making it up as he went along. He wants a physical presence in midfield and he obviously thinks having seen them in training that Gibson has more than Miller.
Its a gamble but with Trap you get the feeling that it is a highly calculated gamble rather than total guess work from Staunton

[charliesboots]

Hope Howard Wells enjoys watching Gibson playing for Ireland from the job queue tomorrow! :D

[richieos]

Darron Gibson will be thrown into the heat of World Cup battle on Wednesday night as Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni gambles on one of his new finds.
The 20-year-old Manchester United starlet will win his third senior cap alongside Glenn Whelan, who himself will be playing just his sixth full international game, against Cyprus at Croke Park.

opinions? personally i trust traps judgment completely and i dont think he'd make a decision like this without being confident. also i hope he doesnt break up the o'shea + dunne partnership but i dont think he will

[jmurphyc]

Its a fair point but at least Trap is explaining his decisions and has a set system that the players have to fit in to whereas Stan seemed to be making it up as he went along. He wants a physical presence in midfield and he obviously thinks having seen them in training that Gibson has more than Miller.
Its a gamble but with Trap you get the feeling that it is a highly calculated gamble rather than total guess work from Staunton

Also, a major difference is that this is a home game. Staunton gambled with Gibson away from home. Even though this an important game, with us being at home and having more of the ball Gibson should - in a sense - be under far less pressure. Even though Cyprus have been a bit of a thorn in our side in recent times, we are still far superior to them. We should win it relatively comfortably, even with a gamble like this.

[kingdomkerry]

Whats the betting on Gibson getting Man of The Match tomorrow night?

[eirebhoy]

Looks like McShane's gonna play centre half thanfully.

Trapattoni: "McShane is a stopper, but on the left, they have Aloneftis, and he is one of the most dangerous players in their team.

"I can start with him or I can start with John. In the last game, John and Dunne played very well in the middle, but Aloneftis is very, very dangerous and maybe he needs particular attention."

[noddy102]

Playing Andrews would have been a huge call; putting him into the mix on his debut in a qualifying game.

Gibson may not have regular football going for him, but he does have 2 caps to his name, one of which was competitive. Fair enough, he may not have played many minutes, but he is a talented footballer and very athletic too.

I trust Trap's call on this.

[Razors left peg]

I'm certainly a lot more excited about tomorrow's match than I would be if Miller was starting instead.

Same here

[Closed Account]

Looks like McShane's gonna play centre half thanfully.

Trapattoni: "McShane is a stopper, but on the left, they have Aloneftis, and he is one of the most dangerous players in their team.

"I can start with him or I can start with John. In the last game, John and Dunne played very well in the middle, but Aloneftis is very, very dangerous and maybe he needs particular attention."
Hadn't considered this. McShane was my previous opinion to be best option at right back but if Cyprus do have a pacy winger, it may be a better option to stick O'Shea out there. Hopefully we will dominate possession and it won't be much of a problem as there wingers will be used to track back and defend away from home.

[Brendan 82]

I think we may just have to accept that Andy Reid is not part of this team. Gibson over Miller is a good choice in my opinion.

No sense in being outraged by the midfield selection. Even if Andy Reid started we would still have one of the other inexperienced lads in there so...meh

[Carrigaline]

Poor Andy Reid must be wondering what he did to not get called up.

[Carrigaline]

Gibson over Miller is a good choice in my opinion.
I'm amazed that this is popular opinion.

Miller won't set the world alight, but he's been proven as a decent performer.

Gibson has a worrying lack of experience.

[Junior]

Also, a major difference is that this is a home game. Staunton gambled with Gibson away from home. Even though this an important game, with us being at home and having more of the ball Gibson should - in a sense - be under far less pressure. Even though Cyprus have been a bit of a thorn in our side in recent times, we are still far superior to them. We should win it relatively comfortably, even with a gamble like this.

Im not as confident as yourself. Cyprus already have an away point in the Group and were only beaten with a 92nd minute winner by Group favourites Italy. Add to that our ropey record against them plus an untried an inexperienced central midfield partnership. Ill gladly take a low scoring win with an accomplished, solid performance.

[Kingdom]

Hadn't considered this. McShane was my previous opinion to be best option at right back but if Cyprus do have a pacy winger, it may be a better option to stick O'Shea out there. Hopefully we will dominate possession and it won't be much of a problem as there wingers will be used to track back and defend away from home.


I can't believe regular posters such as yourself hadn't considered this. With Okkas (if he plays) pushing wide as well, I never expected McShane to start full back.

[richieos]

I'm amazed that this is popular opinion.

Miller won't set the world alight, but he's been proven as a decent performer.

Gibson has a worrying lack of experience.

there was no bigger fan than me of miller back in his celtic days but the only thing hes been decent at lately is giving away free kicks at the edge of his own box.

[Fergie's Son]

the problem is a Reid/Miller parnership just will not win the ball. Miller is not a ball-winner and nor is Reid. Trapp thinks that our wingers are skillful enough to cause damage IF they get the ball. They won't get the ball with a Reid Miller midfield. I think they might with Gibson/Whelan. This is still Cyprus. Better than usual but not that great of a team.

[Carrigaline]

Some people seem to have this Faraway Hills syndrome about players who we've never seen play before.

[Fergie's Son]

Some people seem to have this Faraway Hills syndrome about players who we've never seen play before.

I've seen Whelan play two strong games against teams no worse than Cyprus.

[Razors left peg]

Some people seem to have this Faraway Hills syndrome about players who we've never seen play before.

Ive seen Gibson quite a bit for the u21s and is definately a good player... whether hes ready for this step up yet is the question, Im excited about it though

[carloz]

What a major confidence blow that must be for both Andy Reid and Liam Miller. And what about our midfield? I'm sorry but a Stoke reserve and a guy who can't even make the Man Utd bench manning our midfield? If you've an experienced guy there one could bail out the other guy but two of them seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

Remember what happened last time when we played Cyprus and built our team around a lightweight and untested midfield (Stephen Ireland with Carsley too far back). :rolleyes:

hmm it should be interesting regardless. Gibson can pass the ball at least which makes him more competent than Andrews but really Andy Reid's on the bench. -_-

Think back again. In the Cyprus game you are thinking of the central midfield was Ireland and Kilbane. Staunton foolishly refused to call up Carsley. There is a massive difference in physicality between Whealan + Gibson than Ireland + Kilbane. The central midfield tomorrow night may be untested but it is far from lightweight. Whatever central midfield was picked it would have been untested. Trap has his reasons for not playing A. Reid and we have to respect that. Most of us here would have him playing but if we get the results then we will have to accept Traps opinion on Reiddy. IMO of the squad Gibson is the most similar player to S. Reid. I hope he rises to the occasion.

[tommy_c12000]

Miller is a good player contrary to the love of this forum to victimise him. He's a solid performer who rarely performs badly, often performs averagely and however sporadically has proven himself at the highest level. Remember last season in the Emirates when he dominated Arsenal from start to finish or at Celtic when O'Neill declared he planned to build the Celtic team around him. He's done it at the highest level before, the occasion won't get to him. What's Gibson ever proved? He can do ok in a B international?

I'd have Andy Reid and Miller in the centre for this. I'll accept either Gibson or Whelan as they both offer something but both of them at once is risky no matter how you look at it

Miller has had chance after chance and just simply has not taken them. Putting him in there 2moro nite wud be a step backwards IMO. He is not going to amount to anything and will never get remotely near to fulfilling the potential he showed in the Celtic days. He's 28 at the start of next yr and should be written off as a bad debt in the international sense.

Gibson is only 20, highly rated at Utd, has over 50 first team appearances under his belt at Wolves and Antwerp, and has had a number of years training with the Utd 1st team and playing in the reserves. At 6.4 he's also a lot more physically imposing than Miller. Considering the lack of central midfield options and Trap's mantra of, "you can change the player but not the system" (ie no andy reid), Gibson deserves a chance 2moro nite. He wont get a better opportunity than Cyprus at home to make his home competitive debut. The only other viable option is Andrews who has looked reasonably competent at blackburn this season but I'd definitely prefer Gibson (8 yrs his junior) in there. Best of luck 2moro nite son!

[paul_oshea]

Whats the betting on Gibson getting Man of The Match tomorrow night?

thats interesting i'd like a fiver on that, assuming we dont put 2 or 3 past them.

[paul_oshea]

he is 6 ft is he not?

[eirebhoy]

I'm amazed that this is popular opinion.

Miller won't set the world alight, but he's been proven as a decent performer.

Gibson has a worrying lack of experience.
Miller and Whelan against Colombia was severely lacking in any sort of creativity. There was very little movement and link up on the ball. One thing that sticks in my head... McGeady had the ball on the left, he stood there for about 3 seconds waiting to play the pass. The midfielders stood there behind Colombian plays and didn't make themselves available. McGeady was dispossessed.

I don't know enough about Gibson but Miller and Whelan isn't good enough.

[Razors left peg]

Miller is a good player contrary to the love of this forum to victimise him. He's a solid performer who rarely performs badly, often performs averagely and however sporadically has proven himself at the highest level. Remember last season in the Emirates when he dominated Arsenal from start to finish or at Celtic when O'Neill declared he planned to build the Celtic team around him. He's done it at the highest level before, the occasion won't get to him. What's Gibson ever proved? He can do ok in a B international?

I'd have Andy Reid and Miller in the centre for this. I'll accept either Gibson or Whelan as they both offer something but both of them at once is risky no matter how you look at it

Never seen him play a good game for Ireland