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

[Rambling Along]

I trust Trappatoni's judgement, therefore i havn't a problem with Gibson playing. Regardlesss I think Gibson is going to be a potential world class player in the future.

[tommy_c12000]

he is 6 ft is he not?

My bad i meant to say he was 4 inches taller than Miller

[co. down green]

It's going to be a big test for Gibson but he certainly has the ability to do the job tomorrow night.

[thepiedpiper]

Detailed preview of the match tomorrow here
http://www.thefreekick.com/dynamics/showentry.php?e=23

[FarBeag]

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


Have to agree with you there. He may not be getting a lot of football at present but he is some player. He is strong with a good engine and has some shot on him.He did not play in the centre for Wolves and was used right side of mid field which did not suit him. Gibson playing in the centre for us takes away some of the disappointment of Reid not playing. Anyway the best of luck to him.

[tommy_c12000]

Have to agree with you there. He may not be getting a lot of football at present but he is some player. He is strong with a good engine and has some shot on him.He did not play in the centre for Wolves and was used right side of mid field which did not suit him. Gibson playing in the centre for us takes away some of the disappointment of Reid not playing. Anyway the best of luck to him.

i concur!

[Fergie's Son]

Detailed preview of the match tomorrow here
http://www.thefreekick.com/dynamics/showentry.php?e=23

The 26 country representative team?

FFS you're having a laugh.

[thepiedpiper]

The 26 country representative team?

FFS you're having a laugh.
Whats the problem with that?

[Kingdom]

The 26 country representative team?

FFS you're having a laugh.

Yeah I stopped reading as soon as I read that.

[tommy_c12000]

Whats the problem with that?

We're a Republic who fought long and hard to get our independence. 26 county representative team makes us sounds like some English cricket subsidary team. Damn English £$%$

[stojkovic]

Why didnt he refer to Cyprus as 'Southern Cyprus' or 'Greek Cypriot' or Four Districts.

Idiot.

[FarBeag]

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

Rubbish. Liam miller has never lived up to the promise he showed at Celtic.He is far too light weight and inconsistent and there is a least three mistakes in him per game.We can not afford this. If Trap played Whelan who deserves his place after the last two performances and Miller in the centre of midfield we could be destroyed. Anyway I am delighted he is not playing as he does not merit it.

[Stuttgart88]

Wow, this is a very brave decision.

I'm glad Miller isn't there and I had an inkling that Trap realised Miller just doesn't have the physicality required. "Neat and tidy but no more" is how Radio 5 Live described him on his debut for United against Chelsea and I think it's a fair assessment. Ciaran is right in one sense - he did play a blinder at Arsenal last year, but as part of a 5 man midfield. A 4 man midfield containing Miller is never going to cut it at international level.

Also, too many times have I seen him carelessly over or under hit passes that should be routine for a central midfielder. Too many times have I seen him turn into trouble instead of away from it. One thing that has impressed me about Glenn Whelan is his ability to receive the ball in tight situations and come out with the ball at his feet. It's a prerequisite for a midfielder. Miller has never convinced me in this regard.

Trap obviously sees something different in Gibson. For a start he's a taller more athletic player. I was more than half expecting Joey O'Brien to deputise for Steven Reid. Funny thing is, I'd have thought Owen Garvan is a better version of Darron Gibson and yet he's not in the squad.

One definite positive: it puts the "we-know-it-all-about-Trap-after-3-games" brigade in the Irish press firmly in their place!

Brave call, I hope it's a good one. It certainly places more responsibility on Whelan. If this move comes off it will bode well for the future as we have other midfielders of Gibson's stature not far off a call up.

[Paddy Garcia]

I agree that Garvan would be a great addition to the squad.

I can't believe that mcShane is starting - up to now he has often been worth a goal to the opposition- hope his time at Hull is heralding in a new era (though own goal AGAIN last week)!

[cheifo]

A decision that is equally worrying and fascinating.Glad Miller is not there.I just don't believe he will ever be as good as we need him to be.

I agree Garvan must be close, especially since we are not overly blessed with players in this position/

A Manager who has a clear picture in his head about how he wants the team structured.As, has been said on here numerous times-this brings both strenghts and potential weaknesses to our set up.

Best of luck Darren.A big task.

I just hope Trapp is flexible enough to bring on Andy Reid, if things aren't looking good after an hours play.

[Stuttgart88]

sporadically has proven himself at the highest level. Surely to actually prove yourself at the highest level you have to play well at the highest level more than sporadically?

[FarBeag]

It looks like McShane will play beside Dunne. I am very very nervous about this. Centre back is one of the most important positions in the team and McShane is not the answer. He has got to leave the Dunne/O'Shea partnership and if he is nervous about playing McShane at right back because of a danger man then he should put someone else in there and not O'Shea ,who imo is a better centre than a right or left back. Anyway Trap knows best but it’s not going to do my nerves any good.

[SwanVsDalton]

This is massive gamble. Someone who has played very little first team football in some time and whose experience is limited almost entirely to the Championship and Belgian League.

It's an intriguing move alright and an exciting one at that. Gibson was poor on his debut but I think that was as much down to the political farce that surrounded his call-up and Stan era tactics in the Slovakia game. Having played his way into the team by impressing a world-class manager in training, and in a B international, his confidence will be sky-high. I hope he dominates tomorrow.

[Razors left peg]

[quote=Stuttgart88;1040098]Wow, this is a very brave decision.

, I'd have thought Owen Garvan is a better version of Darron Gibson and yet he's not in the squad.

quote]

Gibson and Garvan were in the B squad together last week and Trap got a good chance to compare them, I trust his judgement.... although I dont think Garvan is too far away from the squad either

[Razors left peg]

I agree that Garvan would be a great addition to the squad.

I can't believe that mcShane is starting - up to now he has often been worth a goal to the opposition- hope his time at Hull is heralding in a new era (though own goal AGAIN last week)!

Unfair on him, was very little he could do about it. I love McShanes attitude, but his decision making is very poor at times. I do think he will develop into a good player though.

[seanfhear]

Miller is too lightweight and does not have enough creativity or threat to make up for his shortcomings.
Brave call by Trap and hope it works.Lets give the team as much support as possible.Surely if we need some creativity Andy Reid will get his chance.

[geysir]

I use to feel a lot things before games but these days I feel confident with Trap. His assuredness is rubbing off on the team, most visible atm in the performances of Whelan and O'Shea. And Duff is back.

[Fergie's Son]

Whats the problem with that?

Not even sure where to begin. Just not worth the effort.

[NeilMcD]

Trapattoni

Trapattoni said: 'At the moment, we are missing Steven Reid and his physical aspect. Also, we need big players.

'Robbie [Keane] is not big, but springs well, and [Kevin] Doyle also. But [Aiden] McGeady is little, [Damien] Duff is little.

'In international football, teams score goals from high balls.

'The first reason is his [Gibson's] height, the second is he plays with confidence.

'He doesn't play very often, but he plays for Manchester United, and Manchester United is a very important team.

'He is confident on the ball. He plays the easy ball and he looks before the ball comes. For me, that is a good quality.

'But we also have Miller, who played against Colombia and has played in other games and played well.

'I have that possibility.'

[Fergie's Son]

McShane will have the benefit of Dunne next to him. One bit of credit I will give him is his willingness to get in front of anything and everything. if nothing else, he will not be intimidated by the Cypriots. Mind you, if our midfield collapses then he simply doesn't have the pace to cope and we're in serious trouble.

[cavan_fan]

One definite positive: it puts the "we-know-it-all-about-Trap-after-3-games" brigade in the Irish press firmly in their place!


But in fact we do know everything about Trap. He has shown that whatever the availability of players etc, he will stick to the same system. So there will only ever be 'like for like' replacements. I sort of support this, International football is so irregular that it will help that the players know what they will be doing when they turn up. It does mean that A reid will struggle to get on the team as I don't see him as a winger (of the type Trap wants) or a striker. Also, no surpirse the baldy granny killer doesnt want to come back either.

[cheifo]

I use to feel a lot things before games but these days I feel confident with Trap. His assuredness is rubbing off on the team, most visible atm in the performances of Whelan and O'Shea. And Duff is back.

Agreed.Players seem to be very sure of what role is expected off them and hopefully this will continue under young Darron.

Who would have thought a year ago thtat this would be our midfield combo, and that Whelan would be the senior partner??

Paul McShane desperatley needs to play well and more importantly not make crucial mistakes which has unfortunatley cost us .

Following the Staunton era its great to have sense of anticipation before these games again.

[noddy102]

'The first reason is his [Gibson's] height, the second is he plays with confidence.

'He doesn't play very often, but he plays for Manchester United, and Manchester United is a very important team.

'He is confident on the ball. He plays the easy ball and he looks before the ball comes. For me, that is a good quality.


There we have it, in simple language for everyone to understand.
Trap's judgement is to be trusted. I'm happy with Gibson playing tomorrow.

[Drumcondra 69er]

Big gamble but glad Miller's not playing, he's proved in the past he's not up to it.

And given that McShane has been playing right back for Hull and doing well I'd expect to see him line out there rather then beside Dunne tomorrow.....

[Qwerty]

Gibson was solid for Wolves last season, he played away to Slovakia and Trapp saw him play against Forest. Fergie also sees something in him. I think Trapp will give him simple & clear instructions and responsibilities. Gibson is a natural footballer, hopefully he will hold his nerve and play well. And he has a cracker of a shot as well!

[lofty9]

Good Luck Darron ;) I'm sure you'll do the business!

[Wexford Delboy]

Nice to see trap having the guts to stick wi his instincts.
Hopefully this will be the start of something big for gibson in the future

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4N50zHlkSlY
involved in two of the goals here and looked solid,now is his chance

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Seriously excited, if not surprised, by this news. So refreshing to see Old Trap making a brave decision like this, rather than the turgid inevitability of a second rate substitute playing like we've had to contend with for years.

Watched Gibson with interest at Wolves as a potential regular and as soon as I saw his inclusion the word "confidence" (as cited by Trap) sprung to mind. The Kid's got balls. After great expectancy, but a few below par performances after coming back from injury and playing out of position, he got some s**t from some bigoted scumbags down the Molineux but never once let it get the better of him. Always looked for the ball, not scared to have a bang from range (Great attacking threat now that both Gibson & Whelan have a good shot) and most importantly always looked to drift into space and keep probing forward - most memorably when we were 3-1 down against Burnley and many others let their heads drop. The fact of the matter was that half the time he was playing balls which were simply too intelligent for the other Wolves Players hence the reason why he didn't fit in. Definitely think the slower game will play to his advantage as he is a good possession player and his physicality is an added bonus. The Kid is a fighter - just what we need.

Nothing against Miller, however he froze when he had the chance at Utd, whereas Gibson is still respected. Not saying he's a world beater - but he's got the mentality which is half the job on an essential night.

Just hope to God he does it on this night more than any other.

[Brendan 82]

There we have it, in simple language for everyone to understand.
Trap's judgement is to be trusted. I'm happy with Gibson playing tomorrow.

Great post.

Go on D. Gibson, tear em down son!!!!!!

[Dallasirish]

Did not see that coming. Hope darron Gibson does the business tomorrow and repays the faith been shown in him by Trappatoni.
It is interesting to hear the responses on here and the faith the fans have in Trapp compared to what this decision would have recieved from Staunton! Trapp is not afraid to play players for "his system" and I hope results keep going our way because the negativity from the past is leaving and the confidence in the players seems to be returning. Long may it continue. We could be top this time tomorrow:)
IN TRAP WE TRUST!

[gspain]

He has impressed me when I've seen him. I was concerned about the reports coming out of Wolves though as most Wolves fans thought he was rubbish.

He was particularly good last Thursday. It is also a b oost to those on the fringes that they can play themselves into the team. If I was Liam Miller I'd be gutted though

I like the way Trap has a system and sticks by it.

[third policeman]

[quote=Stuttgart88;1040098]
Gibson and Garvan were in the B squad together last week and Trap got a good chance to compare them, I trust his judgement.... although I dont think Garvan is too far away from the squad either



I think Garvan only got about 20 minutes and was playing wide left when he came on. Garvan, McCann and O'Toole have all made more of an impression playing in the Championship than Gibson did last year at Wolves. It's worrying that Gibson has not figured at Utd even with all their midfield injuries. Ferguson sees him week in week out and clearly doubts whether he is ready or even able to play at the highest level. Utd are always willing to blood young players if they are good enough, it looks to me like they dont think Gibson is.

[macdermesser]

Nice to see trap having the guts to stick wi his instincts.
Hopefully this will be the start of something big for gibson in the future

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4N50zHlkSlY
involved in two of the goals here and looked solid,now is his chance

Big difference between the Lancashire cup and the World Cup, but looked very impressive in that clip. A lot of the play seemed to go through him and played one excellently weighted ball in the second half before the second goal. Agree with other posters that you have to wonder why Fergie didn't blood him when they were short in the centre .. preferring O'Shea there. Then again we are posters on a forum and he is manager of ManU for over 20 years.

JwErOElOv2M

One of these would be nice tonight ...

Also agree that its great to have a man with a plan again ... reminiscent of the Charlton era in that respect

[Duggie]

im a little worried but still excited by this. hope it goes well for him and he plays out of his skin. obvisiously trap has seen what he likes from the "B" game and in training to put him in. Goodluck gibson !

[spin]

The Gibson selection kinda came in from leftfield, but if it produces something like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ7uvYcMvZU from his left foot I'll be very happy indeed.

I'm a massive Andy Reid fan and feel gutted that the Trap just doesn't seem to trust him at all. I hope he throws him on for the last half hour or so in place of McGeady, perhaps, cos I can see him picking the lock.

As for Gibbo, I'm delighted for him. As a Derry man, indeed a Carnhill man, there may be a bit of bias, but I think the kid's got class by the spadeful and is certainly a bolder, braver and more forward thinking option than Miller.

As many have said on this board, Miller has never really lived up to his potential. He's been paying for spurning Martin O'Neil and signing a Bosman with manure and his career has never really taken off. His time may yet come.

I remember John Sheridan breaking into the team and everyone tagging him as the new Chipper. Cloughie signed him, cold shouldered him and threw him in the reserves and it took him years to recover. He did, however have a glorious reincarnation as a fifth midfielder for USA '94 when Quinn's knee gave out. Will Andy Reid or Liam Miller follow Sheridan's lead?

[Razors left peg]

[quote=Razors left peg;1040118]



I think Garvan only got about 20 minutes and was playing wide left when he came on. Garvan, McCann and O'Toole have all made more of an impression playing in the Championship than Gibson did last year at Wolves. It's worrying that Gibson has not figured at Utd even with all their midfield injuries. Ferguson sees him week in week out and clearly doubts whether he is ready or even able to play at the highest level. Utd are always willing to blood young players if they are good enough, it looks to me like they dont think Gibson is.


He only got 20 minutes, but my point was that Trap had the two of them together in training for the few days before that too and he picked Gibson in the team ahead of Garvan.I think that is pretty encouraging because I rate Garvan very highly but Trap seems to think Gibson is better at the moment

[Duggie]

The Gibson selection kinda came in from leftfield, but if it produces something like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ7uvYcMvZU from his left foot I'll be very happy indeed.

I'm a massive Andy Reid fan and feel gutted that the Trap just doesn't seem to trust him at all. I hope he throws him on for the last half hour or so in place of McGeady, perhaps, cos I can see him picking the lock.

As for Gibbo, I'm delighted for him. As a Derry man, indeed a Carnhill man, there may be a bit of bias, but I think the kid's got class by the spadeful and is certainly a bolder, braver and more forward thinking option than Miller.

As many have said on this board, Miller has never really lived up to his potential. He's been paying for spurning Martin O'Neil and signing a Bosman with manure and his career has never really taken off. His time may yet come.

I remember John Sheridan breaking into the team and everyone tagging him as the new Chipper. Cloughie signed him, cold shouldered him and threw him in the reserves and it took him years to recover. He did, however have a glorious reincarnation as a fifth midfielder for USA '94 when Quinn's knee gave out. Will Andy Reid or Liam Miller follow Sheridan's lead?

think we would all like to see this but dont see it happening. I feel sorry for Andy right now cause he hasnt done anything wrong, but im willing to go with trap if it gets us the results. Hope Andy just sticks it out keeps the head down and if he gets a chance takes it.

[donalmcdonagh]

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


To be honest...I think very good chance..They way Trap has us playing everything goes through the CM, or at least they are encouraged to take it from the CB's, so provided Gibson can do the simple stuff he may get MoM, coz he will have a lot of simple stuff to do!!! I feel sorry for Andy Reid, hope he doesnt do a Steven Ireland/Kris Boyd and swallows his pride and waits for his chance coz will defo take it when it comes...I really think Trap see's him in the Robbie Keane role when Robbie's not available...what do people think about this.

[Duggie]

ya just off the front man seems his only chance at the minute with trap.

[finnpark]

i think its to big a game to put gibson in, maybe in the future. for tomorow id still go with miller when he isnt going to play andy reid.

Its not a big game. Its only Cyprus. I would expect a nice margin victory :confused:

[Duggie]

Its not a big game. Its only Cyprus. I would expect a nice margin victory :confused:

go back to sleep

[Krstic]

Over the moon for a fellow Derry Man to get playing for his Country.
However I'm surprised to see how many posters reckon that Gibson will add a physical presence to the midfield.
I've seen him play quite a few times, both in the flesh and on TV and I feel he's more of a ball player than a physical player. In fact I think I noticed a post that said he was 6ft 4, i can assure you, i have met him and if he's 6ft 4 then I'm 12ft. So maybe some posters have a bit of an inflated view (physically that is) of Darron.

[paul_oshea]

i think someone who said that read the rte.ie website incorrectly, the actual think they said was he was 6ft 4inches and 5 inches taller respectively than miller and reid, and thought that meant he was 6ft 4 :D He is around 6ft.

Btw in that clip in the reserves he looks sorta heavy...

[abbeyvale]

I remember posting on a thread on this website a few months back (cant seem to find the thread now), but it was about potential up and coming Irish players playing in the English leagues.

I (as a big Man U fan) suggested that Darron Gibson (who was on loan at Wolves at the time) was indeed an International player in the making and I also suggested that he would be capped within the next 12months.

I was of course abused left, right and centre for suggesting same,

I have seen this lad play a good few times, and dare I say it, he reminds me of a Michael Carrick (tall, good engine and a fine passer of the ball (both long and short)).

I just hope it turns out well for him tonight, and I really hope he makes it at International level..........................Best of luck.

Ireland 2-0 Cyprus (Keane & Doyle)

[geysir]

I remember posting on a thread on this website a few months back (cant seem to find the thread now), but it was about potential up and coming Irish players playing in the English leagues.

I (as a big Man U fan) suggested that Darron Gibson (who was on loan at Wolves at the time) was indeed an International player in the making and I also suggested that he would be capped within the next 12months.

I was of course abused left, right and centre for suggesting same,

Could it have been some other board?
If you do a search for posts made by your username and restrict the search to the Ireland forum, then there are only 6 posts and only this one mentions Darron.