Sean St Ledger

[backstothewall]

Then why not just drop him altogether? He can do no damage at all then!


I probably wouldn't have him in the squad at the minute, depending on injuries, but he is Irish and i want him to prove me wrong. Its my opinion that the best way for him to do that is to get back to Hull in his club football, play right back for the rest of this season and next and learn his trade.

[Jicked]

Heres a few clips, of St Ledger playing for PNE click on 2.50, 5.50 and 7.20 for clips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nF2XtaJ4N0

Jesus Mary and Joseph, have you actually just linked to a youtube video of a centre half making a few tackles/blocks to justify him being at the heart of our defence? I'm sorry, but i refuse to believe you're anything other than a troll.

[the doc]

Jesus Mary and Joseph, have you actually just linked to a youtube video of a centre half making a few tackles/blocks to justify him being at the heart of our defence? I'm sorry, but i refuse to believe you're anything other than a troll.

Didn't you notice the surging run against Burnley when he brought the ball out his own half and drove forward leaving 6 players in their wake to set up Preston's goal.

Or how about when he runs the whole length of the field to catch the WBA player, and makes a last ditch tackle to prevent a goalscoring attempt.

Don't think McShane or Bruce are capable of that! Neither have the pace or the technical ability.

But if all you have noticed from those clips are blocks and tackles which are part of the game I admit, then you are just as bad as Trapp in assessing players qualities.

St Ledger is a football playing CB, brought up watching Paul McGrath at Villa, we call him the new "Mark Lawrenson" here at Preston.

[third policeman]

St Ledger is a football playing CB, brought up watching Paul McGrath at Villa, we call him the new "Mark Lawrenson" here at Preston.


Totally agree Doc. I have seen St Ledger in the flesh six times and he is an obviously gifted and cultured footballing CB.I just wonder whether this is the problem. In the same way that Trapp doesn't want creative midfield players, maybe he doesn't want footballing centre backs either. It's just about possible that this squad playing in this style will limp through to the World Cup Finals, but they will be badly found out by the top end I think middle rank teams. Lets remember what happened against Poland (not to mention Cyprus) and that Georgia are ranked 122 in the world.

[the doc]

Totally agree Doc. I have seen St Ledger in the flesh six times and he is an obviously gifted and cultured footballing CB.I just wonder whether this is the problem. In the same way that Trapp doesn't want creative midfield players, maybe he doesn't want footballing centre backs either. It's just about possible that this squad playing in this style will limp through to the World Cup Finals, but they will be badly found out by the top end I think middle rank teams. Lets remember what happened against Poland (not to mention Cyprus) and that Georgia are ranked 122 in the world.

I think you may a have something there, I agree too!

I was told that Paul Merson on Sky, said that St Ledger was outstanding against Norwich today.

So Trapp, the plot thickens..........

[NeilMcD]

If Paul Merson thinks he is good he is never going to get a call up now. Thats his careef finished so.

[Razors left peg]

Totally agree Doc. I have seen St Ledger in the flesh six times and he is an obviously gifted and cultured footballing CB.I just wonder whether this is the problem. In the same way that Trapp doesn't want creative midfield players, maybe he doesn't want footballing centre backs either. It's just about possible that this squad playing in this style will limp through to the World Cup Finals, but they will be badly found out by the top end I think middle rank teams. Lets remember what happened against Poland (not to mention Cyprus) and that Georgia are ranked 122 in the world.

best ever start to a world cup qualifying campaign by any Irish squad so we must not be doing too badly

[Paddy Garcia]

There is no doubt that he would provide excellent cover for Dunne & O'Shea.

I can't believe anyone would think otherwise. He certainly looks a safer & more competent player than McShane.

[DeLorean]

best ever start to a world cup qualifying campaign by any Irish squad so we must not be doing too badly

No we're not, result wise. There's bigger fish to fry though and that's where the problems may start. Let's hope not but I don't see the sense in ignoring potential problems. Some people seem to have a serious issue with others wanting to analyise the games and team/squad selections, instead of just roaring on the team blindly. I don't get it, this is a football forum after all.

[Qwerty]

best ever start to a world cup qualifying campaign by any Irish squad so we must not be doing too badly

Thanks in large part to Bulgaris's nightmare start. And our toughest games are still to come Italy & Bulgaria home and away and that game that nobody wants to think about Cyprus away...but if we beat Bulgaria in our next game we should hang on to 2nd place. I'll go along with the idea we play better aginst good teams so 3 more pts against Bulragia! And a draw would bo OK as well.

[DeLorean]

I'll go along with the idea we play better aginst good teams

How we fared against the highest ranked seeds in our group post 2002:

Euro 04: Russia 4-2 Ireland
Ireland 1-2 Switzerland
Ireland 1-1 Russia
Switzerland 2-0 Ireland

WC 06: Switzerland 1-1 Ireland
France 0-0 Ireland
Ireland 0-1 France
Ireland 0-0 Switzerland

Euro 08: Germany 1-0 Ireland
Ireland 1-1 Czech Rep
Czech Rep 1-0 Ireland
Ireland 0-0 Germany

Pld 12 W 0 D 6 L 6 F-A 6-14

[the doc]

There is no doubt that he would provide excellent cover for Dunne & O'Shea.

I can't believe anyone would think otherwise. He certainly looks a safer & more competent player than McShane.

I agree 100% but fear we may lose him, rumours of NI making approach asking about his availabilty.

Shame on your Trapp! This lad should of been tied to us, why the f..k couldn't you of at least given him a game in the friendlies.

[Razors left peg]

I agree 100% but fear we may lose him, rumours of NI making approach asking about his availabilty.

Shame on your Trapp! This lad should of been tied to us, why the f..k couldn't you of at least given him a game in the friendlies.

If he wants to go to play for a country that will probably not qualify for a major tournament in his career then let him. If he is good enough and is willing to wait then he will get a call up to the Republic squad. At the moment we are unbeaten in qualification and our first choice central defenders have been fit for each game so I dont see any necessity to change things at the moment

[the doc]

If he wants to go to play for a country that will probably not qualify for a major tournament in his career then let him. If he is good enough and is willing to wait then he will get a call up to the Republic squad. At the moment we are unbeaten in qualification and our first choice central defenders have been fit for each game so I dont see any necessity to change things at the moment

So what does he do, keep playing outstanding for PNE, and keep being overlooked in favour or McShane and Bruce!

Even Eddie Nolan who is seen as cover at PNE, gets picked ahead of him!

I honest think he wants to play for the Republic, but he's not even getting a game in the "B" or friendly matches.

What would you do?

[Stuttgart88]

What would you do?Keep playing well and wait for my chance?

[Razors left peg]

So what does he do, keep playing outstanding for PNE, and keep being overlooked in favour or McShane and Bruce!

Even Eddie Nolan who is seen as cover at PNE, gets picked ahead of him!

I honest think he wants to play for the Republic, but he's not even getting a game in the "B" or friendly matches.

What would you do?

Eddie Nolan was picked as cover for right back not central defense.McShane was playing regularly in a Premiership team for most of this season and is experienced enough at this stage at international level that Trap feels(rightly or wrongly) that he is important to the squad. I have no defense of Bruce being picked because I think that he is a brutal player but I think the Noel Hunt situation applys here.... earlier this season Shane Long was being picked in Ireland squads while Hunt was being left out even though Hunt was ahead of him in the pecking order at Reading. Then for whatever game it was, there were a few injuries to strikers and Hunt got the call up and has been in the squad since. We havent had any injuries to any of out center halfs yet so Im sure when we do have injuries if Trap feels that St Ledger is good enough he will be called up as a replacement in that position.

As for what I would do..... I wouldnt care if it was Brazil that came calling, my country is the Republic of Ireland and I wouldnt want to play for anyone else.... even if that meant waiting a short while to get the chance

[Irish_Praha]

Thanks in large part to Bulgaris's nightmare start. And our toughest games are still to come Italy & Bulgaria home and away and that game that nobody wants to think about Cyprus away...but if we beat Bulgaria in our next game we should hang on to 2nd place. I'll go along with the idea we play better aginst good teams so 3 more pts against Bulragia! And a draw would bo OK as well.

The now much-quoted "Best start ever to a WC qualifying campaign" has nothing to do with Bulgaria, we haven't even played them yet. However, I totally agree with your point that the majority of our toughest games are to come.
I don't know if any other WC campaign has started with the easier games first and Ireland failed to take advantage of this in the past or if this indeed was our easiest start? Anyway I think we are blessed that it has worked out like that this time because this team needed to be reworked and I'm happy that we avoided Italy and Bulgaria at the start, aswell as Georgia(Mainz) and Cyprus away. The way things are going for us in this group I wouldn't be surprised if we got the monkey off our backs of not beating a top team away in a competitive game for over 20 years.

[eirebhoy]

So what does he do, keep playing outstanding for PNE, and keep being overlooked in favour or McShane and Bruce!

At least he's playing football. :) Poor Darren O'Dea has hardly put a foot wrong at centre half for Celtic and still can't get his game for them.

[EalingGreen]

I agree 100% but fear we may lose him, rumours of NI making approach asking about his availabilty.

Don't know whether that's true or not, but I do know that since Worthington took over, his staff have implemented a thorough, professional scouting network throughout the UK, of the kind that was totally lacking previously.

As for St. Ledger's chances were he amenable to any such approach, I'd have to say that with Hughes, Evans, Duff, McAuley and Cathcart all now playing regularly in the top two English Divisions, and Craigan in the SPL (plus Baird on Fulham's bench and McCartney able to play CB), St. Ledger's preferred position is currently our strongest suit.

Mind you, if he can also play Right Back...

Get on the phone, Nigel!

[ifk101]

Don't know whether that's true or not, but I do know that since Worthington took over, his staff have implemented a thorough, professional scouting network throughout the UK, of the kind that was totally lacking previously.

As for St. Ledger's chances were he amenable to any such approach, I'd have to say that with Hughes, Evans, Duff, McAuley and Cathcart all now playing regularly in the top two English Divisions, and Craigan in the SPL (plus Baird on Fulham's bench and McCartney able to play CB), St. Ledger's preferred position is currently our strongest suit.

Mind you, if he can also play Right Back...

Get on the phone, Nigel!

That's interesting EG - what that about a gentleman's agreement between the various British associations? :confused: Combined with the waffle and drivel you constantly posted in another thread about NI's selection policies ????

Anyways I'd disregard what "the doc" posts if I was you. He has his own little agenda there.

[the doc]

That's interesting EG - what that about a gentleman's agreement between the various British associations? :confused: Combined with the waffle and drivel you constantly posted in another thread about NI's selection policies ????

Anyways I'd disregard what "the doc" posts if I was you. He has his own little agenda there.

Prey tell!

[tetsujin1979]

I agree 100% but fear we may lose him, rumours of NI making approach asking about his availabilty
If he genuinely wants to play for Ireland, then Spain, Argentina and Germany could all make an approach and he'd still turn them down flat.

[frog-gufc]

havnt seen him play but i did see him on that peterborough documentry and he was a complete knob, saying that i hear hes improved an awful lot

[Closed Account 2]

I think he's got a lot of potential and should be included in squads. He's only just turned 24 and has played over 100 games for Preston in the last few years. Dunne is our best central defender, but he has a tendancy to pick up cards (e.g. last time away in Cyprus) and so we do need cover in that position. O'Shea is outstanding for his club but I've never been 100% convinced by his displays for us, he always seems on the verge of a spectacular error, in terms of performances for us he's miles behind Dunne.

McShane is another option, he's developing as a player and is still young, but I worry about his tendancy to pick up injuries. As I say he's an option but we could do with cover beyond him. Bruce is pretty much the same age as Sledge, but he has a massive advantage in terms of the fact he can play in midfield. I saw him play for Tranmere a few times 2-3 years ago and he was impressive but a little rash, hopefully he'll have improved with age and experience. He could become a very good defensive midfielder for us and he's out of contact at the end of the season, it will be interesting to see where he goes. I've heard Fiorentina (perhaps a Trap inspired link http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/11/12/ipswich-defender-alex-bruce-could-be-on-his-way-to-italian-side-fiorentina-115875-20888591/) are interested in him and I think a move to the continent could help him develop as a defensive midfielder and that would be a massive advantage for us, we could even end up using him as a Lothar Matthaus like forward sweeper (just in front of the other back two), which could give us freedom to play players like McGeady and Duff/Hunt as wing backs.

Overall I'd say St. Ledger does merit a place in the B team and probably a place in the squad for the full team certainly for friendly matches.

[EalingGreen]

That's interesting EG - what that about a gentleman's agreement between the various British associations? :confused: Combined with the waffle and drivel you constantly posted in another thread about NI's selection policies ????

Anyways I'd disregard what "the doc" posts if I was you. He has his own little agenda there.
"Waffle and drivel" is it?

There is no "Gentleman's Agreement" between the four British Associations; rather, there is a written agreement, lodged with FIFA and incorporated in their Statutes.

This Agreement sets out the arrangements governing a British Passport Holder's eligibility vis-a-vis the four Associations and as such, it works perfectly well (as illustrated recently e.g. by the case of Andrew Driver).
When I referred to the IFA's new enhanced scouting network, I meant their seeking out of players from England, Scotland and Wales etc who also qualify for NI under the Agreement (due to a parent or grandparent etc.)

The Englishman St. Ledger may be one such case, since if posts on this thread are to be believed, he has a grandparent from Co. Tyrone. The fact that he also has a grandparent(s) from Co. Carlow, and the ROI may be his first preference, does not change that.

On which point, if he is only interested in playing for ROI, Good Luck to him. But if he may consider representing NI, then I'd be happy for him to join our squad. As I said elsewhere, I couldn't see him getting capped at CB, but possibly at RB.

[DeLorean]

he was a complete knob

In what sense?

[geysir]

"Waffle and drivel" is it?
there is a written agreement, lodged with FIFA and incorporated in their Statutes.

There was a written agreement added as an addendum to the statutes, that was until May 2008.

That written agreement has been removed as an addendum from the statutes in May 2008 and replaced by Article 16.

[the doc]

I think he's got a lot of potential and should be included in squads. He's only just turned 24 and has played over 100 games for Preston in the last few years. Dunne is our best central defender, but he has a tendancy to pick up cards (e.g. last time away in Cyprus) and so we do need cover in that position. O'Shea is outstanding for his club but I've never been 100% convinced by his displays for us, he always seems on the verge of a spectacular error, in terms of performances for us he's miles behind Dunne.

McShane is another option, he's developing as a player and is still young, but I worry about his tendancy to pick up injuries. As I say he's an option but we could do with cover beyond him. Bruce is pretty much the same age as Sledge, but he has a massive advantage in terms of the fact he can play in midfield. I saw him play for Tranmere a few times 2-3 years ago and he was impressive but a little rash, hopefully he'll have improved with age and experience. He could become a very good defensive midfielder for us and he's out of contact at the end of the season, it will be interesting to see where he goes. I've heard Fiorentina (perhaps a Trap inspired link http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/11/12/ipswich-defender-alex-bruce-could-be-on-his-way-to-italian-side-fiorentina-115875-20888591/) are interested in him and I think a move to the continent could help him develop as a defensive midfielder and that would be a massive advantage for us, we could even end up using him as a Lothar Matthaus like forward sweeper (just in front of the other back two), which could give us freedom to play players like McGeady and Duff/Hunt as wing backs.

Overall I'd say St. Ledger does merit a place in the B team and probably a place in the squad for the full team certainly for friendly matches.

Are you being serious? Bruce is very poor and the ball and not quick enough or able to read the game well enough to play sweeper.

I too saw Bruce play for Tranmere he was "basic" to say the least.

St Ledger is a far more accomplished player having played RB,LB,CB,Def Midfield and Sweeper at Peterborough and has also played RB,CB and Def Midfield for Preston.

[Closed Account 2]

I think as a defender St. Ledger is better, but for midfield cover I'd have Bruce in ahead of him. I think a B team could have room for both. It will be interesting to see where Bruce goes in the summer.

[the doc]

If he genuinely wants to play for Ireland, then Spain, Argentina and Germany could all make an approach and he'd still turn them down flat.

He does! but has no chance whilst the like of Givens is there and advises Trapp, so whats he to do?

I'd say his best option is to make the FAI aware of whats going on and see what happens when the next games come up and take it from there.

[tetsujin1979]

He does! but has no chance whilst the like of Givens is there and advises Trapp, so whats he to do?

I'd say his best option is to make the FAI aware of whats going on and see what happens when the next games come up and take it from there.
Why? Because the history of players complaining about treatment has worked so well in the past?
If he keeps playing as well as you say he is then he'll get into the squad on merit (see the previously cited cases of Noel Hunt and Keith Andrews)

BTW if he doesn't turn out to be the bast*rd offspring of Paolo Maldini and Franz Backenbauer so help me ChristI will force you to walk down O'Connell Street, bollock naked with a sandwich board ringing a bell admitting you don't know more than our international manager when it comes to picking the team

[the doc]

Why? Because the history of players complaining about treatment has worked so well in the past?
If he keeps playing as well as you say he is then he'll get into the squad on merit (see the previously cited cases of Noel Hunt and Keith Andrews)

BTW if he doesn't turn out to be the bast*rd offspring of Paolo Maldini and Franz Backenbauer so help me ChristI will force you to walk down O'Connell Street, bollock naked with a sandwich board ringing a bell admitting you don't know more than our international manager when it comes to picking the team

:D:D Funny enough, theres an Italian connection on his fathers side of the family!

[Stuttgart88]

but for midfield cover I'd have Bruce in ahead of himBruce as a midfield option? Crikey, I know things have been bad but...

[the doc]

Looks like the Doc, is the man in the know!

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/st-ledger-ill-wait-for-call-1647361.html

[co. down green]

"Waffle and drivel" is it?

There is no "Gentleman's Agreement" between the four British Associations; rather, there is a written agreement, lodged with FIFA and incorporated in their Statutes.

Eg

I noticed in a recent article that the IFA u21 manager is hoping to bring some new players into his set-up.

He mentioned a lad called Chris Stokes and another called Oliver Norwood.

Now as someone who is fond of using the terms ‘defectors’ & ‘poachers’ when talking about Irish lads from the North choosing to represent Ireland on the international stage, would you class Stokes (http://www.thefa.com/England/U17s/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2007/08/England17_vNIReport.htm)& Norwood (http://www.thefa.com/England/U17s/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2007/08/England17_vNIReport.htm)as ‘defectors’ as they have both represented England at u16 & u17 level and would you call the IFA ‘Poachers’ for deciding to pick the players?

[Razors left peg]

Looks like the Doc, is the man in the know!

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/st-ledger-ill-wait-for-call-1647361.html

Credit too him for that, but its no more than what were were saying that if he wanted to play for the Republic it shouldnt matter if even Brazil had approached him.If he is good enough then he will get his chance and its up to him to take it when it comes around. Hope he is good enough because the more options we have for every position the better

[irishfan86]

Well done to St. Ledger, hopefully he can get a friendly or a B game soon so that Trap can watch him again close up.

[Paddy Garcia]

More commitment than a few others we could mention. Good stuff from him & he clearly deserves a chance - certainly as the most likely replacement for Dunne and O'Shea.

[The Fly]

More commitment than a few others we could mention. Good stuff from him & he clearly deserves a chance - certainly as the most likely replacement for Dunne and O'Shea.

The replacements for Dunne and O'Shea, certainly in the long term, will be O'Dea and Wilson............................................ ..............in my opinion - of course :D

[tetsujin1979]

I think we can expect at least another 5 years from Dunne(29) and 7 from O'Shea(27)

[Colbert Report]

The replacements for Dunne and O'Shea, certainly in the long term, will be O'Dea and Wilson............................................ ..............in my opinion - of course :D

I thought Wilson was a right full?

[Paddy Garcia]

The replacements for Dunne and O'Shea, certainly in the long term, will be O'Dea and Wilson............................................ ..............in my opinion - of course :D

I was talking about today.

[NeilMcD]

Looks like the Doc, is the man in the know!

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/st-ledger-ill-wait-for-call-1647361.html

Never good referring to yourself in the third person or so Neil says anyway

[The Fly]

I thought Wilson was a right full?

He's a centre back. He can also play in midfield but he seems to have settled on being a centre-half.

A promising prospect in my opinion - as is O'Dea.
The other players mentioned do not have the potential of these two.