Sean St Ledger

[NeilMcD]

Having a very good game here against Liverpool. Nolan and Elliot have also come on for Preston and Robbie Keane had some shocking misses too in the first half and has now gone off. But Ledger does look pretty decent at centre back.

[Greenforever]

St Ledger had a good game all right, but poor old Robbie was very poor, should have had 2 in the 1st half at leat and maybe even a hattrick. Don't see him starting too many games in the near future for Liverpool.

[Noelys Guitar]

St Ledger would have been at home in the Liverpool back four the way he played today. Very assured performance. Great to see an Irish player play like a younger Lawro/Hansen.

[shakermaker1982]

I thought he was excellent. Fantastic anticipation and looks like he can read a game. Nolan also looked lively when he came on.

[FarBeag]

Yes. He should have been in the Irish team along time ago. People like Ciaran who has now made a positive contribution on his abilities were very quick to dismiss him in the past without ever seeing him play. Funny how watching a match on television for 90 minutes changes peoples opinions. The Doc for one has been advocating for St Ledger for a long as I can remember on here and he has been consistently brushed aside by many posters. I hope he was watched today and gets the chance he deserves to play for his country.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

[QUhOTE=shakermaker1982;1080814]I thought he was excellent. Fantastic anticipation and looks like he can read a game. Nolan also looked lively when he came on.[/QUOTE]

Totally agree. His anticipation and positional sense was very impressive - always the sign of a quality defender. Looks to be more of a sweeping defender, but his tight marking was quality when Gerard could have broke through. Also, his surging run at the start of the second half actually initiated their fightback, showing a good bit of leadership as well.

Have to say that I didn't notice him much when I saw him against Wolves at the start of the season, but on todays performance I'd love us to get hold of him. Definitely think he could adapt to a higher level of football.

Finally Ciaran, I usually take what you say with a pinch of salt and appreciate that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I would like to pick you up on a couple of points:

1) "I don't make rash judgements on players before I have seen them against the best"? - Surely you can see that a player has all the facets to be a top quality player i.e. has skill, vision, passing ability, good positional sense etc. irrespective of the opposition? The main attraction of this site for myself and a lot of users is to identify and make judgement on up and coming Irish players - I, for one, do not need to see them play against the best to make a call on if I think someone is good enough - surely that shows a lack of confidence in your own judgement? Either that or a secret insecurity not to be mocked by fellow negative told-you-so doubters? You're a Man (I assume) - Be brave.

2) I do however notice that you are so bold as to make "rash decisions" against players who may have made mistakes against "the best", irrespective of how young they are when these mistakes are made. Both Bruce and McShane have performed well this season (the latter against the "best"). Richard Dunne was also prone to errors during his younger years at Everton - in retrospect would you too have been so damning about his future? Apart from the Goalkeeper, the centre of the defence is the most exposed position on the pitch, hence the reason why it is a position which players grow into, especially after plying their trade at full back, a position which might not be natural to them. Bruce was exposed early, however, he is young, has a great mentor and obviously has potential (Trap's judgement or a faceless messageboard cynic - hmmm I wonder who's judgement I am going to trust?)

[third policeman]

Yes. He should have been in the Irish team along time ago. People like Ciaran who has now made a positive contribution on his abilities were very quick to dismiss him in the past without ever seeing him play. Funny how watching a match on television for 90 minutes changes peoples opinions. The Doc for one has been advocating for St Ledger for a long as I can remember on here and he has been consistently brushed aside by many posters. I hope he was watched today and gets the chance he deserves to play for his country.

Totally agree. I have been slagged off on this site for "hyping" Champiosnip players - specifically St Ledger, Garvan, Walters and McCann - after having seen them play. Now he's been on the telly, he may even get noticed by our management team.

[eirebhoy]

The Doc for one has been advocating for St Ledger for a long as I can remember on here and he has been consistently brushed aside by many posters.
Don't agree there. Haven't seen many on here that don't want to see St Ledger get a chance.

It would have been interesting to see if Carragher could have stopped Ledger from scoring that goal. Stupid foul by the Preston player.

[Stuttgart88]

Saw the game and was very impressed by St. Ledger. It was the first time I'd seen him in a year but have heard he's been playing very well & the feeling among those that had been watching him felt he was worth a place in the squad. What I saw confirmed that. Similar in style to O'Leary, Lawrenson or even Breen

He looks confident and assertive too.

He could be a good complement to Dunne, in the same way as Breen was to Cunningham and in the same way that O'Shea seems to play well off Dunne too.

[the doc]

Saw the game and was very impressed by St. Ledger. It was the first time I'd seen him in a year but have heard he's been playing very well & the feeling among those that had been watching him felt he was worth a place in the squad. What I saw confirmed that. Similar in style to O'Leary, Lawrenson or even Breen

He looks confident and assertive too.

He could be a good complement to Dunne, in the same way as Breen was to Cunningham and in the same way that O'Shea seems to play well off Dunne too.

Where you watching Trapp?

Then if so, stop listening to the likes of Givens, stop picking the likes of McShane and Bruce and call up St Ledger, the player Preston North End fans call' " The New Mark Lawrenson"

[NeilMcD]

Surely its Don Givens rather than Shay Given that is at fault.

[irishfan86]

It wasn't so long ago that half this forum were comparing McShane to Paul McGrath. But when he was taken out of the championship that all changed.

The onus is on St Ledger to prove he warrants a place by challenging himself at a more appropriate level for international soccer, not on Trap to pick him.
He's got potential but he's not for this campaign, likewise Garvan, McCann and the others.

Honestly don't remember any McGrath comparisons- they're not even similar in style, let alone ability.

I do remember a lot of enthusiasm following his performance against the Czechs- forgive us for grasping onto any positives in that campaign!

Most players get mixed reviews, but St. Ledger is highly rated by seemingly everybody that knows of him and has seen him play.

Should he be in ahead of Bruce? I haven't seen enough of either of them to make that judgment call. But I do feel he should be brought into friendly or B squad AT LEAST to see what he can do. Wouldn't mind him brought into a squad for a competitive game and looked at in training- what's the harm?

[the doc]

It wasn't so long ago that half this forum were comparing McShane to Paul McGrath. But when he was taken out of the championship that all changed.

The onus is on St Ledger to prove he warrants a place by challenging himself at a more appropriate level for international soccer, not on Trap to pick him.
He's got potential but he's not for this campaign, likewise Garvan, McCann and the others.

Rubbish! So the current Preston North End and North West player of the year isn't worthy of a place in the squad but the likes of Bruce are! I'll have a pint of what your drinking!

[osarusan]

I'll have a pint of what your drinking!
Soft drinks only for another few years I'd say.

[Mayo_Bhoy]

Soft drinks only for another few years I'd say.

Great response to young Ciaran:D

[as_i_say]

St Ledger doesnt exist as far as Trapetoni and Brady are concerned. He was as excellent yesterday as poor old Robbie was woeful. How did he miss those chances!

[Stuttgart88]

So, if St. Ledger is a better player than Bruce - as most seem to think - surely it's common sense to think that St. Ledger should have Bruce's squad place?

OK, so Bruce can also cover at right back but that's hardly a convincing case for his inclusion, as we have credible options at right back.

[irishfan86]

So, if St. Ledger is a better player than Bruce - as most seem to think - surely it's common sense to think that St. Ledger should have Bruce's squad place?

OK, so Bruce can also cover at right back but that's hardly a convincing case for his inclusion, as we have credible options at right back.

Not saying that Bruce is any good, but it seems that Trap really likes him considering all of those rumours of Italian clubs coming in for him following Trap's recommendations.

As we've seen with Trap, he's very stubborn about players he likes, for good or ill.

[the doc]

Not saying that Bruce is any good, but it seems that Trap really likes him considering all of those rumours of Italian clubs coming in for him following Trap's recommendations.

As we've seen with Trap, he's very stubborn about players he likes, for good or ill.

Strange that as having watched St Ledger over a long period of time at Preston, I'd say he is more suited to the Italian style of play than Bruce and to think of it McShane.

St Ledger is able to play both Left and Right at CB, RB, Sweeper and Def Midfield

St Ledger has leadership qualities, is good in the air, comfortable on the ball with either foot and is much quicker and reads the game better than both Bruce or McShane.

Trapp is just sticking with what he's got, before he clears off after the World Cup campaign.

[drummerboy]

I agree. Don't think Trapp is interested in recruiting any new players into the squad. He is sticking with what he has. Well with the exception of Stephen Manchester, that is.

[the doc]

Outstanding against Wolves yesterday, wonder if Mancs Irish Wolf was at the game?

http://www.psg.me.uk/roper/matchreport.php?id=28

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Outstanding against Wolves yesterday, wonder if Mancs Irish Wolf was at the game?

http://www.psg.me.uk/roper/matchreport.php?id=28

HaHa, Nice one Doc - love your fighting talk.

Didn't go myself, but my brother did. By all accounts you fully deserved it. St Ledger was meant to be quality. Sweeping up brilliant at the back and obviously scoring.

As a silver lining, hopefully Elliot's goals will make the booboys think twice. Proper confidence player, but if he stays injury free he could do a job for you.

Also good to see Ward generally regarded as our Man of the Match.

[the doc]

HaHa, Nice one Doc - love your fighting talk.

Didn't go myself, but my brother did. By all accounts you fully deserved it. St Ledger was meant to be quality. Sweeping up brilliant at the back and obviously scoring.

As a silver lining, hopefully Elliot's goals will make the booboys think twice. Proper confidence player, but if he stays injury free he could do a job for you.

Also good to see Ward generally regarded as our Man of the Match.

Elliott is looking sharp and getting into good goal scoring positions, St Ledger is on top form and Eddie Nolan is doing well too.

This is down to Alan Irvine, the Preston manager who works very hard on improving each players all round game and giving them the confidence to go out and express themselves on the pitch.

[Stuttgart88]

This is down to Alan IrvineTop manager. What is is about the Scots?

[irishfan86]

Top manager. What is is about the Scots?

They've got the worst tempers, so you don't want to step out of line or under perform.

AND

They're cheap *******s: they're not going to give you a good contract unless you've truly earned it.

Fear and greed breed success.

[seanfhear]

They certainly have got something.They know the value of a pound (something i admire them for).We are softies in comparison to the Scots.
I knew this guy that used to run pub football teams in london and he always wanted some Scots in the team to add a bit of steel.The English/Irish/Welsh lacked that bit of "cutting" that you need in a team(or used to anyway)

[Hunty's Flatcap]

St Ledger on sky tv today v Burnley.
Wolves are on later in the day, Foley and Keogh expected to play, Stephen Ward injured - could ruin hs chances of a call-up.

[cavan_fan]

And Trap is there, with Alan Kelly

[Hunty's Flatcap]

Let's hope he does himself justice.
Does Alan Kelly's presence mean that Lonergan is close to a call? Obviously his name suggests he's got Irish in him.

[eirebhoy]

I wouldn't read anything into that. Kelly spent years at Preston.

[eirebhoy]

Ledger played very well today other than a misjudged header towards the end of the game that Burnley should have at least tested the keeper from. It'll be interesting to see if he's called up on Monday.

[NeilMcD]

Eirebhoy did you do a bit of fiddling around with the posts here after my helicopter comment.

[rambler14]

Has to be in the squad for the Georgia game in my opinion.

[the doc]

Let's hope he does himself justice.
Does Alan Kelly's presence mean that Lonergan is close to a call? Obviously his name suggests he's got Irish in him.

Yes Andy Lonergan is eligible to play for Ireland, has played for England in the lower age groups but has recently been "sounded out" about declaring for Ireland.

Good young keeper!

[eirebhoy]

Eirebhoy did you do a bit of fiddling around with the posts here after my helicopter comment.
You have me bewildered. You drunk? :)

As for Lonergan. Great save from Eagles' brilliant shot.

[Qwerty]

Yes Andy Lonergan is eligible to play for Ireland, has played for England in the lower age groups but has recently been "sounded out" about declaring for Ireland.

Good young keeper!

If he has already played for England and is now over 21 how could he play for Ireland???

[Razors left peg]

I havent seen St Ledger play enough to make a call whether he should be called up the the Irish squad or not, but Ive just seen on the Irish abroad thread that Eddie Nolan has been called into the Irish squad and St Ledger hasnt which led to a lad on the same thread asking if the Irish management even know he is Irish. Now I just want to play Devils Advocate here for a second, but is it possible that St Ledger himself doesnt want to be included in the squad and has eyes on an England cap in future???
Im not trying to be a smart ass because Im open to any lad playing for us no matter where he is born, Im just throwing out the question

[irishfan86]

I havent seen St Ledger play enough to make a call whether he should be called up the the Irish squad or not, but Ive just seen on the Irish abroad thread that Eddie Nolan has been called into the Irish squad and St Ledger hasnt which led to a lad on the same thread asking if the Irish management even know he is Irish. Now I just want to play Devils Advocate here for a second, but is it possible that St Ledger himself doesnt want to be included in the squad and has eyes on an England cap in future???
Im not trying to be a smart ass because Im open to any lad playing for us no matter where he is born, Im just throwing out the question

I don't think it's likely. St. Ledger has talked openly about his desire to represent Ireland.

I think Nolan is being fast-tracked into the squad because our full-backs are having injury problems (Finnan has hardly played, McShane pulled his hamstring, Kelly just back from injury).

To call St. Ledger up (clearly a centre-half) to remedy a shortage at full-back wouldn't make sense.

That said, St. Ledger should definitely be ahead of Bruce in the pecking order, and thus should be in the squad.

[Paddy Garcia]

If he has already played for England and is now over 21 how could he play for Ireland???

And he has already switched from Ireland to England once.

[Irish_Praha]

I havent seen St Ledger play enough to make a call whether he should be called up the the Irish squad or not, but Ive just seen on the Irish abroad thread that Eddie Nolan has been called into the Irish squad and St Ledger hasnt which led to a lad on the same thread asking if the Irish management even know he is Irish. Now I just want to play Devils Advocate here for a second, but is it possible that St Ledger himself doesnt want to be included in the squad and has eyes on an England cap in future???
Im not trying to be a smart ass because Im open to any lad playing for us no matter where he is born, Im just throwing out the question

Was St. Ledger not in one of Staunton's squads? If so then they should be aware that he can play for Ireland.

Edit:

Just had a look, he was in the squad when Ireland played Germany in the last qualifiers.

[seanfhear]

I havent seen St Ledger play enough to make a call whether he should be called up the the Irish squad or not, but Ive just seen on the Irish abroad thread that Eddie Nolan has been called into the Irish squad and St Ledger hasnt which led to a lad on the same thread asking if the Irish management even know he is Irish. Now I just want to play Devils Advocate here for a second, but is it possible that St Ledger himself doesnt want to be included in the squad and has eyes on an England cap in future???
Im not trying to be a smart ass because Im open to any lad playing for us no matter where he is born, Im just throwing out the question
To be honest I have been wondering this myself.
Maybe he has asked not to be included for the time being, otherwise it is baffling why he has not been included in recent squads.

[the doc]

To be honest I have been wondering this myself.
Maybe he has asked not to be included for the time being, otherwise it is baffling why he has not been included in recent squads.

Spoke to St Ledger after the game, he said he was gutted at not being called up.

He also said that he had been asked if he is prepared to make himself available for NI!

I just fail to understand why a player of such ability is being overlooked for the likes of McShane and Bruce.

Alan McInally said about him on Sky "Championship Team, Premiership Quality" so if he can see it why not Trapp?

[Razors left peg]

Spoke to St Ledger after the game, he said he was gutted at not being called up.

He also said that he had been asked if is prepared to make himself available for NI!

I just fail to understand why a player of such ability is being overlooked for the likes of McShane and Bruce.

Alan McInally said about him on Sky "Championship Team, Premiership Quality" so if he can see it why not Trapp?

Did he say he say it is something he is giving serious thought to doing??

[the doc]

Did he say he say it is something he is giving serious thought to doing??

Never said, but he did say that he'd always wanted to play for the Republic since he was a lad.

From what I've been told, his Grandfather was from Carlow in the south and his Grandmother was from Omagh in the north.

[Razors left peg]

Never said, but he did say that he'd always wanted to play for the Republic since he was a lad.

From what I've been told, his Grandfather was from Carlow in the south and his Grandmother was from Omagh in the north.

Well at least Trap has been to see him play a few times now so Im sure he cant be too far away from a call up

[tetsujin1979]

Don't understand what the fuss is all about. Finnan is injured. St Ledger is not a full back. Nolan is. He got called up.

[Jicked]

For God's sake the non-selection of St Ledger is hardly 'baffling'. There isn't a whole lot between him and Bruce both are decent young Championship players, maybe, just maybe Trapattoni actually prefers what Bruce offers as a CB to what St Ledger currently offers, despite the fact St Ledger has gotten a few good write ups and the fact Preston are in 6th and Ipswich 10th which of course is vital to the barstoolers, until of course they read next week's positive review about a League One centre midfielder...

[seanfhear]

For God's sake the non-selection of St Ledger is hardly 'baffling'. There isn't a whole lot between him and Bruce both are decent young Championship players, maybe, just maybe Trapattoni actually prefers what Bruce offers as a CB to what St Ledger currently offers, despite the fact St Ledger has gotten a few good write ups and the fact Preston are in 6th and Ipswich 10th which of course is vital to the barstoolers, until of course they read next week's positive review about a League One centre midfielder...
Has Trap even had St ledger in a squad to have a look at him.
Bruce did not do that well for Ipswich on saturday.
There are a lot of people on this board that believe that St ledger is a better player than Bruce and are entitled to voice their opinions.
At least Trap is having a look a some of the players at the moment which will deflect a bit of critiism.Why not give St Ledger a callup if there is so little between the two players.

[the doc]

For God's sake the non-selection of St Ledger is hardly 'baffling'. There isn't a whole lot between him and Bruce both are decent young Championship players, maybe, just maybe Trapattoni actually prefers what Bruce offers as a CB to what St Ledger currently offers, despite the fact St Ledger has gotten a few good write ups and the fact Preston are in 6th and Ipswich 10th which of course is vital to the barstoolers, until of course they read next week's positive review about a League One centre midfielder...

There's a vast difference between them in terms of ability, St Ledger is far more talented, as for St Ledger getting a few good write ups, well he is Prestons player of the year and the North West player of the year and you don't win those unless you consistently play well.

Bruce is only in the squad because of his fathers connections with DG, fact!

If Trapp was picking players who are playing well at club level then fair enough, but to not even include St Ledger in any of the squads even at B level, is a joke!

Trapp needs to start being his own man and stop listening to our wonderful U21 manager.

[FarBeag]

For God's sake the non-selection of St Ledger is hardly 'baffling'. There isn't a whole lot between him and Bruce both are decent young Championship players, maybe, just maybe Trapattoni actually prefers what Bruce offers as a CB to what St Ledger currently offers, despite the fact St Ledger has gotten a few good write ups and the fact Preston are in 6th and Ipswich 10th which of course is vital to the barstoolers, until of course they read next week's positive review about a League One centre midfielder...

You are wrong there bud. Have you seen either one of them play? If you have and still judge them to be playing at the same level then you better get down to spec savers quick smart.

St Ledger should be in the Irish squad and it would be an absolute shame if the North pinched him from us. Trap fancies Bruce for one reason or another but it can’t be on his football ability. If it is he should join you at the eye clinic.