Republic of Ireland V Nigeria - Friday, 29th May 2009 - Friendly - Craven Cottage

[elroy]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria_national_football_team

Surprised at how many names I actually recognised here, they have a decent and should provide a good test tonight

[Plastic Paddy]

ya and im stuck in bloody work looking down the river.....

Ditto, but just think of the fun to be had later. :) (I can see Craven Cottage from here...)

:ball: PP

[shakermaker1982]

I'm very happy with the team. I've been crying out for a few of these fringe players to get a run out in case the Trap's first 11 get injured or suspended. Miller gets another chance to deliver so I hope he makes the most of it. Last chance saloon you'd think or maybe he has some incriminating photographs??

[Sligo Hornet]

ya and im stuck in bloody work looking down the river.....

I'm knocking off work in 20 mins:)......back home, change into shorts and head into London!!:)

See you in Brogans after the game Paul!

[paul_oshea]

Ya, just like the the Bank job, it could be a 3rd remake called The Italian Job.

Looking at the clubs which they play for, Ireland should dispose of Nigeria easily, however we all know thats not how these things work. On paper we definitely have a better team, but id say at the moment we are somewhere on a par with Nigeria in world terms, capable of getting a draw against many top sides, but not beating them. Anyway hurry up 4 oclock i want to go. For anyone not here, seriously the weather is gorgeous and full of lovely girls out in their best summer attire :D

[paul_oshea]

I'm knocking off work in 20 mins:)......back home, change into shorts and head into London!!:)

See you in Brogans after the game Paul!

Ah stop telling me that stuff would ye. I bet you just tell them all at work that you are going into London for an important businsess meeting and then get into your best irish gear and head away....:evil:

[Sligo Hornet]

Ah stop telling me that stuff would ye. I bet you just tell them all at work that you are going into London for an important businsess meeting and then get into your best irish gear and head away....:evil:


No need to Paul....as I AM THE BOSS!:)

[youngirish]

Any sign of the doc yet? He probably p*ssed his pants when he seen that both St Ledger and Nolan were in the team.

[paul_oshea]

No need to Paul....as I AM THE BOSS!:)

I know, thats why I am saying it. The MD can do what he likes but still "remain" professional in the eyes of his employees!

[paul_oshea]

Any sign of the doc yet? He probably p*ssed his pants when he seen that both St Ledger and Nolan were in the team.

More like creamed his pants... :D

[Sligo Hornet]

I know, thats why I am saying it. The MD can do what he likes but still "remain" professional in the eyes of his employees!

I know what you mean......but I have been in my office since 6.30am this morning, so being honest isn't a problem

[Closed Account]

Any sign of the doc yet? He probably p*ssed his pants when he seen that both St Ledger and Nolan were in the team.
Yes but Leon Best ahead of Stephen Elliott?


Leon Best Starts:19 Sub:16 Goals:4
Stephen Elliott: Starts:23 Subs:17 Goals:6Trap Out!

[paul_oshea]

I know what you mean......but I have been in my office since 6.30am this morning, so being honest isn't a problem

its still a half day or more, and anyway if i was in at that time no one would believe me, as I am sure is the case with many others. When not "in the office" you are "not in the office", if ye get me ;)

Anyway keeping on topic hopefully Ireland can come away with a win, and a solid performance from st ledger, followed by lawrence, and i will be a very merry bunny tonight :D

[tetsujin1979]

Staying out in guildford. Should be hitting brogan's for 5. Having strolled around the college here, i can confirm the ladies are indeed in their summer best!

[corkboy360]

Great idea from the Fai to clash this with the league series.
I love them geniuses

[paul_oshea]

those?

[Wolfie]

Today 's Irish Times:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/0529/1224247668353.html

What do you make of this:

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Shay Given (Manchester City); Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Seán St Ledger (Preston North End), Eddie Nolan (Preston North End); Damien Duff (Newcastle Utd) or Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Liam Miller (QPR), Keith Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), Liam Lawrence (Stoke City); Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Leon Best (Coventry City).

[paul_oshea]

Nigeria will provide us with a difficult match but we are going out to win it as always because it is important to reinforce a winning mentality. This is a big opportunity for the new players. They have been in the squad and have not played, so this is a chance for them to show what they can do.”

They always go out to win games? could have fooled me, more importantly if it is true, they still aren't going out doing it!!!

[Metrostars]

Really looking forward to seeing the new kids perform i.e. Nolan, St Ledger, Foley, Best & Lawrence. No idea what Miller has on Trap, Brady etc. Also, Nigeria will be missing the likes of Yobo and the Spanish based players.

[zenokelly]

I predict a 1-1, or 2-1 win for the Nigerians considering the inexperienced back 3, the weak midfield with Miller included and the unproven Best up front.

Looking forward to see Foley and St Ledger the most, as they are the only 2 that I see as having a chance of becoming first teamers in this campaign.

Maybe this back 4 against Italy in October?

Foley-St Ledger- Dunne-O Shea

[paul_oshea]

haven't seen much of Secure Socket Layer, but if he is as good as people have been saying -which id say a lot of those have seen as much of him as i have, and read as much in the papers as i have but still base a strong opinion on ;) - then I would be happy enough with that back four. As foley doesn't really have much to prove does he?!

[SkStu]

haven't seen much of Secure Socket Layer, but if he is as good as people have been saying -which id say a lot of those have seen as much of him as i have, and read as much in the papers as i have but still base a strong opinion on ;) - then I would be happy enough with that back four. As foley doesn't really have much to prove does he?!

I will be interested in all reports on SSL too. Not expecting miracles but a solid, confident performance (even if we concede a goal or two) would only be a good thing.

Re Foley - internationally i think he has it all to prove, unfortunately. Pity he has had to wait so long for his chance as im sure he too will need some time to get used to the speed of the international game.

Lets face it, these Nigerian lads are going to be really hard to get anything from. Theyre still a good team and im going to say 3-1 to them.

Before you attack me, please bear in mind that i am extremely pessimistic when it comes to Irish games. That way, anything we get from games is something i can celebrate!! :D

[ifk101]

We don't know if Foley and St Ledger are international standard. Both have done well at Championship level - nothing more, nothing less.

There's only 4 games left in this qualification campaign so breaking up the O'Shea-Dunne partnership wouldn't be a smart move. If Finnan is available for the Autumn internationals, he is an automatic starter for me.

Foley and St Ledger would need to score a hattrick each tonight if they are going to break into the starting 11 for competitive games.

[paul_oshea]

sorry what i meant was, in terms to prove their worthiness of internationall call ups. Sorry should have said more but was being watched typing so had to write quick :D

[ifk101]

St Ledger, Foley and Lawrence are all worthy of getting a run-out. Of those 3, Foley is probably the player with the best chance of starting a competitive international given Finnan's injury problems and the failings of McShane.

[geysir]

Really looking forward to seeing the new kids perform i.e. Nolan, St Ledger, Foley, Best & Lawrence
It's a big day in their football career, let's hope they can relax into their game and do themselves justice.

[SkStu]

if anyone has any streaming links can they please post em up. Cheers!

[kingdomkerry]

What channel is this on lads. Setanta Ireland or Setanta 1?

[bohsRap]

What channel is this on lads. Setanta Ireland or Setanta 1?

Setanta 1 (http://entertainment.ie/TV_Listing/29%20May%202009/1067/Setanta+Sports+1.htm)

[bohsRap]

It's a big day in their football career, let's hope they can relax into their game and do themselves justice.

Nolan - Never seen him but he's young and good to be giving him a chance.
St. Ledger - Heard great things this season, hopefully he can put in a solid performance.
Foley - Meant to be a great little player, let's see.
Lawerence - He was injured for a good part of the season wasn't he? This should be a test for him but I think he's good.
Best - Highly rated when he was younger but seemed to drop off a little this season. A goal would be great for him.

Overall, I'd take a draw due to our debutants but it's gona be a tough game.

[Razors left peg]

if anyone has any streaming links can they please post em up. Cheers!

Its live on the RTE website worldwide

[cudsy1]

commentary only, i believe

http://www.rte.ie/sport/radiospecials.html

http://www.rte.ie/sport/webcastschedule.html

[Razors left peg]

commentary only, i believe

http://www.rte.ie/sport/radiospecials.html

http://www.rte.ie/sport/webcastschedule.html

Ah yes apologies

[SkStu]

yep, Setanta have the rights to the game plus the links on the RTE website point to aertel so im thinking ill have to check justintv out before kick-off. If i find anything, well post it up here.

[passinginterest]

yep, Setanta have the rights to the game plus the links on the RTE website point to aertel so im thinking ill have to check justintv out before kick-off. If i find anything, well post it up here.

There's a stream there at the moment, not sure if it'll survive to kick off.

[Noelys Guitar]

links
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=40413&part=sports

[irishultra]

wish this was on in the rds or something

[billydoneit]

http://www.justin.tv/gotera3/popout

Working for now anyway......

[irishultra]

Should have been in the RDS;)

Come on Ireland. We really should win this tbh.

[geysir]

Crystal clear stream on bet365.

[strangeirish]

Another one for ye...


http://atdhe.net/7327/watch-ireland-vs-nigeria

[Brendan 82]

Andrews doing well getting tackles in. Miller not so much

[geysir]

Come on you boys in green :D

[SkStu]

its official - the Nigerian fans will cheer anything.

[SkStu]

especially goals - :(

1-0 nigeria (soft goal to concede.)

[Deckydee]

Im watching it now on http://www.justin.tv/gotera3

We are 1-0 down :mad:

[SkStu]

lovely set piece - SSL did well and Best maybe should have hit the target...

[Deckydee]

1-1

Keane!

[SkStu]

beautiful goal!!!!!!

[strangeirish]

Great goal by Keane! Lovely pass by Andrews.