Duff injured?

[tricky_colour]

I just thought I would stick the squad in here to refresh my memory.

Goalkeepers
Shay Given
Dean Kiely
Keiren Westwood
Defenders
Alex Bruce
Damien Delaney
John O'Shea
Kevin Foley
Paul McShane
Richard Dunne
Stephen Kelly
Steve Finnan
Kevin Kilbane
Midfielders
Aiden McGeady
Damien Duff
Darron Gibson
Glenn Whelan
Keith Andrews
Liam Miller
Stephen Hunt
Andy Keogh
Forwards
Caleb Folan
Kevin Doyle
Robbie Keane
Shane Long
Noel Hunt

Surely Trap will have to call up a replacement, the obvious choice being Andy Reid, but there may be a 'political' problem with that. Maybe he will leave the squad as it is but with two games that would not be sensible.

[Delbertt]

He'l have to call up a replacement you would think, hopefuly he gets on the phone to Andy Reid cant see it though

[DmanDmythDledge]

Surely Trap will have to call up a replacement, the obvious choice being Andy Reid, but there may be a 'political' problem with that. Maybe he will leave the squad as it is but with two games that would not be sensible.
I think he will leave the squad as it is because, as Manc Irish Wolf has mentioned, he is too proud and if he calls up a different replacement he would have to deal with endless questions about not picking Reid. It's unfortunate as Reid should be next in line for a place on the wings.

[irishfan86]

Wonder if he'll give Ireland a call...

[The Fly]

This is very bad news. Duff and MacGeady have become crucial, albeit too obviously, to our qualification hopes. Alot of responsibility falls on MacGeady's shoulders now, lets hope he's up to it.

You do have to wonder about some people's overall appreciation and critique of football if they think Hunt is a better player than Duff, whether it be now or otherwise. He isn't. I hope he performs well in Duff's absence, but I do worry. Hunt is an impact sub at this level, no more - no less!

[DmanDmythDledge]

This is very bad news. Duff and MacGeady have become crucial, albeit too obviously, to our qualification hopes...
This is a good point and highlights the flaws in the Trap's system.

With two central midfielders who tend to sit back more often than not it places huge importance on the wingers as they are our two players who will create chances for us. Our options after Duff and McGeady, bar Andy Reid, are not strong enough to win games for us. Also add the fact that Bulgaria will double up on McGeady now that Duff is out will make it difficult for us to create clear cut chances on Saturday. I've always had reservations with the system that we use as it has little flexibility and no plan B from the bench when missing our starters and I think that is going to show at the weekend.

[Colmcc]

I'm not sure this would work but Kilbane on the left and O'Dea at left back ? He's did ok at Celtic in the position, it'd be a big gamble though.

[DmanDmythDledge]

I'm not sure this would work but Kilbane on the left and O'Dea at left back ? He's did ok at Celtic in the position, it'd be a big gamble though.
I always believe that a team should never make any more changes than it has to. Obviously has more significance in club football as it is every week but making a second change by unnecessarily changing the defence is completely out of the picture.

[Irish_Praha]

This is very bad news. Duff and MacGeady have become crucial, albeit too obviously, to our qualification hopes. Alot of responsibility falls on MacGeady's shoulders now, lets hope he's up to it.

You do have to wonder about some people's overall appreciation and critique of football if they think Hunt is a better player than Duff, whether it be now or otherwise. He isn't. I hope he performs well in Duff's absence, but I do worry. Hunt is an impact sub at this level, no more - no less!

I agree. Another major advantage Duff has over Hunt is a vast amount of experience of playing at the highest level. He's not the player of old but has more skill and intelligence than Hunt. He has played in a WC and lots of away champions league games for Chelsea. This is the kind of experience that we need for the game against Italy. Not Hunt getting all excited and kicking the legs from underneat an Italian. That said, with the players currently in the squad Hunt deserves to take Duff's place.

In fact according to Sportinglife he is going to start. I don't know how they know that though.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/09/03/26/SOCCER_Republic_Snap.html

[elroy]

Brady confirmed that Hunt will play on the left in place of Duff. Which makes sense, as mentioned above the fewest changes the better.
Had forgot that Duff missed the first two games against Georgia and Montenegro through injury as well. Hunt did quite well in those games so hopefully will do the same again.

[Jicked]

Cant believe some people think this is a good time to call Andy Reid back up, it'd completely change the atmosphere of the camp in the middle of a massive double header.

[bohsRap]

Just heard Tony O'Donoghue on RTÉ Radio 1. Can't remember exact phrase but said something like shocking scenes at Irish training. Sounds like it's not injury related. Sounds like a bust up to me.

Where did you get that from? Here's the report from Six One News:

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0326/6news_av.html?2515443,null,230

[carloz]

Would it not be a good opportunity to call up Fahey if Andy Reid is out of the question

[rocketballs7]

Lads, this could be the difference we have been looking for ( others who could make a difference is andy reid & stevie Ireland but not gonna happen) in this qualification bid. Stephen Hunt is the type who will be in the bulgarians and the italians faces for however many minutes he stays on the pitch. the only thing id be worried about is his temperament, if im not mistaken he was sent off last year against the Czechs, admittedly harshly, but he does get kind of excited when he plays for ireland.
However the chap just offers something different and is a livewire. as much as people wanna say about Duff being this and that, im not knocking the chap but he has hardly set the world alight in the last few years. To be honest, im quite happy with McGeady and Hunt playing on Saturday

[ainsie]

Would it not be a good opportunity to call up Fahey if Andy Reid is out of the question


???????:confused:

[carloz]

???????:confused:

Why are you confused. It looks like Andy reid wont get called up under Trap so why not call up Keith Fahey

[Supreme feet]

I'd say if Trap was to call up a replacement, it's be Wes Hoolahan. Already played for Trap last May, and in the 'B' friendlies, and playing at the same level as Fahey. Won't happen though.

[tricky_colour]

Hunt is third in the Championship index, a place behind Doyle, Duff is not in the Premiership top 100. Also Reading supporters player of the year last season. Bulgaria might have prefered Duff was playing!

[ainsie]

Because we already have a bunch of players in the squad that dont deserve to be there but at least they have experience sitting on the bench.. do you honestly think Trap would call up someone that has had no training with the team and has not had the experience working with the rest of the squad 2 days before such a big game. He'll stick with 23 players and make do unless maybe mc geady pulls out and then he'll go for a player he has had some experience with.

[ifk101]

I'd say if Trap was to call up a replacement, it's be Wes Hoolahan. Already played for Trap last May, and in the 'B' friendlies, and playing at the same level as Fahey. Won't happen though.

Hoolahan is injured.

[The Fly]

Because we already have a bunch of players in the squad that dont deserve to be there but at least they have experience sitting on the bench.. do you honestly think Trap would call up someone that has had no training with the team and has not had the experience working with the rest of the squad 2 days before such a big game. He'll stick with 23 players and make do unless maybe mc geady pulls out and then he'll go for a player he has had some experience with.

Please.......don't even mention the possibility that MacGeady might pull out - we could be up the proverbial without a paddle in that case.
How depressing................:(

[zenokelly]

Suddenly our midfield looks extremely weak.

Hunt was dropped by Coppell in Reading's last 2 games which doesn't augur well for his form, I'm a big fan of how Andrews has played this season but he was also dropped by big Sam for his last 2, though he was sprung from the bench at half time in the last game and scored, Whelan is not going to command possession in the centre of the park and as has been the case can be a wayward passer,while I think some people on here have been blinded by the mere 45 mins of brilliance from McGeady against Georgia. Reality is McGeady had been one of the most consistent Irish under performers in recent times. Even his 1st 45 against Georgia was abismal.

I think we still should beat Bulgaria but I'm not nearly a confident without Duff.
The goal he created against the Cypriots says it all about him and you must remember he was man marked by 2 players against Georgia.

Robbie has also suddenly become a much more important player as all the creativity will come through him.

Andrews to put in a MOTM performance and our men to win 1-0.

By the way Andy Reid should be called in and Trap should eat his humble pie if we want to have a chance of topping Italy but it won't happen, simple as...

[The Fly]

Suddenly our midfield looks extremely weak.

Hunt was dropped by Coppell in Reading's last 2 games which doesn't augur well for his form, I'm a big fan of how Andrews has played this season but he was also dropped by big Sam for his last 2, though he was sprung from the bench at half time in the last game and scored, Whelan is not going to command possession in the centre of the park and as has been the case can be a wayward passer,while I think some people on here have been blinded by the mere 45 mins of brilliance from McGeady against Georgia. Reality is McGeady had been one of the most consistent Irish performers in recent times. Even his 1st 45 against Georgia was abismal.


Were you not going for 'most inconsistent' there Zeno or did you mean consistently poor :rolleyes:.
His first half against Georgia was hardly abysmal. In any case, despite my belief that he is our most naturally talented player, in terms of form he has certainly been on an upward swing for us of late.
I would even go as far as to say that he will become our most important player.

[ainsie]

Suddenly our midfield looks extremely weak.

Hunt was dropped by Coppell in Reading's last 2 games which doesn't augur well for his form, I'm a big fan of how Andrews has played this season but he was also dropped by big Sam for his last 2, though he was sprung from the bench at half time in the last game and scored, Whelan is not going to command possession in the centre of the park and as has been the case can be a wayward passer,while I think some people on here have been blinded by the mere 45 mins of brilliance from McGeady against Georgia. Reality is McGeady had been one of the most consistent Irish performers in recent times. Even his 1st 45 against Georgia was abismal.

I think we still should beat Bulgaria but I'm not nearly a confident without Duff.
The goal he created against the Cypriots says it all about him and you must remember he was man marked by 2 players against Georgia.

Robbie has also suddenly become a much more important player as all the creativity will come through him.

Andrews to put in a MOTM performance and our men to win 1-0.

By the way Andy Reid should be called in and Trap should eat his humble pie if we want to have a chance of topping Italy but it won't happen, simple as...

Nothing sudden about our mid feilds weakness. It looked good there for a few weeks when Stephen Reid was about but since then.... well say no more.

[rocketballs7]

Suddenly our midfield looks extremely weak.

Hunt was dropped by Coppell in Reading's last 2 games which doesn't augur well for his form, I'm a big fan of how Andrews has played this season but he was also dropped by big Sam for his last 2, though he was sprung from the bench at half time in the last game and scored, Whelan is not going to command possession in the centre of the park and as has been the case can be a wayward passer,while I think some people on here have been blinded by the mere 45 mins of brilliance from McGeady against Georgia. Reality is McGeady had been one of the most consistent Irish performers in recent times. Even his 1st 45 against Georgia was abismal.



I never even cotemplated that Whelan would be starter actually, i rate him as astonishingly poor, in fact i would consider andrews and gibson the best of a bad bunch considering our best midfielders imo are not even in the squad for one reason or another ( ireland, reid x 2 , garvan should have been given a chance too) . the most annoying thing about whelan, is that he never f**king shoots for ireland!! apart from the lucky goal against georgia away, he dont remember him having a shot, and should have done plenty of times in his last few games. strangely, he shoots no problem for stoke

[The Fly]

I never even cotemplated that Whelan would be starter actually, i rate him as astonishingly poor, in fact i would consider andrews and gibson the best of a bad bunch considering our best midfielders imo are not even in the squad for one reason or another ( ireland, reid x 2 , garvan should have been given a chance too) . the most annoying thing about whelan, is that he never f**king shoots for ireland!! apart from the lucky goal against georgia away, he dont remember him having a shot, and should have done plenty of times in his last few games. strangely, he shoots no problem for stoke

Gibson might compensate for that!

[back of the net]

Would it not be a good opportunity to call up Fahey if Andy Reid is out of the question

please god tell us all that you are taking the p*ss!!!!

[DmanDmythDledge]

Where did you get that from? Here's the report from Six One News:

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0326/6news_av.html?2515443,null,230
Duff injury had not been reported at the time when Tony O'D was on the radio, at around 5.30pm.

[irishultra]

please god tell us all that you are taking p*ss!!!!

what:confused:

[zenokelly]

Were you not going for 'most inconsistent' there Zeno or did you mean consistently poor :rolleyes:.
His first half against Georgia was hardly abysmal. In any case, despite my belief that he is our most naturally talented player, in terms of form he has certainly been on an upward swing for us of late.
I would even go as far as to say that he will become our most important player.

Sorry it was meant to be 'under performing'.

It shows how such a short term memory some people have. I think back to the 2 games in the East against the Czechs nd Slovaks, I'm not going to go over the top, but his performances were pathetic. I can't say he has put in a complete performance in green or anywhere near it. Ye he put in a great 45 minute shift against the weakest team in the group at home last time out, but that mightn't be good enough against Bulgaria or Italy.
By the way I agree he has been improving which is positive but I wouldn't go far to say that he is aa key player for us.

[Fizzer]

There's no way the Bulgarians would prefer to be facing Duff. Hunt's an honest energetic player, but not in Duff's league. Trapp has to consider the fact that McGeady is only recovering from a knock. Is he fit enough to play two games in quick sucession? There's always a possibility that someone will pick up a strain etc in the Bulgaria game. We could be left desperately short of cover out wide for the Italy game. It would be extraordinarily irresponsible not to call up Reid now. We need experienced players for these big games. I'm gonna be pssd off if I have to look at Liam Miller coming on against Italy, when we have a Premiership midfielder, dying to play for us, sitting at home. Ridiculous.

[cheifo]

I hate to bring it up but if we had Stephen Ireland to come in it would make a world of difference.I would even resort to begging.

[Greenbod]

Cant believe some people think this is a good time to call Andy Reid back up, it'd completely change the atmosphere of the camp in the middle of a massive double header.

What does this mean?.........the atmosphere would change from what to what?

[rocketballs7]

I hate to bring it up but if we had Stephen Ireland to come in it would make a world of difference.I would even resort to begging.

sad as it may sound alright, i totally agree, he is ripping teams apart, if only the f**ker had a brain in his head :rolleyes:

[Crosby87]

Dunne said today not to expect SI anytime soon.....
Maybe this will be a good thing with Hunt getting a chance. Im telling you, when Ireland played Ecuador in Giants Stadium two summers ago, He was by far the best player on the field. Now, of course i understand that does not mean much, but I noticed it and said, this guy can be a player for us. Maybe he will Wally Pipp the Duffer.

[BigmanCas]

Honestly the news that Duff will not be playing was painful to listen to. It is catastrophic!! He had a very good game against Georgia and was beginning to regain some of his old spark at international level. He is central to our chances. Sadly he will be replaced by Stephan Hunt who lacks any ability and is incapable of cutting it at international football over a prolonged period. I will never doubt his passion and commitment to the cause but when you have zero ability to back this up then it spells trouble. Anybody who argues otherwise is living in neverneverland. All one needs to do its go onto any Reading Fans Forum and observe what they have to say about Steve. He is a liability.

[eirebhoy]

I feel Duff is our link between midfield and attack, especially with Steven Reid out. Without those 2 we have a midfield who's job will be to get the ball to the wide players who's job is to get the ball into the box. At least Duff drifted all over the place. Allowed us to hold onto the ball for periods.

A huge loss.

[danonion]

I hope I have enough of a reputation for not being a windup merchant to avoid a scathing attack here ...

I'm gutted for Duff because he is an Ireland legend and its terrible to hear he is injured again after going through such a nightmare few years with his fitness. From a footballing sense however, I am not too worried. Duff is better than Hunt, but the difference between them is not as great as the difference in their reputations. Duff has deteriorated drastically as a player. I watched Newcastle vs. Arsenal and I really don't think he's ever going to be a match winner again, his contributions are peripheral.

Hunt seems as energetic as Duff seems lethargic. I never really rated Hunt's ability too highly but somehow I feel he could be just the tonic for our side right now.

If Hunt is doing miserably out there, I would consider giving Kilbane half an hour on the wing. His crossing was really excellent last time Hull played. Fagan should have scored two from him.

[tricky_colour]

Honestly the news that Duff will not be playing was painful to listen to. It is catastrophic!! He had a very good game against Georgia and was beginning to regain some of his old spark at international level. He is central to our chances. Sadly he will be replaced by Stephan Hunt who lacks any ability and is incapable of cutting it at international football over a prolonged period. I will never doubt his passion and commitment to the cause but when you have zero ability to back this up then it spells trouble. Anybody who argues otherwise is living in neverneverland. All one needs to do its go onto any Reading Fans Forum and observe what they have to say about Steve. He is a liability.

They don't seem too pleased recently, he did not start the last two games he was the supporters playe of the season last season I believe.
Hopefully he will be back to his best. To say Hunt lacks ability is unfair - 19 assists 6 goals and 43 fouls - top stats :D
I doubt Duff gets close to those figures for Newcastle. Furthermore Hunt seems significantly more robust than Duff ad is the sort of player who can give the team a boost with his enthusiasm - anyway he is fit Duff ain't.

[The Fly]

For me, in these next two matches, MacGeady is definately our most important player. With Duff out, Aiden has to shoulder a lot of responsibility as he is now our only real creative attacking outlet. Hunt seems to be a direct replacement for Duff, indicating (as if we all didn't already know) that Trapattoni is retaining the system used throughout our campaign to date. This obviously means that Bulgaria and Italy can now afford to have MacGeady double marked on the wing :(. Leading on from this, I would have been tempted to reconfigure the system and utilise Aiden more centrally.
Regardless of all of this, whichever eventuality, I think will all need to start praying that MacGeady is able to rise to the challenge.

I just can't join in with the optimism expressed by some as regards Hunt's ability to adequately fill Duff's boots as I can't see Hunt having much joy against either side's defence. He is a good player to bring on against any side with about 20/25 minutes to go with the opposition beginning to tire, as he gets involved immediately, at full tilt, and doesn't require any time to get into the tempo or flow of the match, otherwise, in my opinion, he doesn't have the game intelligence to compete with the top sides.
I do hope I am proved wrong, in which case I will eat humble pie!..............but I doubt it - especially against the Italians.

[Pike B]

Balls... :(

[bwagner]

With Mc Geady surley not fit for both games i fear the worst. I am a Reading fan and love Hunty but he is not near Duffd level

Liam Lawernce !!!! Brady your a idiot pick this guy for feck sake
!

[Razors left peg]

For all those on here that are saying that Duff has deteriorated as a player and Hunt is now a better option than him... have ye actually watched any Ireland games lately? Who cares what he has done for Newcastle, I cannot remember him ever having a bad game for us and is a threat every time he gets the ball.And there is no one on the Ireland team that cares about playing for their country more than Duffer, he even travelled to one of the away games in the last campaign when he was injured just to support the lads.I was travelling yesterday and missed all the news about it so I just found out about it from this forum and Im absolutely gutted that he is out and Im annoyed that some people on here seem to be passing it off as no big deal. This is a disaster for us, I hope Hunt does brilliantly and I do like him as a player but he is very limited and he hasnt played well very often when he has started for us.
But if McGeady doesnt make it too and Andy Keogh is picked to start on the wing I swear I will lose it completely. Andy Reid should be in the squad as cover for the wings at a minimum, he has played there for Sunderland alot lately and is 10 times the player that Andy Keogh will ever be in midfield.
This is the first home qualifier Im gonna miss for years so my mood has been poor already, this has just completely depressed me now

[Pike B]

For all those on here that are saying that Duff has deteriorated as a player and Hunt is now a better option than him... have ye actually watched any Ireland games lately? Who cares what he has done for Newcastle, I cannot remember him ever having a bad game for us and is a threat every time he gets the ball.And there is no one on the Ireland team that cares about playing for their country more than Duffer, he even travelled to one of the away games in the last campaign when he was injured just to support the lads.I was travelling yesterday and missed all the news about it so I just found out about it from this forum and Im absolutely gutted that he is out and Im annoyed that some people on here seem to be passing it off as no big deal. This is a disaster for us, I hope Hunt does brilliantly and I do like him as a player but he is very limited and he hasnt played well very often when he has started for us.

Very well said..

[geysir]

Duff is invaluable to us but it is a fact of life that the team can't depend on his fitness.
We should regard Duff being fit as a bonus.
Traps system has a few weak links. In the long run we would be better off just having one of Duff /Mcgeady /Hunt in the starting 11.

It's up to McGeady to step up and take on Duffs mantle. He doesn 't always have to feel that he has to scamper with the ball at 100kph.

[Paddy Garcia]

There's no way the Bulgarians would prefer to be facing Duff. Hunt's an honest energetic player, but not in Duff's league. Trapp has to consider the fact that McGeady is only recovering from a knock. Is he fit enough to play two games in quick sucession? There's always a possibility that someone will pick up a strain etc in the Bulgaria game. We could be left desperately short of cover out wide for the Italy game. It would be extraordinarily irresponsible not to call up Reid now. We need experienced players for these big games. I'm gonna be pssd off if I have to look at Liam Miller coming on against Italy, when we have a Premiership midfielder, dying to play for us, sitting at home. Ridiculous.

..or indeed Hunt sees red... again.

We would be in a healthier position with Reid & Lawrence as options.

[elroy]

I knew things were going so good, with Bulgaria and all their injuries and we hadnt a single one to report.

[Drumcondra 69er]

Massive loss and I'd be a Hunt fan. Hope he can step up to the plate. The only positive slant I could put on it is that Hunt will track back more then Duff against Italy which may be useful if we're on teh back foot at any stage.

Whatever about the Bulgaria game to not call up Reid or Lawrence for the Italy squad is cutting our nose off to spite our face, even as back up one or the other should be brought in for balance. But I feel that Trap has settled on his squad and that will be that unless there's further injuries on Saturday.

[magnumpi]

Stokes drafted in as cover? Surely Reid is the better choice.

Anyway, in Trap I (blindly) Trust!

[Drumcondra 69er]

Stokes drafted in as cover? Surely Reid is the better choice.

Anyway, in Trap I (blindly) Trust!

Very strange decision, Lawrence or Reid far better suited for me, assuming it's only because he's had Stokes in squads before and wants to go with players he's seen which rules Lawrence out and that he's not budging on his position regarding Reid.