Bulgaria V Ireland (Pre Match Thread)

[Duggie]

he gives the ball away all the time, and he prob look to take all the dead ball kick which will end up a complete waste. im really annoyed that mcgeady may not start. i mean really really annoyed..i dont rate hunt at all.

[paul_oshea]

Yeah, I think Trap covered quite a few angles with that friendly, not all obvious from first glance.
There would appear to be a growing swell of approval in the media for a Dunne St Ledger CM.

Ya, but not the kiely thing ;)

Only because he knows what is going on in terms of injuries etc, its what you would expect, im sure if we knew some were carrying knocks and were doubtful we would be able to ascertain from the outset the reasoning and/or have come to the same selection as he did. I don't ever think selection/who should play is an Art form, or requires great experience, its what you get hte players to do/show them in training thats the real key.

[paul_oshea]

if he does go with Secure Socket Layer, then those initially calling for his inclusion months back when we had a chance to breed him into the squad was a serious err on the part of Il Trap

[eirebhoy]

I think Hunt deserves it. McGeady success rate at beating players has shot down. He's very predictable to me watching from afar anyway.

That 1-2 he played on Friday before his shot on goal is something Messi does all the time and something McGeady should be constantly doing. A 1-2 is by far the easiest and most effective way of beating a player.

[youngirish]

Id consider starting with Lawrence over Hunt and McGeady even though he was fairly anonymous on Friday I still believe he has more to offer than Hunt (who cant distribute the ball to save his life) and McGeady (who cant find a teammate with his final ball to save his life). If its going poorly Id look at bringing Hunt on.

[Duggie]

Id consider starting with Lawrence over Hunt and McGeady even though he was fairly anonymous on Friday I still believe he has more to offer than Hunt (who cant distribute the ball to save his life) and McGeady (who cant find a teammate with his final ball to save his life). If its going poorly Id look at bringing Hunt on.

thats bull

[Crosby87]

I think Hunt has earned the chance, but will be on a short leash.

[shakermaker1982]

it's not often you'll see Eirebhoy doubt McGeady on here.

Hunt can do a job for us if he keeps his head. He has a good work ethic and will keep their full backs busy.

[Stuttgart88]

if he does go with Secure Socket Layer, then those initially calling for his inclusion months back when we had a chance to breed him into the squad was a serious err on the part of Il TrapDon't necessarily agree. He was touted more as a squad player months back but his late season form really made him stand out as a potential starter.

[Stuttgart88]

Only because he knows what is going on in terms of injuries etc, its what you would expect, im sure if we knew some were carrying knocks and were doubtful we would be able to ascertain from the outset the reasoning and/or have come to the same selection as he did. I don't ever think selection/who should play is an Art form, or requires great experience, its what you get hte players to do/show them in training thats the real key.
Crikey, he can't win can he?

[Stuttgart88]

Id consider starting with Lawrence over Hunt and McGeady even though he was fairly anonymous on Friday I still believe he has more to offer than Hunt (who cant distribute the ball to save his life) and McGeady (who cant find a teammate with his final ball to save his life). If its going poorly Id look at bringing Hunt on.I was thinking about Lawrence over McGeady too (marginal call), but I'd have had McGeady over Hunt.

I wonder will Folan's presence make it easier for Hunt / McGeady & Duff to find their man in the box, or create space for them to find others. Same thing from set pieces. In fact we could now have Folan, St. Ledger, O'Shea and Folan to offer a threat from set-pieces.

Doyle is good in the air but just isn't the potential handful that Folan could be if he plays well. They offer very different options.

[Noelys Guitar]

Hunt had an excellent game against the world champs away from home in a competitive game. He should be in the driving seat for the right midfield position. The best way of keeping Petrov "at home" is by letting Hunt do what he did in Bari. Skin the oppositions full back and win free kicks in dangerous positions.

[paul_oshea]

FOlan, as a double threat i like that!

[paul_oshea]

Hunt had an excellent game against the world champs away from home in a competitive game. He should be in the driving seat for the right midfield position. The best way of keeping Petrov "at home" is by letting Hunt do what he did in Bari. Skin the oppositions full back and win free kicks in dangerous positions.

ya and then hit every free at the wall or first line of defence, or over everyone and out the far side of goal.

[NeilMcD]

if he does go with Secure Socket Layer, then those initially calling for his inclusion months back when we had a chance to breed him into the squad was a serious err on the part of Il Trap

Paul that sentence does not really make sense. For a man who sees himself as an articulate person I am surprised at you. We all make spelling errors but that sentence is all over the shop.

[Stuttgart88]

ya and then hit every free at the wall or first line of defence, or over everyone and out the far side of goal.Remind me how we scored at home to Bulgaria?

[dr_peepee]

Hunt is at his best against better players. Maybe his inclusion means he's starting on the right to stifle the threat from Petrov???

[Drumcondra 69er]

Hunt deserves his start after his Italy game, McGeady has had too many chances and not nailed down a marker (and I'd be a fan). On that basis it has to be Hunt.

The team being touted in the media and on the training ground is the team I'd start with, St Ledger looks solid and doesn't look the type to be phased and McShane is a serious weak link so O'Shea moving out wide is a no brainer to me. Only concern I have is that O'Shea may be more prone to his old habit of switching off without someone vocal alongside him but to his credit he seems to have imporved that at right back for m u this season so fingers crossed.

Once everyone stays fit I'll be happy with that team. CAn't wait for the game, sick I'm not going, have a bloody pre wedding course all day saturday, straight out of that into the pub in plenty of time for kick off at least!

[Wolfie]

I think Hunt deserves to start following his performance against Italy. A great effort on goal in the first half that bolstered confidence and was a consistent problem for the Italians.

Who's to say we won't go a goal down early again? What Hunt can sometimes lack in composure he certainly makes up for in effort and urgency - his input could be critical if we are chasing the game.

Bulgaria will bombard us from the off, with a high tempo game feeding their attack at every opportunity.

Under these conditions, Hunt could be a useful means of alleviating pressure on our back four. Sometimes, the schoolyard football style can be effective.

[Stuttgart88]

Hunt is at his best against better players. Maybe his inclusion means he's starting on the right to stifle the threat from Petrov???That's what I'd expect, though it's the reason I'd have been tempted to stick Lawrence in over McGeady. I just don't like seeing such a one footed player as Hunt playing on his wrong side, but he has played there for Reading I suppose.

[shakermaker1982]

That's what I'd expect, though it's the reason I'd have been tempted to stick Lawrence in over McGeady. I just don't like seeing such a one footed player as Hunt playing on his wrong side, but he has played there for Reading I suppose.

He can cut inside like Messi - but do it with more style :D

[Thommo]

Hunt was dire at Croke Park against the Bulgarians yes he re-deemed himself against Italy but creatively McGeady and Duff offer more out wide and tend to switch sides throughout the game.
I know Aidan needs to get his head up a bit more and his final delivery at times has you tearing your hair out saying that I'd rather him than Hunt.
The man who ran the show in Croker v Bulgaria was Stilian Petrov he can't be given the same freedom, hopefully the lazy non-interested Berbatov turns up Saturday evening.
Kevin K. was targeted big time at Croker even though Kevin would die in the Irish jersey he lacks a bit of pace and if McShane plays I seriously fear for us.
I'll take a nil nil bore draw now :) it keeps us in the driving seat ahead of the Bulgarians otherwise if we lose we need to get something against our bogey team Cyprus come September and we've seen what has happened out there in the past, the win in Croker at home to Cyprus was seriously nail biting.

[Duggie]

ya and then hit every free at the wall or first line of defence, or over everyone and out the far side of goal.

exactly

[magnumpi]

[quote=Wolfie;1171476]

Bulgaria will bombard us from the off, with a high tempo game feeding their attack at every opportunity.

quote]


totally agree, which means it'll be backs to the wall for the first 15mins as against montenegro. if we can frustrate them in the first half though, you never know.

will be sh**ing it in the stands for the first part of the game for sure.

[geysir]

Hunt could be just the ticket midfield need against Bulgaria.

Looks like we have a good ref for the game, one who wont be partial to accepting services from ladies of the night.

[paul_oshea]

Remind me how we scored at home to Bulgaria?

You know well what I mean stutts....

[Duggie]

lads what if whelan dosent make it. :eek:

[NeilMcD]

We play Miller.

[Duggie]

We play Miller.

exactly.....:eek:

[Scram]

We play Miller.

Miller impressed me for the first time ever against Nigeria (other than one off's like his cracker of a goal against (Sweden?)), but would still very much worry me as a starter to be relied on for 90 minutes.

[NeilMcD]

No other alternative at the moment. If you were to go around through life wondering what is the worst case scenario all the time you would never leave the house. Must be terrible being a pessimist.

[Duggie]

we could push o'shea up into midfield possibly ?? given the fact that gibson is out aswell.

[shakermaker1982]

I'd rather have Miller than O'Shea in the centre of midfield. Lawrence should be able to do a job in the centre as well if asked?

[weldoninhio]

If he's going to play Hunt AND Duff then I'd prefer to see Duff on the left. He's one of our real danger men and needs to be played in his proper position.

Anyway I'd start with this:

Given

O'Shea St Ledger Dunne Kilbane

Hunt Andrews Whelan Duffer

Keane Folan

Bring on McGeady and Best when the sun starts to sap the strength from both teams. I told Karl Spain outside the Cottage on Friday it would be 1-1 but I hope I'm wrong.......if we win this then we can top the group.

"Karl Spain" - I think you dropped this

[Den Perry]

I was thinking about Lawrence over McGeady too (marginal call), but I'd have had McGeady over Hunt.

I wonder will Folan's presence make it easier for Hunt / McGeady & Duff to find their man in the box, or create space for them to find others. Same thing from set pieces. In fact we could now have Folan, St. Ledger, O'Shea and Folan to offer a threat from set-pieces.

Doyle is good in the air but just isn't the potential handful that Folan could be if he plays well. They offer very different options.

I'd have Tony Galvin over hunt

[Den Perry]

Hunt had an excellent game against the world champs away from home in a competitive game. He should be in the driving seat for the right midfield position. The best way of keeping Petrov "at home" is by letting Hunt do what he did in Bari. Skin the oppositions full back and win free kicks in dangerous positions.

I was at that game and while Hunt did cause problems, people are way over exagerrating his performance. Tevhnically he is is poor and has the brains of a bird

[weldoninhio]

No other alternative at the moment. If you were to go around through life wondering what is the worst case scenario all the time you would never leave the house. Must be terrible being a pessimist.

NO. OTHER. ALTERNATIVE. ?????

The Republic Of Ireland International Football Team has no other alternative in midfield than a player who was released by Sunderland for not being up to Premiership standard, then was released by midtable, mediocre QPR for not being up to midtable Championship quality.

Now i know if i roll out names like Owen Garvan, James McCarthy, John Joe O'Toole, Steven Quinn or Stephen McPhail, who have all had solid, if unspectacular seasons in the Championship/SPL, i'll be told that they are untried or untested in a game of this importance.

But so was sledge until last friday!! The only way someone can go from being untried is to try them and untested is to test them. I don't think enough players have been looked at by Trappaponi to get us through an injury crisis or suspensions.

And thats without mentioning proven internationals like AR or LC who can both play centre mid.

I know he was trying to build a core group etc. etc. etc, but nowadays football is very much a squad game. And whilst Traps core XI have done a decent job for him so far he has not developed the squad enough.

[Noelys Guitar]

I was at that game and while Hunt did cause problems, people are way over exagerrating his performance. Tevhnically he is is poor and has the brains of a bird

I won't repeat Brian Clough's comments about what makes a good footballer. Trap is going on what he sees and Hunt was one of our best players against Italy. I like everyone else on here wish Hunt's distribution was better (that goes for Duff and McGeady re dead ball situations). But we have to go with what worked away in our last competitive game. Hunt never disappears in games and we will need strong characters in Bulgaria. I am hoping for a 1991 away to Turkey type performance. I can't see Petrov being allowed the space he got in Croker. And I feel with Folan and Keane we can score 2 goals. Remember Doyle won almost everything in the air against the Bulgarians and I feel Folan can do the same.

[NeilMcD]

NO. OTHER. ALTERNATIVE. ?????

The Republic Of Ireland International Football Team has no other alternative in midfield than a player who was released by Sunderland for not being up to Premiership standard, then was released by midtable, mediocre QPR for not being up to midtable Championship quality.

Now i know if i roll out names like Owen Garvan, James McCarthy, John Joe O'Toole, Steven Quinn or Stephen McPhail, who have all had solid, if unspectacular seasons in the Championship/SPL, i'll be told that they are untried or untested in a game of this importance.

But so was sledge until last friday!! The only way someone can go from being untried is to try them and untested is to test them. I don't think enough players have been looked at by Trappaponi to get us through an injury crisis or suspensions.

And thats without mentioning proven internationals like AR or LC who can both play centre mid.

I know he was trying to build a core group etc. etc. etc, but nowadays football is very much a squad game. And whilst Traps core XI have done a decent job for him so far he has not developed the squad enough.

Ahhh get off your hobby horse you know what I mean. Miller is the only other central midfielder in the squad he is not going to call up any of the guys you say and play them ahead of Miller.

[Duggie]

if were looking to win the game mcgeady has the ability to open up a defence with his good technical ability, one touch feet. hunt hasnt got that ability. im thinking back to the montenegro game when he was desperate, his passing was kack that night along with his deaball delivery. aghhhhhhh i want mcgeady in my team.

[Stuttgart88]

Hunt never disappears in games He disappeared down the tunnel in Prague :)

[Stuttgart88]

Lawrence should be able to do a job in the centre if asked?That's what I've often thought.

[Stuttgart88]

whilst Traps core XI have done a decent job for him so far he has not developed the squad enough.In fairness Andrews was brought through by Trap and SSL and Folan are likely starters on Saturday - both brought through by Trap.

Gibson's injury prompted him to look at Miller and giving credit to him he impressed on Friday, doing everything I like to see in a midfielder.

Andy Reid is an old debate - we can only guess why he's been left out but that's the way it is. Carsley is not the answer in my opinion and while I'm optimistic about the young bucks there haven't really been opportunities to test them. It's also important to make sure that the Whelan / Andrews partnership develops so they've needed time together.

I think Trap has been slow to develop the squad but I think it's going the right way. I doubt Gibson's absence will be a telling factor on Saturday.

[paul_oshea]

I'd have Tony Galvin over hunt

I'd have Tom instead

[corkboy360]

Thunder storms and showers there today my Dad said.:DWhile we have the sun.That eases the pain of missing out on the trip because of exams a small bit.

[Duggie]

Thunder storms and showers there today my Dad said.:DWhile we have the sun.That eases the pain of missing out on the trip because of exams a small bit.

prefer that than sweltering heat for our boys on sat

[paul_oshea]

In fairness Andrews was brought through by Trap and SSL and Folan are likely starters on Saturday - both brought through by Trap.

Gibson's injury prompted him to look at Miller and giving credit to him he impressed on Friday, doing everything I like to see in a midfielder.

Andy Reid is an old debate - we can only guess why he's been left out but that's the way it is. Carsley is not the answer in my opinion and while I'm optimistic about the young bucks there haven't really been opportunities to test them. It's also important to make sure that the Whelan / Andrews partnership develops so they've needed time together.

I think Trap has been slow to develop the squad but I think it's going the right way. I doubt Gibson's absence will be a telling factor on Saturday.

Shouldn't, rather than doubt. I hope shouldn't is the case also.

[corkboy360]

prefer that than sweltering heat for our boys on sat
That's true
was there last year and when it rains it really does pour:D. At least the Irish lads would be more used to it.

[hunt4the]

O'Shea is a european cup finalist starter so he is a proper player

complete and utter rubbish, how many years did we watch him embarrass himself in the green jersey, o'shea isnt fit to lace duffs boots imo

[Scram]

Thunder storms and showers there today my Dad said.:DWhile we have the sun.That eases the pain of missing out on the trip because of exams a small bit.

Message from Da: Get of d'internet and back to your fcek!n books or you won't be watching the game at all!