Potentially eligible players thread

[tetsujin1979]

Lot of sites had put two and two together and come up with five about a year ago when it was mentioned that some of the coaching team were in the states, and had spoken to McGlynn about declaring

[Olé Olé]

Lot of sites had put two and two together and come up with five about a year ago when it was mentioned that some of the coaching team were in the states, and had spoken to McGlynn about declaring

They could well have spoken to him and/or his dad when they were in the States but that didn't make it certain he was coming onboard. At least the Olympics is an under 23 competition.

I, for one, got my knickers in a twist over Shane O'Neill and he has carved out a grand MLS career but hasn't seemed to threaten either Ireland or USA's national squads and had a strange sojourn to Europe which may have served to prove out where he was/is actually at in relative terms to an Ireland call up i.e. 25 appearances in the Dutch second division at 23/24 was his best run in 3 seasons in Europe.

[JR89]

The talk after they came back from the US was McGlynn would only switch for a senior call up. Wouldn't blame him if true cause played in the U20s World Cup and the US 23s have the Olympics which he might play in too.

[third policeman]

How did Conor Bradley end up playing for Northern Ireland?

[nigel-harps1954]

How did Conor Bradley end up playing for Northern Ireland?

Was always going to happen really. He's from Castlederg, which isn't exactly full of gaeilgeoirs.

He was brought into the Northern setup very young.

[joey B]

Was always going to happen really. He's from Castlederg, which isn't exactly full of gaeilgeoirs.

He was brought into the Northern setup very young.


He’s really from Aghyaran which is very much a southern looking kind of place,he played for the GAA club there aswell and was involved in the athletics club in Stranorlar,big shame he was snapped up quickly by the North because he looks a decent prospect….

[Olé Olé]

I saw it mentioned somewhere that whilst he is from an Irish background and played GAA for Aghyaran etc that his family have a business locally in the general Castlederg/Aghyaran area and maybe the switch to Ireland wouldn't have been very palatable locally.

Either way, the lad knew his options and made his choice. One can take their own view to say he should or could be playing with Ireland but Bradley and his family made their choice and will stand to GTSK in Windsor Park and watch on as other Gaels are urged to shove their Casement Park up their holes.

[Eirambler]

Absolutely. Any Irish person who chooses the north these days while an Ireland call up remains a realistic option can't really be considered a nationalist as far as I'm concerned. They may come from the nationalist community, but that's not the same as being a nationalist. Bradley would have only had to have put a call in and he'd have had an Ireland underage call up I'm sure. That he didn't tells it's own story, I don't see why he would be considered any different to Kyle Lafferty or Jonny Evans. He made his call and he clearly considers himself Northern Irish. So let him off with them.

[Fixer82]

Absolutely. Any Irish person who chooses the north these days while an Ireland call up remains a realistic option can't really be considered a nationalist as far as I'm concerned. They may come from the nationalist community, but that's not the same as being a nationalist. Bradley would have only had to have put a call in and he'd have had an Ireland underage call up I'm sure. That he didn't tells it's own story, I don't see why he would be considered any different to Kyle Lafferty or Jonny Evans. He made his call and he clearly considers himself Northern Irish. So let him off with them.

Well footballers are not known for being overly loyal (excuse the pun). So maybe he's not very political or patriotic and just sees NI as a better fit for him. Or maybe he is loyal to the IFA who brought him into their fold early.
Either way, I wish him well.

Ultimately though, if we had one team on the island this stuff wouldn't be an issue.

[Diggs246]

Well footballers are not known for being overly loyal (excuse the pun). So maybe he's not very political or patriotic and just sees NI as a better fit for him. Or maybe he is loyal to the IFA who brought him into their fold early.
Either way, I wish him well.

Ultimately though, if we had one team on the island this stuff wouldn't be an issue.

I cant see us getting on very well with the Linfield faithful

[EalingGreen]

From May 2021:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67945505

He's a footballer. From Northern Ireland. Who plays football for Northern Ireland.

[seanfhear]

From May 2021:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67945505

He's a footballer. From Northern Ireland. Who plays football for Northern Ireland.
Would that be the North of Ireland (wink) ? !

[joey B]

From May 2021:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67945505

He's a footballer. From Northern Ireland. Who plays football for Northern Ireland.

That link brings you to some random story from a couple of hours ago not May 2021….

[EalingGreen]

That link brings you to some random story from a couple of hours ago not May 2021….

https://media1.giphy.com/media/xT5LMzIK1AdZJ4cYW4/giphy.gif

Try this one: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/who-is-conor-bradley-all-you-need-to-know-about-liverpool-star-named-in-the-northern-ireland-squad/39407660.html

[SkStu]

From May 2021:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67945505

He's a footballer. From Northern Ireland. Who plays football for Northern Ireland.

Call him up, Trap!

[Olé Olé]

Well footballers are not known for being overly loyal (excuse the pun). So maybe he's not very political or patriotic and just sees NI as a better fit for him. Or maybe he is loyal to the IFA who brought him into their fold early.
Either way, I wish him well.

Ultimately though, if we had one team on the island this stuff wouldn't be an issue.

I'm coming down on Ealing Green and Eirambler's side here. Bradley sees himself as Northern Irish firstly so plays football for Northern Ireland firstly and only. Bradley plays football for Northern Ireland firstly and only so sees himself as Northern Irish firstly. I really don't see a grey area here regarding fit or loyalty.

That said, Niall McGinn openly states he's an Ireland supporter and only played for NI because he didn't fancy his chances of Ireland caps. In that instance, however, I'd point towards Patrick Bamford who has been mentioned as being more appreciative of his 1 England cap than 50 Irish ones.

Best of luck to the lad, too.

[Diggs246]

I'm coming down on Ealing Green and Eirambler's side here. Bradley sees himself as Northern Irish firstly so plays football for Northern Ireland firstly and only. Bradley plays football for Northern Ireland firstly and only so sees himself as Northern Irish firstly. I really don't see a grey area here regarding fit or loyalty.

That said, Niall McGinn openly states he's an Ireland supporter and only played for NI because he didn't fancy his chances of Ireland caps. In that instance, however, I'd point towards Patrick Bamford who has been mentioned as being more appreciative of his 1 England cap than 50 Irish ones.

Best of luck to the lad, too.

Absolutely
I just can't help thinking god save the king has to go as an anthem for NI so the lads can play with complete pride and not feel uncomfortable.
If he or anyone else feels Northern Irish they should play for NI.

[Eirambler]

I'm coming down on Ealing Green and Eirambler's side here. Bradley sees himself as Northern Irish firstly so plays football for Northern Ireland firstly and only. Bradley plays football for Northern Ireland firstly and only so sees himself as Northern Irish firstly. I really don't see a grey area here regarding fit or loyalty.

That said, Niall McGinn openly states he's an Ireland supporter and only played for NI because he didn't fancy his chances of Ireland caps. In that instance, however, I'd point towards Patrick Bamford who has been mentioned as being more appreciative of his 1 England cap than 50 Irish ones.

Best of luck to the lad, too.

I think it's different in McGinn's case where an Ireland call up probably wasn't likely, so he went with the north to have an international career. It was funny the time we beat them 5-0 and he said afterwards something along the lines of he was actually happy enough to be on the losing side because he supported the opposition!

But Bradley could have played for Ireland, at underage level at least, and probably at senior too. He actively chose not to, that's his prerogative.

[Razors left peg]

We could learn a lesson from NI and Bradley though. They capped him very early, way before we would have. He was on loan at Bolton last season, we wouldnt even give him consideration. If you look at our left back situation we should probably look at bringing someone in who like Bradley wasnt really ready yet but has a high ceiling. Leigh Kavanagh at Brighton for example, it might work and it might now, but its better than persisting with the likes of O'Dowda who we know doesnt work and never will.

[JR89]

Leigh Kavanagh is a CB though. Speaking of Kavanagh thought it's weird to see him making some senior squads at Brighton when last season he was on loan to play with Derby's U21s. Brighton must have a ball of injuries at CB at senior and U21 level.

Anselmo Garcia and Sean Roughan should be two players looked at. Regularly playing LB and/or LWB at senior level with their clubs.

[Eirambler]

Don't think Roughan's ready from what I've seen of him. At least as of a few months ago anyway. Garcia a possibility alright, albeit I don't watch the Eredivisie so guessing a bit there, but we are desperately stuck at left back. If we had a competitive game in March who would play the position? So there isn't much to lose in trying AGM in a friendly.

[JR89]

Ryan Manning must likely. New manager might also see Doherty as someone to play on the left if Coleman is fit and available. Flat back four with Liam Scales or Dara O'Shea filling in at LB. It's a problem position for us alright.

[EalingGreen]

I think it's different in McGinn's case where an Ireland call up probably wasn't likely, so he went with the north to have an international career. It was funny the time we beat them 5-0 and he said afterwards something along the lines of he was actually happy enough to be on the losing side because he supported the opposition!Considering his background, it is no surprise that Niall is/was an ROI fan.

But there's not a single NI fan holds that agin him (sorry), both because he's always been honest about it, but more importantly because he's always given 100% for the team and always turned up, even when he wasn't getting games.

Top man, and NI legend!


https://youtu.be/y3vtftFgAog?t=20


But Bradley could have played for Ireland, at underage level at least, and probably at senior too. He actively chose not to, that's his prerogative.Appreciate the sentiment, but there's no "probably" about it - Conor is the Real Deal. :good:

[Olé Olé]

He is the real deal and I think he'll get into the frame there. He plays with the fearlessness and ambition that Andy Robertson does in Klopp's Liverpool team.

[Eirambler]

Considering his background, it is no surprise that Niall is/was an ROI fan.

But there's not a single NI fan holds that agin him (sorry), both because he's always been honest about it, but more importantly because he's always given 100% for the team and always turned up, even when he wasn't getting games.

Top man, and NI legend!


https://youtu.be/y3vtftFgAog?t=20

Appreciate the sentiment, but there's no "probably" about it - Conor is the Real Deal. :good:

Presumably whoever sent him the bullet in the post that time held it against him!

It is interesting that him openly holding that viewpoint has been tolerated in the main though. I'd say if Josh Cullen or Will Smallbone played for us in a hammering by England and turned around afterwards and said they were happy enough with the outcome and their highlight was getting Harry Kane's jersey that would probably signal the end of their international career.

[EalingGreen]

Presumably whoever sent him the bullet in the post that time held it against him!And if you know who that was, may I assume that you have informed the Gardai/PSNI?

Unless, of course, you don't know...



It is interesting that him openly holding that viewpoint has been tolerated in the main though."Tolerated in the main" doesn't even come close - he's one of the most popular NI players of his era:
https://www.irishfa.com/media/30323/mcginn.png

And here's what he thinks of us:
And McGinn finished by thanking the fans for their support to round off an incredible moment for himself and Northern Ireland by saying: "Obviously I have just come on as a sub and scored at a major tournament in front of thousands and then millions watching around the world but in front of magnificent support that we brought to the Ukraine game.
"And as soon as I scored that was me off running, no one was stopping me then."
https://www.irishfa.com/news/2016/june/mcginn-on-goal-that-was-beyond-his-wildest-dreams



I'd say if Josh Cullen or Will Smallbone played for us in a hammering by England and turned around afterwards and said they were happy enough with the outcome and their highlight was getting Harry Kane's jersey that would probably signal the end of their international career.Your prerogative.

[Diggs246]

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/12/sport/roberto-lopes-cape-verde-national-football-team-intl-spt/index.html

Interesting read!

Dont ignore your LinkedIn messages Lads!

[elatedscum]

Absolutely. Any Irish person who chooses the north these days while an Ireland call up remains a realistic option can't really be considered a nationalist as far as I'm concerned. They may come from the nationalist community, but that's not the same as being a nationalist. Bradley would have only had to have put a call in and he'd have had an Ireland underage call up I'm sure. That he didn't tells it's own story, I don't see why he would be considered any different to Kyle Lafferty or Jonny Evans. He made his call and he clearly considers himself Northern Irish. So let him off with them.

He was capped by NI at 17. Whether or not a 17 year old can make a decision that will bind him for life is a question I don't have the answer to. Only differences are that as underage player, he (and a few others) turned away from God Save The Queen. There was always speculation that he'd switch (age 15, 16, 17) and the narrative was basically that the IFA had been good to him and his family (captaining his youth side a year young) and they wouldn't feel right about making the switch "for now".

My guess is, it's a bit like Rice and Grealish, if you cap people early before they're big, they're happy to go for it. The longer you wait, the more likely doubts are gonna creep into their head. And if he was uncapped now, there might be enough media attention on him and the debate might be loud enough that he'd decide to hold off and think. Whereas he was capped before 99% of football fans south of the border had any idea who he was.

I do think it'd be in all our interest to have an all island team. Probably the one chance either of us will ever have of qualifying for a World Cup. No need to divide Conor Bradley and Evan Ferguson, Gavin Bazunu and Shea Charles, Andy Moran and Callum Marshall...

[third policeman]

He was capped by NI at 17. Whether or not a 17 year old can make a decision that will bind him for life is a question I don't have the answer to. Only differences are that as underage player, he (and a few others) turned away from God Save The Queen. There was always speculation that he'd switch (age 15, 16, 17) and the narrative was basically that the IFA had been good to him and his family (captaining his youth side a year young) and they wouldn't feel right about making the switch "for now".

My guess is, it's a bit like Rice and Grealish, if you cap people early before they're big, they're happy to go for it. The longer you wait, the more likely doubts are gonna creep into their head. And if he was uncapped now, there might be enough media attention on him and the debate might be loud enough that he'd decide to hold off and think. Whereas he was capped before 99% of football fans south of the border had any idea who he was.

I do think it'd be in all our interest to have an all island team. Probably the one chance either of us will ever have of qualifying for a World Cup. No need to divide Conor Bradley and Evan Ferguson, Gavin Bazunu and Shea Charles, Andy Moran and Callum Marshall...


Agree with that and I honestly think most people in NI (as opposed to most people who turn up to watch NI games) would agree. It works for numerous other sports and flags and anthems can always be finessed. I know EG will disagree and I would only support it if it turned out it's what most people in both jurisdictions want.

[Diggs246]

Agree with that and I honestly think most people in NI (as opposed to most people who turn up to watch NI games) would agree. It works for numerous other sports and flags and anthems can always be finessed. I know EG will disagree and I would only support it if it turned out it's what most people in both jurisdictions want.

I think when it comes to sports with fans / crowds/ stadia, the only one it works with is Rugby I guess? I suspect the rugby guys are unionists who don't necessarily agree with us on every and all social or political issues. But my feelings is that a proportion of the soccer fans are more hardened loyalists. It might just make it trickier.

[John83]

I think it's important that the rugby was always like that. They never had to negotiate unifying two rival organisations. I can't see it ever happening this side of national reunification.

[third policeman]

I think when it comes to sports with fans / crowds/ stadia, the only one it works with is Rugby I guess? I suspect the rugby guys are unionists who don't necessarily agree with us on every and all social or political issues. But my feelings is that a proportion of the soccer fans are more hardened loyalists. It might just make it trickier.

Cricket, hockey, boxing. You're right about some of the NI fan base. The football team has been adopted as an emblem of identity by some hard line Loyalists, but how representative are they of the wider population? Maybe they wouldn't buy into an all-island team, but that doesn't mean they should have a veto. Historically many NI players from a Unionist background favoured a combined team/ There's nothing to prevent a few friendly games like the Shamrock Rovers v Brazil game.

[Jolly Red Giant]

Cricket, hockey, boxing. You're right about some of the NI fan base. The football team has been adopted as an emblem of identity by some hard line Loyalists, but how representative are they of the wider population? Maybe they wouldn't buy into an all-island team, but that doesn't mean they should have a veto. Historically many NI players from a Unionist background favoured a combined team/ There's nothing to prevent a few friendly games like the Shamrock Rovers v Brazil game.
Rugby, hockey, Golf etc are sports of the middle-class and the elites - who will happily engage with one another as long as they can continue to make money by keeping the plebs divided along sectarian lines - and the sport of the plebs is soccer (and boxing which is a bit of an outlier - but is very much a minority sport).

However, the primary reason for two leagues and two international teams on the island is down to the bureaucrats running the associations - a unified association would result in half of them losing their power, influence and perks.

[Olé Olé]

He was capped by NI at 17. Whether or not a 17 year old can make a decision that will bind him for life is a question I don't have the answer to. Only differences are that as underage player, he (and a few others) turned away from God Save The Queen. There was always speculation that he'd switch (age 15, 16, 17) and the narrative was basically that the IFA had been good to him and his family (captaining his youth side a year young) and they wouldn't feel right about making the switch "for now".

My guess is, it's a bit like Rice and Grealish, if you cap people early before they're big, they're happy to go for it. The longer you wait, the more likely doubts are gonna creep into their head. And if he was uncapped now, there might be enough media attention on him and the debate might be loud enough that he'd decide to hold off and think. Whereas he was capped before 99% of football fans south of the border had any idea who he was.

I do think it'd be in all our interest to have an all island team. Probably the one chance either of us will ever have of qualifying for a World Cup. No need to divide Conor Bradley and Evan Ferguson, Gavin Bazunu and Shea Charles, Andy Moran and Callum Marshall...

Chronologically, he turned away from GTSQ first and he decided to bind himself to NI for life second. He knew what he was signing up for. His family knew better.

There is no grey area or uncertainty on this lad. He sees himself as Northern Irish first and foremost or decided that everyone else should see him as such. I don't buy the early capping piece either: a) he knew their motivation for capping him was to tie him and b) we are not England, his opportunities for Ireland would have been ample.

[Eirambler]

And if you know who that was, may I assume that you have informed the Gardai/PSNI?

Unless, of course, you don't know...



How or why on earth would I know the person or persons involved?

What an odd reply.

[SkStu]

Callum O’Hare is on a great run of form and qualifies for us, if I recall correctly. Came up with two beautiful goals this morning against Leicester - 26 years old plays AM/FWD but probably doesn’t bring anything new to the squad that isn’t already covered off by Szmodics.

Also, Kasey McAteer played for Leicester - came on at h/t after Leicester were down to 10 men. He wasn’t great but not the best circumstances to make his first appearance in forever.

[Olé Olé]

Callum O’Hare is on a great run of form and qualifies for us, if I recall correctly. Came up with two beautiful goals this morning against Leicester - 26 years old plays AM/FWD but probably doesn’t bring anything new to the squad that isn’t already covered off by Szmodics.

Also, Kasey McAteer played for Leicester - came on at h/t after Leicester were down to 10 men. He wasn’t great but not the best circumstances to make his first appearance in forever.

Don't think O'Hare does and I think Kenny confirmed it. His sister is a champion Irish dancer and I've seen it referenced that Callum played GAA. But it's a generation out that he is connected to Ireland i.e. a great or multiple great grandparents.

[Eirambler]

That's correct, if O'Hare had been eligible he'd have been capped long before now. He's a good player.

[SkStu]

Ah ok - my mistake. Thank you both!

[EalingGreen]

He was capped by NI at 17. Whether or not a 17 year old can make a decision that will bind him for life is a question I don't have the answer to.
Except that it didn't tie him. His first caps were friendlies.


There was always speculation that he'd switch (age 15, 16, 17) Evidence?


... the narrative was basically that the IFA had been good to him and his family (captaining his youth side a year young) and they wouldn't feel right about making the switch "for now". "For now" is it? So why didn't he make the switch? Forgetfulness? Slipped the family's mind that week?

As for being made Captain "a year young", has it never occurred to you that it might have been because he was the outstanding player in the team?


My guess is, it's a bit like Rice and Grealish, if you cap people early before they're big, they're happy to go for it. The longer you wait, the more likely doubts are gonna creep into their head. And if he was uncapped now, there might be enough media attention on him and the debate might be loud enough that he'd decide to hold off and think. Whereas he was capped before 99% of football fans south of the border had any idea who he was.Can't you see that Grealish was "playing you" from the start i.e. using ROI to get playing time for a higher age group than he would have got with England, until he was no longer eligible for your U-21's? And that he and Rice eventually reverted to the country of their choice (and birth), a country which (incidentally) was miles better/more attractive than their original team.

Whereas CB was opting for the country of his birth from the very start, even though it was the poorer side of the two?

And what has the knowledge/consciousness of "99% of football fans south of the border" got to do with anything?

But yeah, apart from that, the cases are completely analogous... :rolleyes:


I do think it'd be in all our interest to have an all island team. Probably the one chance either of us will ever have of qualifying for a World Cup. No need to divide Conor Bradley and Evan Ferguson, Gavin Bazunu and Shea Charles, Andy Moran and Callum Marshall..."All"?

What planet are you on, never mind island?

As an NI fan of over half a century, how is it in the interest of me and my fellow NI fans, to see our team disappear? As I've said consistently, and I'm sure the vast majority of my fellow NI fans would agree, I have no more desire to see an all-island team than I have to see an all-UK team, even when the latter is more logical politically, both big "P" (United Nations) and small "p" (FIFA).

As for qualifying for World Cups, is that the be-all and end-all of your allegiance to your team? Are you really that fickle and needy? A glory hunter? Considering how far ROI are from qualifyinmg for a World Cup, why not just give up completely and start following the rugby team instead? I mean, they always qualify... :silly:

In any case, we have qualified to as many Finals as you, including getting to the Quarter Finals twice. But if you told me that we would never qualify again in my lifetime, then it wouldn't change a damned thing for me - all I've ever asked is that win, lose or draw. we send out 11 players who give 100% for the shirt, without their politics/race/religion etc mattering one damned bit.

[EalingGreen]

Agree with that and I honestly think most people in NI (as opposed to most people who turn up to watch NI games) would agree. It works for numerous other sports and flags and anthems can always be finessed. I know EG will disagree and I would only support it if it turned out it's what most people in both jurisdictions want.Even if "most" people in NI did agree (highly debateable), what the hell has it got to do with them? Why should the views of someone who has never gone to a game in his/her life, nor taken any interest in the team, count for anything?

What you and many other people on this forum either cannot see, or will not admit, is that the NI football team does not "represent" Northern Ireland, any more than the ROI team represents the Republic*. Rather each represents its National Association, respectively the IFA and FAI.

As for what people, or even football fans, in your jurisdiction might want, you've already got your own team, who may select players from throughout Ireland, so what the hell more do you want, never mind deserve?

* - Much less "Ireland" (island).

[EalingGreen]

I think when it comes to sports with fans / crowds/ stadia, the only one it works with is Rugby I guess? I suspect the rugby guys are unionists who don't necessarily agree with us on every and all social or political issues. But my feelings is that a proportion of the soccer fans are more hardened loyalists. It might just make it trickier.Have you ever actually spoken to any NI fans about that? Ever questioned them as to their politics etc? (Serious questions btw).

I only know a few ROI fans, but if pushed, I'd guess (emphasise) that they are drawn from a wide spectrum, to include SF/FF/FG/Greens/SDLP etc, maybe even a few Alliance(!), along with all those people who don't care for politics of any stripe.

And you know what? NI fans are exactly the same, the one thing we have in common being that we are all football fans. Just like ROI fans.

Similarly, some NI fans are also keen rugby fans, some are moderately interested and some have no interest whatever. (I won't try to guess the percentages) Either way, the Ireland rugby team, and how the IRFU administers the game, have no relevance to the items you are discussing.

Unless, of course, you need them to...

[EalingGreen]

How or why on earth would I know the person or persons involved?

What an odd reply.You used that incident to make an implication about NI football fans, even despite your having no idea who was behind it.

It would be like me eg tarring ROI fans, or maybe GAA fans, when the likes of George Best, Mary Peters or Barry McGuigan received (credible) death threats - an outrageous notion.

As for me, all I know is that NI football fans were universally disgusted by it, wherever it came from.

[EalingGreen]

Cricket, hockey, boxing. You're right about some of the NI fan base. The football team has been adopted as an emblem of identity by some hard line Loyalists, but how representative are they of the wider population? Maybe they wouldn't buy into an all-island team, but that doesn't mean they should have a veto..Why should it be a matter for "the wider population" [sic] to veto, or endorse, such a team?

The only constituencies which count are the football community in NI, plus FIFA.


Historically many NI players from a Unionist background favoured a combined team/ There's nothing to prevent a few friendly games like the Shamrock Rovers v Brazil game."Many"? Spoken to many have you?

As for your SRFC v Brazil game (over half a century ago btw), I know one participant who most definitely wouldn't have favoured a combined team (though he was always up for a good laugh, a couple of pints and a weekend away!).

While I have spoken to one legendary former NI international, from the "other side of the house" who was pretty disgusted with the FAI when the Darron Gibson affair first sprung up.

But as you say, there's nothing preventing you organising a few "hands across the border" friendlies, so go ahead, I'd be interested to see how you get on. ;)

[tetsujin1979]

Bradley isn't eligible, if you want to continue discussing him, please move it to the world football forum

[Diggs246]

Have you ever actually spoken to any NI fans about that? Ever questioned them as to their politics etc? (Serious questions btw).

I only know a few ROI fans, but if pushed, I'd guess (emphasise) that they are drawn from a wide spectrum, to include SF/FF/FG/Greens/SDLP etc, maybe even a few Alliance(!), along with all those people who don't care for politics of any stripe.

And you know what? NI fans are exactly the same, the one thing we have in common being that we are all football fans. Just like ROI fans.

Similarly, some NI fans are also keen rugby fans, some are moderately interested and some have no interest whatever. (I won't try to guess the percentages) Either way, the Ireland rugby team, and how the IRFU administers the game, have no relevance to the items you are discussing.

Unless, of course, you need them to...

Obviously the vast majority of northern Irish fans are decent people who love their football. No one is stating any different

I say a proportion are hardline loyalists.

You have those guys and we have the lads from ybig.ie ! So we all have our crosses to bare

[Eirambler]

I always read EalingGreen's posts in the voice of this fella. :)

https://youtu.be/wxpYW_w5pgo?si=mhS4GM-ZV6Jperlm

[John83]

Some of the conversations he takes part in are maybe tenser than they need to be - which isn't to say that that's all his fault - but his perspective and niche knowledge add to the quality of the discussions here.

[Fixer82]

As for your SRFC v Brazil game (over half a century ago btw), I know one participant who most definitely wouldn't have favoured a combined team (though he was always up for a good laugh, a couple of pints and a weekend away!).



Quick question you may know the answer to EG.
Why was George Best not in that squad? Was he injured? He was definitely still playing for NI at that time

[Jolly Red Giant]

Quick question you may know the answer to EG.
Why was George Best not in that squad? Was he injured? He was definitely still playing for NI at that time
Best went on holidays to Marbella in May 1973 - while there he was stricken with thrombosis. He subsequently spent time in hospital in Manchester when he returned On top of that Tommy Docherty was feuding with Best and claimed that Best was in breach of his contract with Man Utd and the club would not allow him to play. It is likely that if he was fit he participation would have been blocked because the match was sanctioned by FIFA. With the drinking, it is possible he never properly recovered from the episode - he played 12 times the following season and was dumped by United at the end of the season.

It is very unfortunate that he didn't appear - Best was very vocal throughout his career about wanting to play for an all-Ireland team. His presence would have really added to the occasion.

Derek Dougan later claimed that Best 'would not have gone off the rails' if he had been able to play for an all-Ireland international team. While an open advocate of an all-Ireland team, and highly critical of the IFA bureaucrats in their approach, Dougan was prone to exaggeration - and his claim about Best probably falls into that category - but it would have been interesting to see what impact an all-Ireland team would have had on Best, on the rest of the players and on the political situation on the island if an all-Ireland team had emerged before the troubles.

It would have been on hell of a team - both sets of players would have complemented one another with each covering the others weaknesses. With Liam Touhy (or Giles) as manager and Best not falling off a cliff in 1974 - it could have achieved some remarkable things.

Pat Jennings
Willie McFaul
Pat Rice
Joe Kinnear
Paddy Mulligan
Terry Neill
Alan Hunter
John Dempsey
Tommy Carroll
Sammy Nelson
Jimmy Holmes
David Craig
Tony Dunne
Johnny Giles
Sammy McIlroy
Dave Clements
Gerry Daly
Liam Brady (in 1974)
Bryan Hamilton
Martin O'Neill
George Best
Derek Dougan
Don Givens
Steve Heighway