Potentially eligible players thread

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Okay.

[Closed Account]

And as relevant as what Intl jersey his nephew wears.Exactly, it's either all relevant or all irrelevant, just be consistent.

[TrapAPony]

Scott Hogan couldn't say no to Roy Keane :

“Then there is the Ireland thing, which again is a surprise. Roy Keane was at Huddersfield on Saturday apparently and if Roy Keane rang me up, I couldn’t say no to Roy Keane. He is one of my heroes."

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/scott-hogan-bounces-back-from-two-career-threatening-injuries-in-bid-to-live-up-to-jamie-vardy-a7024466.html

[SkStu]

"Come and Get Me"

[Olé Olé]

On the fact that Roy Keane went to watch him, I hope he spoke to him at some point: https://twitter.com/ScottHogan92/status/438432236745285632

Quite proud of this post now!

He states that the Ireland stuff is a surprise. I think that puts his previous quotes into some context because international football was the further thing from his mind.

Good article. Good character. Bring him on.

[CraftyToePoke]

"Come and Get Me"

A dirty little flirt young Hogan is shaping up to be is right, SkStu.

[gastric]

Young and promising, just what we need, as it will be interesting to see who retires after the Euros. I always hope that it is Martin who gets to make telephone calls to aspiring players as Roy's social skills are not that endearing!

[CraftyToePoke]

as it will be interesting to see who retires after the Euros.

Given, O'Shea, Whelan, Hoolahan, Walters, Keane, Forde, Doyle. Could it be as many as that do you reckon ?

[Charlie Darwin]

Whelan will play on until he's on his last legs, I'd say. Some people would say he never had any to begin with, but I always predicted he would one day be down to his final pair. Walters, too, I think will reckon he has another campaign in him. Robbie might unofficially retire and just stop getting picked, and Doyle I reckon will call it a day. Given, O'Shea and Hoolahan certainly, I think.

[gastric]

Of all the above mentioned players, I would love to see Walters and Hoolahan play on.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd slightly revise my earlier opinion that Hoolahan will certainly retire. His game is less dependent on athleticism and he doesn't appear to have aged at all since he was about 16.

[CraftyToePoke]

Didn't Walters squeeze Stoke for a two and a half year new deal late last year when the club initially offered a year, (I think) could international ball have been a concession in that maybe ? I don't know

[Charlie Darwin]

That's a good point, I didn't think of that. They still don't play him every game though, so maybe they wouldn't be opposed to him playing internationals. Hughes, as an ex-international manager, doesn't seem as opposed to international football as many coaches.

[DannyInvincible]

Scott Hogan couldn't say no to Roy Keane :

“Then there is the Ireland thing, which again is a surprise. Roy Keane was at Huddersfield on Saturday apparently and if Roy Keane rang me up, I couldn’t say no to Roy Keane. He is one of my heroes."

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/scott-hogan-bounces-back-from-two-career-threatening-injuries-in-bid-to-live-up-to-jamie-vardy-a7024466.html

Interesting that he mentions Keane as possibly being significant in his willingness to accept a call-up. I'd like to think he'd be keen regardless, but does it demonstrate that personalities can play an important role when it comes to recruitment?

[gastric]

Interesting that he mentions Keane as possibly being significant in his willingness to accept a call-up. I'd like to think he'd be keen regardless, but does it demonstrate that personalities can play an important role when it comes to recruitment?

In Roy's case, the possibility of intimidation, testicle removal or a beating might certainly play a part!:D

[DannyInvincible]

I suppose I should have clarified I was sort of referring back to talk of Kevin Kilbane (or even Lee Carsley) assisting the FAI with recruitment. I know the FAI turned both down and some dismissed the notion that they'd have been of any assistance, but personality and reputation might be crucial in securing on-the-fencers. That said, it seems Roy Keane is performing that sort of role for the FAI now anyway, judging by Hogan's words.

[DeLorean]

Kilbane and Carsley are nobodies really though aren't they, in terms of football heroes/personalities? I mean that in the best possible way of course. Hardly comparable to Roy Keane coming looking for you anyway.


Given, O'Shea, Whelan, Hoolahan, Walters, Keane, Forde, Doyle. Could it be as many as that do you reckon ?

I think it may be just Given, O'Shea and Keane. All three have given so much but have little else to offer I would think at this stage. As much as I've never been a massive fan, I'd see no reason for Whelan to retire, his career has been on an upward trajectory if anything. That applies to Walters even more so, certainly his international career. There's no way either would even consider it anyway I think.

Forde and/or Doyle may or may not really. Both are still capable of doing a job in a certain situation if needed. I don't think either should retire a such, unless they just want to avoid the mental torment of not knowing whether they'll be included in squads or not. Neither are key to our future plans obviously, but with the presumably imminent retirements of Given and Keane, both could be useful senior figures to have around the place, as well as adequate replacements if necessary.

I'll be expecting An Taoiseach to sanction an official day of mourning if Wessi hangs up his international boots.

[livehead1]

Wouldn't have any problem with him, or any other 'wildcard' being called up to an expanded squad for Netherlands or at least the training before. We lack goals, McGoldrick, Murphy, Doyle, none of whom appear capable of scoring at international level, or in Doyle's case, any more.

[SkStu]

Just watching Bayern v Hannover on telly and the commentator comments made me rewind and make sure I wasn't hearing things.

I don't think we have ever talked about Manuel Schmiedebach for Hannover96. According to the commentator he was "born in Berlin to an Irish father, a mother born in Colombia, raised in Venezuela with grandparents from Morocco."

He is 27, defensive midfielder and has played about 200 games for Hannover since his move from Hertha in 2009. Have absolutely no idea how good he is but he has to be on the plane! :)

Anyone know anything more about this link or his ability?

[Closed Account]

I don't think we have ever talked about Manuel Schmiedebach
http://foot.ie/threads/156387

[SkStu]

Wow- that was fast. I somehow completely missed that! Thanks Joe!

[paul_oshea]

Sure how could he have an Irish father with that surname. you can search posts skstu!:)

[Closed Account]

Not many google results for that name either. I'm not sure he'd pass a gut test with pictures like this:
http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/manuel-schmiedebach-of-germany-and-alan-judge-of-ireland-compete-the-picture-id74168769
Looks determined.

[SkStu]

Sure how could he have an Irish father with that surname. you can search posts skstu!:)

I thought he might be related to the Schmiedebachs out of Horseleap.

(the search function here is awful)

[paul_oshea]

Thats true it is

[samhaydenjr]

Jonjoe Kenny made his debut for Everton today and also played a part in Oxford's promotion while on loan there - anyone know firstly if he qualifies for us (yes, yes, I know the caveat about Merseysiders with Irish-sounding names) and secondly if there's any chance of him switching, having played for England up to U-19 level

[Stuttgart88]

Well, having played for Oxford automatically makes him an undeserving chancer. No way is it humanly possible a good young payer at Oxford can go on to greater things in a short time period. Finn Harps or Preston maybe, but not Oxford.

[SkStu]

Jonjoe Kenny made his debut for Everton today and also played a part in Oxford's promotion while on loan there - anyone know firstly if he qualifies for us (yes, yes, I know the caveat about Merseysiders with Irish-sounding names) and secondly if there's any chance of him switching, having played for England up to U-19 level

Hi Sam-I looked into this with some Everton fans a couple months back and no intel back from them at all so I just left him a tweet. Will let you know if he replies. Not sure that he'd be for turning at this stage - England u19 cap, promoted with Oxford and made his epl debut for Everton.

[BonnieShels]

Not many google results for that name either. I'm not sure he'd pass a gut test with pictures like this:
http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/manuel-schmiedebach-of-germany-and-alan-judge-of-ireland-compete-the-picture-id74168769
Looks determined.

Neither him or Alan are passing the "get the ball" test anyway. Maybe he's no loss. :o

[Wangball]

Bored at my desk I was looking at the Everton Reserve & Youth Teams and noticed a lot of Irish names in there. One that stuck out though - Conor McAleny - not sure if he's been discussed before but whilst doing my research (an in depth twitter dissection) I noted that amongst his likes were a couple of tweets about the centenary of the 1916 rising!

Call him up Trap!!!!

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Any mention of Crowley at press conference? Not convinced there was a recent meeting with O'Neill. There was last year. Since played for Eng

https://twitter.com/RobBrennan82/status/730730802313592832

Thought as much.

[Dunners]

Conor McAleny

found this on Toffee talk from a while back
'Louis', on 11 Dec 2011 - 02:07, said:http://www.toffeetalk.com/public/style_images/master/snapback.png (http://www.toffeetalk.com/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=268953)

You may have noticed that he has an Irish surname, he's said he'd like to play for Ireland but it's not possible as he doesn't meet FIFA's requirements, (it is his great grandparents who are Irish, had it been his grandparents then he'd be eligible for Ireland).

Also another post in response to the above

'Louis', on 11 Dec 2011 - 02:07, said:http://www.toffeetalk.com/public/style_images/master/snapback.png (http://www.toffeetalk.com/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=268953)

You may have noticed that he has an Irish surname, he's said he'd like to play for Ireland but it's not possible as he doesn't meet FIFA's requirements, (it is his great grandparents who are Irish, had it been his grandparents then he'd be eligible for Ireland).

The majority of people born in Liverpool have 'Irish blood' and should be allowed to play for them. Liverpool should be an independent state or even a part of Wales. England is just on the post-code, the proofs in our grandparents surnames the majority of scousers will have 2 grandparents with Irish surnames, one with a Welsh surname then a toss up between English or Scottish.

[tetsujin1979]

Any mention of Crowley at press conference? Not convinced there was a recent meeting with O'Neill. There was last year. Since played for Enghttps://twitter.com/RobBrennan82/status/730730802313592832

Thought as much.

we already knew that. There were reports of a meeting last year in late September, and he played in two of England's three U19 games in October.

[Irwin3]

Bored at my desk I was looking at the Everton Reserve & Youth Teams and noticed a lot of Irish names in there. One that stuck out though - Conor McAleny - not sure if he's been discussed before but whilst doing my research (an in depth twitter dissection) I noted that amongst his likes were a couple of tweets about the centenary of the 1916 rising!

Call him up Trap!!!!

I'm not sure if they have been mentioned, but Kieran O'Neill Dowell (18) made his full debut for Everton yesterday and Jonjoe Kenny (19) came on to make his debut as well. Both have played for England throughout the age groups. As has been mentioned regarding other players from the area, I wouldn't be surprised if their connection was too far back, but who knows.

[Metrostars]

Tommy McNamera from NYCFC is eligible.

“I have an Irish passport. I’ve had it for almost 10 years now,” McNamara told MLSsoccer.com after training Thursday. “Someone from the FAI reached out and wanted to confirm whether I did have a passport or not.”

That inquiry, McNamara said, has been within the last year. The 25-year-old has dual citizenship because his grandfather on his father’s side was born in Ireland.

McNamara said he hasn’t heard from anyone at US Soccer and would be open to playing for either team.

“I think it’s an honor to represent the national team,” McNamara said. “Obviously I qualify for both and it would be an honor to represent either.”

McNamara said he hasn’t given that decision much thought because he’s busy with his day-to-day responsibilities in his second season with NYCFC. He has gotten off to a great start with two goals and one assist in four starts, meaning he is well on his way towards matching and surpassing his five-goal, three-assist breakout effort in 2015.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/03/31/nycfcs-tommy-mcnamara-irish-national-team-has-shown-interest-me

I've seen him play a few times, hard worker but not a lot of skill.

kr82BR0j2Lg

V2NGAQg_6wc

[Stuttgart88]

I've seen him play a few times, hard worker but not a lot of skill.
He'd fit right in then.

[Olé Olé]

There are a few things that are a bit perplexing about our links to American-born players. The three that we've been linked with have been Neagle, Meara and McNamara. Firstly, we gave the US a right good drubbing last time we met. I'd conclude that we are better. So, it's not like the England situation whereby players often throw their lot in with us because they don't fancy they'll get selected for England, because England are better. The funny thing is that the American-born players named above aren't really near the US squad. How do they reckon we'll pick them? And the sense of Irish identity is very strong among Irish-Americans so why haven't a better standard of player claimed for us?

I guess there are a lot of complications involved in this one, in terms of geography (further away) and the fact that eligibility is trickier to ascertain and might not always exist.

In conclusion, how has Shane O'Neill done at Cambridge United?

[Metrostars]

There are a few things that are a bit perplexing about our links to American-born players. The three that we've been linked with have been Neagle, Meara and McNamara. Firstly, we gave the US a right good drubbing last time we met. I'd conclude that we are better. So, it's not like the England situation whereby players often throw their lot in with us because they don't fancy they'll get selected for England, because England are better. The funny thing is that the American-born players named above aren't really near the US squad. How do they reckon we'll pick them? And the sense of Irish identity is very strong among Irish-Americans so why haven't a better standard of player claimed for us?

I guess there are a lot of complications involved in this one, in terms of geography (further away) and the fact that eligibility is trickier to ascertain and might not always exist.

In conclusion, how has Shane O'Neill done at Cambridge United?

I don't put much stock in friendlies so saying Ireland beat the US in a friendly doesn't automatically make Ireland better. I'm a close observer of both teams and would say they are fairly even. Very similar in that neither have any superstars and both rely on more grit and organization than skill to overcome better opponents. The one thing the US has going for them is MLS that is providing more depth for the national team.

As for US players for Ireland, the ones mentioned like Meara and McNamara are Irish passport holders and are not capped by the US so that makes them eligible. Plus it was the FAI who were sounding them out, not the other way round. In any case, they are not top tier players even in MLS. There are tons of other US players better than them who've been capped by the US.

Also, why should geography be an issue? It hasn't stopped US/Mexican/South American players trekking back and forth to Europe for internationals since forever. I think that is a more UK/Ireland problem i.e. looking outside their borders for players and going abroad to play.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Aymen Ben Mohamed called up by Tunisia.

http://www.the42.ie/aymen-ben-mohamed-tunisia-2778012-May2016/

[Closed Account]

Aymen Ben Mohamed called up by Tunisia.

http://www.the42.ie/aymen-ben-mohamed-tunisia-2778012-May2016/
Great development for him, great for the league too. Hope he does well.

[liamoo11]

Posted this in the daniel crowley thread which I didnt realise is in the world section.

http://forums.bigsoccer.com/threads/...72065/page-168 (http://forums.bigsoccer.com/threads/england-u-19-discussion-thread-3-r.1672065/page-168)


not in the brits 24 man squad for the friendlies before the 19s euros which maybe is a good sign( or just a sign that england are savage at this age group) . You wood imagine their 18 man squad will be picked from this as roberts at celtic is only one left out but tink that is cause celtic wont release him due to champ league qualifiers in july. Obviously crowley was only on standby when this group won the 17 euros 2 years ago so must be a bit sickening to maybe see your age group win 2 euro titles and not be involved . Some irish numpty on that england forum talking nonsense about how crowley cant get game for england cause he is too small/technical embarrassing stuff can only imagine he strayed from YBIG

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Roberto Lopes interested in representing Cape Verde.

http://www.thesun.ie/irishsol/homepage/sport/irishfootball/7166162/Roberto-Lopes-fancies-a-shot-at-international-football-after-seeing-Ayman-Ben-Mohamed-called-up-for-Tunisia.html

Not long since he was getting U-21 call-ups.

[tetsujin1979]

It's three years. Long enough in football terms.

[DannyInvincible]

Informative piece on Danny Crowley who may go out on loan to Coventry City next season: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/watch-coventry-city-ticks-boxes-11372422

Says he supported Celtic when he was younger and is just focusing on getting first-team football before making any call on his international future.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Joey Barton supported Celtic too!

[DannyInvincible]

Joey Barton supported Celtic too!

What's your point?

[SkStu]

He just joined Rangers.

[DannyInvincible]

Maybe Joey would have chosen to sign for Celtic if he'd had the luxury of a choice between the two? :)

The only reason I mentioned it was because I thought boyhood support for a club popular amongst people in Britain who celebrate/cherish their Irish heritage was an interesting item of information to take from the article (Crowley didn't support any other club, whereas Barton clarified (http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11788/10293643/joey-barton-says-hes-not-a-celtic-fan-after-joining-rangers) that Everton were his club and that he favoured Celtic when it came to the Old Firm), but I'm not suggesting Crowley's support for Celtic is a foolproof indication that he will declare for Ireland, if that's what TOWK was trying to suggest. It's just an extra bit of information on the lad's cultural background. That's all.

[SkStu]

oh yeah, I have no idea what the intent or connection is - I was just adding prima facie context in case you weren't aware.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Brian Kerr, Alan Maybury and Richard Sadlier all grew up supporting Rangers and Republic of Ireland.

I suspect there are several more.

Some of the Bandon lads I know are the biggest Rangers and Ireland fans.