Potentially eligible players thread

[dr_peepee]

Trapp passed a comment in the original posts about "Two or three players"

I wonder does he have anyone in mind already??

[Stuttgart88]

Thanks Tets, but as we all know there'll still be plenty of cranks here who'll let the facts get in the way of a good moan about him not being committed down the line.

[youngirish]

Thanks Tets, but as we all know there'll still be plenty of cranks here who'll let the facts get in the way of a good moan about him not being committed down the line.
As I previously posted there are no facts there just statements from a player after he's made his Ireland debut saying exactly what you would expect him to say regarding his appearance in underage England squads. Where are the facts? Do people on here seriously expect him when asked such questions to say he wa unsure whether he wanted to play for Ireland or England at the time. Don't be ridiculous.

The facts are as I stated previously, he had made himself unavailable for a number of underage Irish squads over a long period and then appeared in an underage England squad before getting injured and being unable to take his place in that same squad.

Best wasn't injured when he first found out he was in the England squad. The squad was named on the 4th of August. He didn't get injured until the following week (the 9th). Livehead didn't seem too sure back then whether Best would be open to playing for England or otherwise even if it was only to further his career (he was very highly rated back in 2005 after a great run to the final in the FA Youth Cup and a couple of appearances in the Premiership for Southampton so England were a very real possibility for him back then even though now he wouldn't get near their squad).

A word from the wise - question the information that is fed to you don't just take it as gospel.

http://foot.ie/forums/showthread.php?t=27940

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

[tetsujin1979]

As I previously posted there are no facts there just statements from a player after he's made his Ireland debut saying exactly what you would expect him to say regarding his appearance in underage England squads. Where are the facts?

The facts are as I stated previously he had made himself unavailable for a number of underage Irish squads over a long period and then appeared in an underage England squad.
The facts are that the statements were made before his debut, not after
The facts are that he played for the U-21s since that call up to the England squad: http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3020
The facts are that Worthington approached him to declare for the North, but he didn't switch allegiances: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3135052,00.html
The facts are that 6 months before making his debut, he gave this interview to the Coventry Telegraph: http://www.coventrycitybanter.co.uk/2008/11/leon-best-wants-republic-of-ir.html

"It's frustrating (that he wasn't called into the B squad) but I'm still quite young and if they want to involve me in the future then I'm there."

[youngirish]

The facts are that the statements were made before his debut, not after
The facts are that he played for the U-21s since that call up to the England squad: http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3020
The facts are that Worthington approached him to declare for the North, but he didn't switch allegiances: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3135052,00.html
The facts are that 6 months before making his debut, he gave this interview to the Coventry Telegraph: http://www.coventrycitybanter.co.uk/2008/11/leon-best-wants-republic-of-ir.html

Read the full post and try to understand what it plainly implies. At that stage he already had decided who he was committed to and he surely understood he'd have no hope of making it near the full England team in the forseeable future, if ever. He's almost 23 now and still only a bit player for Coventry hardly the sort of talent England looks for in their strikeforce.

However, this was not the case when he was one of the most highly rated youngsters in England at Southampton. Also why would he play for the North what's that got to do with it? He as far as I'm aware has no allegiance whatsoever to the North. Undoubtedly he has some connection to ourselves and England so that point is moot.

He probably wouldn't have declared for outer Mongolia either if asked.

[SkStu]

Read the full post and try to understand what it plainly implies. At that stage he already had decided who he was committed to and he surely understood he'd have no hope of making it near the full England team in the forseeable future, if ever. He's almost 23 now and still only a bit player for Coventry hardly the sort of talent England looks for their strikeforce.

However, this was not the case when he was one of the most highly rated youngsters in England at Southampton. Also why would he play for the North what's that got to do with it? He as far as I'm aware has no allegiance whatsoever to the North. Undoubtedly he has some connection to ourselves and England so that point is moot.

He probably wouldn't have declared for outer Mongolia either if asked.

where are all the facts gone YI? All i see now is speculation... dont really understand where youre trying to go with this or why youre trying to belittle Best's commitment to us. It seems more than genuine to me.

[youngirish]

where are all the facts gone YI? All i see now is speculation... dont really understand where youre trying to go with this or why youre trying to belittle Best's commitment to us. It seems more than genuine to me.

I'm actually not trying to belittle his commitment. I'm just pointing out that he shouldn't be compared on here to the likes of Kilbane or McGeady who have been always commited to us 100% without first knowing his history as a player.

Read this link Tets posted. It actually states he refused to rule out switching allegiances so it seems to imply he wasn't always fully committed to us. Thanks for that Tets:

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3135052,00.html

I can only talk for myself but I'd have to be threatened with having my ba*ls cut off with a rusty blade while being forced to watch a 24 hour TV marathon of the X-factor, Big Brother and Britain's Got Talent (without Kelly Brook on the panel) back to back before ever considering the possibility of representing NI or England. And even then once I agreed to do it and was released I'd kill myself first before putting on the jersey.

[irishfan86]

...I almost feel like giving Nigel Worthington a call about your eligibility....;)

[youngirish]

...I almost feel like giving Nigel Worthington a call about your eligibility....;)

Do you think he would be that desperate for me to play?

[geysir]

I'm actually not trying to belittle his commitment. I'm just pointing out that he shouldn't be compared on here to the likes of Kilbane or McGeady who have been always commited to us 100% without first knowing his history as a player.

Read this link Tets posted. It actually states he refused to rule out switching allegiances so it seems to imply he wasn't always fully committed to us. Thanks for that Tets:

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3135052,00.html

It is your speculative interpretation of news stories to support your point, which is in question.
Best says nothing in that article to support your interpretation.
Or do you just swallow wholesale any journalistic scribble as opposed to the spoken words of the player.

[tetsujin1979]

For what it's worth, Leon Best getting called into, and subsequently being unavailable for, an England U-20 squad almost 4 years doesn't particularly bother me. It doesn't bother me that he doesn't remember what date he was called into the squad, or that he was actually injured 5 days after, instead of sometime before, that date. It doesn't bother me that he didn't know anything official about Worthington wanting to know if he would declare for the North. It doesn't bother me that since he didn't say "I'm refusing to rule out switching my allegiance", some journalist chose to put those words into an article for him. He's a full Irish international now, and I will support and cheer for him on the pitch, that's just what I do.

I registered on this board 5 and a half years ago, and I've never added anyone to my ignore list before this, and I really wish I didn't have to. Ordinarily I'd prefer to debate this out, but I've had enough. Life's too short.

[youngirish]

For what it's worth, Leon Best getting called into, and subsequently being unavailable for, an England U-20 squad almost 4 years doesn't particularly bother me. It doesn't bother me that he doesn't remember what date he was called into the squad, or that he was actually injured 5 days after, instead of sometime before, that date. It doesn't bother me that he didn't know anything official about Worthington wanting to know if he would declare for the North. It doesn't bother me that since he didn't say "I'm refusing to rule out switching my allegiance", some journalist chose to put those words into an article for him. He's a full Irish international now, and I will support and cheer for him on the pitch, that's just what I do.

I registered on this board 5 and a half years ago, and I've never added anyone to my ignore list before this, and I really wish I didn't have to. Ordinarily I'd prefer to debate this out, but I've had enough. Life's too short.

The last act of a desperate man who's point was proven to be wrong.

[SunderlandBohs]

Just found out this guy could play Ireland.

what do you think?

http://backofthenet.wikia.com/wiki/Joey_Barton

[Den Perry]

Just found out this guy could play Ireland.

what do you think?

http://backofthenet.wikia.com/wiki/Joey_Barton

Very good player.

[drummerboy]

Very good player.


When was the last time he had a decent game. Reckon he will be finished playing very shortly.

[Predator]

When was the last time he had a decent game. Reckon he will be finished playing very shortly.

Agreed. I never understood the hype around Joey Barton's ability.

[colster]

Just found out this guy could play Ireland.

what do you think?

http://backofthenet.wikia.com/wiki/Joey_Barton

Hasn't he played for Englad already or do friendlies count?

[The Fly]

Just found out this guy could play Ireland.

what do you think?

http://backofthenet.wikia.com/wiki/Joey_Barton


Absolutely not!!!

(I take it you were being sarcastic anyway) :rolleyes:

[livehead1]

He has always wanted to play for Ireland; if you refer back to that old thread which you quoted me on; I was confused as to why he had been called up. That said, when I saw him last he said no-one had been in touch from Ireland for a long time but he was still hoping.

[youngirish]

He has always wanted to play for Ireland; if you refer back to that old thread which you quoted me on; I was confused as to why he had been called up. That said, when I saw him last he said no-one had been in touch from Ireland for a long time but he was still hoping.

What's his connection to Ireland Livehead is it that his mother is from Ireland or her parents?

[SunderlandBohs]

What's his connection to Ireland Livehead is it that his mother is from Ireland or her parents?
His grandmother is Irish I thought? I know he has some connection. Didn't we have a thread about him before?

Yes I was joking. Barton is not fit to mingle with average folk never mind represent Ireland or any country for that matter on the the International level at anything.

I was trying to point out were to draw the line and how many people on here would welcome Barton.

[Drumcondra 69er]

His grandmother is Irish I thought? I know he has some connection. Didn't we have a thread about him before?

Yes I was joking. Barton is not fit to mingle with average folk never mind represent Ireland or any country for that matter on the the International level at anything.

I was trying to point out were to draw the line and how many people on here would welcome Barton.

Were they not talking about Leon Best? If they were it's his mother that's Irish and he went to school here, his family still live over here or at least his brother does anyway.

[SunderlandBohs]

Were they not talking about Leon Best? If they were it's his mother that's Irish and he went to school here, his family still live over here or at least his brother does anyway.

I'm sure it was Barton. I could be mistaken. Hopefully the horrible little kernt hasn't got Irish in him what so ever.

[Drumcondra 69er]

I'm sure it was Barton. I could be mistaken. Hopefully the horrible little kernt hasn't got Irish in him what so ever.

Barton was mentioned alright but the question about where the Irish connection was that youngirish asked to livehead was about Best I'm pretty sure.

I'm say it's a safe bet that Barton has some Irish in him somewhere, most scousers do, Rooney, Gerrard and Carragher all qualified for us for example.

[bwagner]

Gary O'Neil is he in the run lads? over 200 apps and hasnt got a negative history with us like Nolan.

here is a good team :p

Lonergan
Naughton Ferdinand Cahill Kilgallon
O'Neil Ambrose O Hara Nolan Connolly
Kitson

[Wangball]

Barton was mentioned alright but the question about where the Irish connection was that youngirish asked to livehead was about Best I'm pretty sure.

I'm say it's a safe bet that Barton has some Irish in him somewhere, most scousers do, Rooney, Gerrard and Carragher all qualified for us for example.

When Barton's brother killed that kid he went on the run over here and was staying with unspecified family

Woud be hugely surprised if he doesn't qualify for us...thats not to say I would love to see him kit out for us though.

[dr_peepee]

When Barton's brother killed that kid he went on the run over here and was staying with unspecified family

Woud be hugely surprised if he doesn't qualify for us...thats not to say I would love to see him kit out for us though.

They were estranged brothers that had very little to do with each other. They're Fostered or Adopted or something.... So the family over here may not be related to Joey himself

[ChrisRed]

What about Phil Bardsley?
Never played at senior international and is eligable for Ireland, Scotland or England. Would be a useful addition at right back.

[ofjames]

What about Phil Bardsley?
Never played at senior international and is eligable for Ireland, Scotland or England. Would be a useful addition at right back.

he's better than mcshane anyway. but i reckon he's championship level at best.

also he played 6 months on loan at rangers which would hardly endear him to the celtic boo-boys amongst our fans.

[livehead1]

What's his connection to Ireland Livehead is it that his mother is from Ireland or her parents?

Mother is from Dublin.

[greendeiseboy]

Interesting article dont know if it was ever posted...

http://www.davidmcwilliams.ie/2007/07/09/hibrits-irelands-loss-englands-gain

[livehead1]

Interesting article dont know if it was ever posted...

http://www.davidmcwilliams.ie/2007/07/09/hibrits-irelands-loss-englands-gain

Yeh, read that before; think its a load of rubbish...He's got St. George's cross on his shoulder for a start...

[frog-gufc]

When Barton's brother killed that kid he went on the run over here and was staying with unspecified family

Woud be hugely surprised if he doesn't qualify for us...thats not to say I would love to see him kit out for us though.

pretty sure he went to amsterdam on the run not that it has anything to do with this thread

[Noelys Guitar]

Tardelli gave an interview last night saying that he is still looking for good players to go with the group we already have. The whole article is worth a read. http://www.examiner.ie/sport/soccer/tardelli-moved-by-irish-victory-157367.html

[Sullivinho]

I reckon Tardelli would bite the hand off anyone who'd offer him the manager's position when Trap steps down. Raring for it he is.

[BonnieShels]

It's great to read these articles. I get giddy sometimes when you think of who if is we have as our management team. It really is remarkable. And there's no doubting the passion and love they have for the team. If Marco was to continue on after Giovanni would anyone have a complaint?

I'd love to think that in 20 years that when people talk of Catenaccio they talk of the Irish way.

[Kingdom]

Tardelli would jump at the chance. While it's irrelevant now, the one that got away was Claudio Gentile as assitant. I dunno if he was ever genuinely a runner, but he was approached and for whatever reason turned it down.
There's no escaping that Tardelli is a genuinely nice guy, but he's been unsuccessful (whatever an individuals interpretation of success is, is up to oneself) as a manager in his own right. Funny thing for me is that I think he's more open to the idea of playing a different type of football, or altering the system - there's no evidence to back that feeling up, I just get the impression he's not as militant to the idea of 442 cattenacio as Trap is.

There's two ways I see it: If we don't qualify from this group (or the play-off) I'd be looking at them both being replaced. Shallow? Yes.
If we did qualify and Trap does call it a day subsequently and Tardelli wants to be considered, then he should, but by no means should he be guarenteed the job.

[geysir]

The key line quoted from Tardelli is "but we hope we can still find other players like him (Cox)"

That rules out any wasters, procrastinators etc and relevance to this thread :)

[Stuttgart88]

More on Jamie O'Hara here (http://www.examiner.ie/sport/soccer/ohara-still-pondering-irish-switch-159119.html).

I was talking to one of the posters here at the w/e and he was saying he's convinced O'Hara will declare shortly.

My gut is a bit undecided. I hate the way he is prevaricating, but at least his Irish heritage appears very strong, and he's a good midfielder. Do Whelan, Andrews, Fahey & Gibson deserve to be pushed back in the queue by a guy who could have declared at any time in the last few years?

I think I could be won over by O'Hara, but I'd lose no sleep if he stayed on the outside.

[SwanVsDalton]

Feel similar Stutts. I'm always open to being won over by a player. O'Hara seems like a very combative, competitive midfielder and you'd hope he would bring those committed qualities if he declared. Having said that I'd feel uncomfortable about him pushing one of the aforementioned guys out of the squad - and with the way Trap operates, I can't see him or any other new declarees forcing their way into the squad for the qualifiers or even the Euros if we qualify.

[Yard of Pace]

I think O'Hara has been perfect with this so far. He's completely honest, what more could we ask for? He says he's half-Irish but obviously would prefer to play for England, that's normal. And at his age and at his transfer value, he's entitled to wait and see, he's not too far off being good enough. If we don't want someone that would've preferred England, that's something for us fans to get over, it's not his fault. The Barry Maguire situation suggests it's more the fact that it happens to be England is the problem there. For him as a player, he might regret waiting in the end because he may leave it too late, for this qualifying campaign/tournament anyway.

[dr_peepee]

I don't think his comitment on the pitch would be questioned if he declared (think he plays at a certain tempo regardless of who he plays for). Would be interesting to see how he'd handle being treated like Foley or Coleman though.. A true test of his commitment.

[ifk101]

He says he's half-Irish but obviously would prefer to play for England, that's normal.

So if you're half Irish/ half English the obvious preference is England? :)


And at his age and at his transfer value, he's entitled to wait and see, he's not too far off being good enough. If we don't want someone that would've preferred England, that's something for us fans to get over, it's not his fault. The Barry Maguire situation suggests it's more the fact that it happens to be England is the problem there. For him as a player, he might regret waiting in the end because he may leave it too late, for this qualifying campaign/tournament anyway.

He was approached by Trap & Co. a number of years ago. Perhaps we fans should just accept he wants to play for England and move on.

[Yard of Pace]

So if you're half Irish/ half English the obvious preference is England? :)



He was approached by Trap & Co. a number of years ago. Perhaps we fans should just accept he wants to play for England and move on.

For him it could be quite obvious as I'd imagine he wants to play at major tournaments. Like it or not, we generally don't qualify for them.

And I don't think any of us fans are waiting with bated breath for him to decide. We're a good team now. If he wants to come in the future, great. I don't give it a whole lot of thought.

[tetsujin1979]

Stephen Hunt was on iTalkSport a few months ago and was asked about O'Hara, he said he's already spoken to him about declaring, and that the team wouldn't really care about him coming into the squad, but to make a decision and end all the speculation

[Scooby Doo]

Hang on a second -

"I want to get a pre-season under my belt, stay injury-free and have a great start to the season with Wolves. I’d love to play international football — it’s my dream."


In other words (wonders the cynic in me), put off making a decision until after the September games when it will be much clearer about our qualification prospects?

Sorry Jamie, but you can bugger right off if that's the plan. If he declares now with a view to being included v Croatia, then (with some skeptism) welcome aboard. After that he shouldn't be considered until the World Cup qualifiers.

Would love to have a midfielder of his quality in our team but its not as if we are in desperate need of him either.

[Scooby Doo]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/wolves-midfielder-o-hara-shrugs-ireland-hopes-1720101

Different spin on the O'Hara quotes here.

[TrapAPony]

Here is the actual full interview from the Sunday Mercury.
http://www.sundaymercury.net/midlands-sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/wolverhampton-wanderers-news/2011/06/26/wolves-ace-jamie-o-hara-switches-to-the-greens-but-not-ireland-66331-28941451/2/

[Stuttgart88]

He watched the golf in an Irish bar. That's good enough for me :)

[Sullivinho]

“I’d love to play international football – it’s my dream. It’s just something I’ve got to think about with my family and see what happens.”

= "I haven't reached my personal England cut-off point yet"

If this guy ends up falling between two stools whilst both of his options are jetting off to a major finals without him, I won't be feeling his pain at a dream unrealised.