Potentially eligible players thread

[drummerboy]

A very honest assessment from O'Hara. Think Nolan is also thankfully a no-go. Noble can't get a game in the Championship with West Ham so perhaps its time to close this thread.

[dr_peepee]

I dunno.... It's not as final as it first appears in my opinion. It's almost like testing the waters.


"It might raise a few eyebrows too. They might think I was taking a step down because I can't get in the England team.

"I have a massive Irish family on my dad's side. In fact, I'm probably more Irish than English!

"But I'm not sure how it would be taken if I was to go and play for Ireland and I don't want it to become a big deal."

[geysir]

It sounds final to me, without slamming the door completely shut.
Fair enough, sounds like he gave it some thought, albeit somewhat confused.
It would not have been any deal at all if he had just declared quietly and turned up.

[dr_peepee]

Maybe up to 12 months ago... At this stage though it would be bad form.

[drummerboy]

Perhaps O'Hara is leaving his options open after the Euros.

[ifk101]

"To get in the England squad you need to be in a winning team and to score and create goals. I've got that in my game.

It might raise a few eyebrows too. They might think I was taking a step down because I can't get in the England team."

Obviously believes he'd walk into our team if he so choosed.

[DeLorean]

"To get in the England squad you need to be in a winning team and to score and create goals. I've got that in my game.

It might raise a few eyebrows too. They might think I was taking a step down because I can't get in the England team."

Obviously believes he'd walk into our team if he so choosed.

You could read it that way if you liked, but he probably just means that he'd have a better chance of playing for us....which he would.

[ifk101]

You could read it that way if you liked, but he probably just means that he'd have a better chance of playing for us....which he would.

Not at all. Remember who picks the team.

[boovidge]

A very honest assessment from O'Hara. Think Nolan is also thankfully a no-go. Noble can't get a game in the Championship with West Ham so perhaps its time to close this thread.

Or just rename it "potential grannyrulers" or something

[theworm2345]

Or just rename it "potential grannyrulers" or something
Used to be this thread
http://foot.ie/threads/126140-Jamie-O-Hara/page53

[Paddy Garcia]

Or just rename it "potential grannyrulers" or something

Title already used - its a Wayne Rooney thread.

[Fizzer]

Sounds like he thinks it would hurt his chances of a transfer to a top club. Like it'd be a sign that he was throwing in the towel by declaring for us. Good luck to him but I don't think he'll get near the England squad. He may be getting some bad advice

[geysir]

Maybe there are people telling him he is better that he is, but I think it sounds more like he has set his own standard to be good enough to get into the English team and accepting now that he would not be good enough would be akin to throwing in the towel.

[punkrocket]

Granny rules OK

[Deckydee]

]Sounds like he thinks it would hurt his chances of a transfer to a top club[/B]. Like it'd be a sign that he was throwing in the towel by declaring for us. Good luck to him but I don't think he'll get near the England squad. He may be getting some bad advice

I mentioned that on here about 2 years ago and I was nearly banned from the forum

[Strongbow10]

I applaud O'Hara on this in fairness. He probably sees 1 or 2 English caps as a dream come true as opposed to being a key player for us over time. His heart is ruling his head really.

He is very naive though if he thinks England will come calling. Capello is not interested and every dog on the street knows good old 'Arry Redknapp will be the next England manager, a guy who doesnt rate O'Hara at all apparently.

[TrapAPony]

I applaud O'Hara on this in fairness.

Tbh, I think he's quite foolish with an overinflated opinion of his own ability. However, it's his career & he can do whatever he likes with it

[Strongbow10]

nothing foolish about it in fairness. He just really wants to play for England and hes aiming for it.

Id rather he was honest about it, rather than stringing us along like most seem to do.

He is English and wants to play for England.

[third policeman]

Whatever happened to Pennant's eligibilty? Was it ever established?

[AlaskaFox]

Whatever happened to Pennant's eligibilty? Was it ever established?

Henry Healy is doing the required research as we speak.

[DannyInvincible]

A piece in the Daily Mail about Craig Levein's interest in several England-born players who have played with the FA at under-age level: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2101267/Craig-Levein-poach-England-youngsters.html

This bit caught my eye, in particular:


Sportsmail understands Hull winger Cameron Stewart, Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and McEachran have also been targeted and will be approached about switching allegiance.

All have been closely watched by Scotland scout Michael Oliver this season and each has done enough to earn a recommendation that their dual qualification be exploited.
Levein, who has little chance of recruiting McEachran but may fare better with Shelvey and Stewart, is thought to have angered FA chiefs with his actions.

I hadn't realised Shelvey was also eligible to play for Scotland by virtue of his grandfather. Did I imagine it or did he already make it clear that his focus was on representing England at senior level when talk of his eligibility to play for us arose?

[Predator]

I hadn't realised Shelvey was also eligible to play for Scotland by virtue of his grandfather. Did I imagine it or did he already make it clear that his focus was on representing England at senior level when talk of his eligibility to play for us arose?I think you're correct, but a lot can change over time. I remember seeing Shelvey star for England U16s when they played in the Victory Shield against Northern Ireland. Our very own Shane Duffy had him in his pocket for most of the game (Shelvey scored) and scored a penalty. Patrick McEleney was also in the squad.

http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10432~1133227,00.html

What I don't understand is the whole anger thing. Are people within the FA actually incensed?

[seiphil]

Doubt they would want to play for us. Wouldnt want them either.

[geysir]

The Daily Mail says they are 'risking the wrath of the FA'.

That's a bit of a tongue twister for the many Englanders afflicted with rhotacism

[Fixer82]

The Daily Mail says they are 'risking the wrath of the FA'.

That's a bit of a tongue twister for the many Englanders afflicted with rhotacism

Wouldn't mind hearing Jonathan Ross having a go at that one

[DannyInvincible]

What I don't understand is the whole anger thing. Are people within the FA actually incensed?

All speculation in the absence of even the remotest indication. I would suspect not.

[DannyInvincible]

Frazier Campbell's been selected in the England squad for their friendly against Holland on Wednesday next: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17137420

[TrapAPony]

Frazier Campbell's been selected in the England squad for their friendly against Holland on Wednesday next: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17137420

He wasn't eligible for us anyway. His ancestry was further back.

[DannyInvincible]

He wasn't eligible for us anyway. His ancestry was further back.

Sorry, had slipped my mind.

[TrapAPony]

O'Neill seems keen to use the granny rule. DM mentions : Kyle Naughton, Curtis Davies, Mark Noble, Nathan Redmond, Will & Michael Keane, Patrick Bamford, Callum McManaman, Harry Kane as some that will possibly be targeted.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2502692/Ireland-manager-Martin-ONeill-target-English-youth-stars-Republic-Ireland-team.html?ico=sport%5Eheadlines

Belfast Telegraph mentions Connor Wickham, Ryan McLaughlin & Liam McAlinden.

(http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2502692/Ireland-manager-Martin-ONeill-target-English-youth-stars-Republic-Ireland-team.html?ico=sport%5Eheadlines)http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/republic-set-their-sights-on-expanding-eligible-player-pool-29745656.html

Noel King hopes for a recruitment drive.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/dream-team-of-oneill-and-keane-fly-in-29745405.html

[Razors left peg]

Am I wrong or does every new Ireland manager say the same thing when they start and it never really goes anywhere

[tetsujin1979]

Am I wrong or does every new Ireland manager say the same thing when they start and it never really goes anywhere
that's what I was thinking, even some of the same names being recycled. Until I see a direct quote from the management team, I'm taking this with a pinch of salt.

[rebelmusic]

Based on current form Curtis Davies would be a nice addition.
Naughton is a right back and not in the league of Coleman but maybe could do a job at left full?
Wickham i don't rate and we've loads of decent but not great strikers
Noble - better than Gibson/McCarhty? Not really
Harry Kane - don't know enough about him but stats are underwhelming
Bamford looks like a rising star so he would be one to chase, especially since he represented us before
Redmond - he's under Chris Hughton so very possible he could make a move
The Keanes - i really think they're set on England. There was plenty of furore before so i don't see either of them coming to us
Callum McManaman: Same story as Kane for me

[DannyInvincible]

Belfast Telegraph mentions Connor Wickham, Ryan McLaughlin & Liam McAlinden.

As far as I know, McAlinden is already focused on playing for us: http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3942/ireland/2013/06/02/4020697/wolves-striker-liam-mcalinden-declines-northern-ireland-call

[gastric]

As far as I know, McAlinden is already focused on playing for us: http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3942/ireland/2013/06/02/4020697/wolves-striker-liam-mcalinden-declines-northern-ireland-call

King on Monday, in an article in the Indo mentioned McAlinden and the fact that there has been a hold up with the paperwork. From what he said, Liam is with us, not against us!

Danny, check this attachment, it's mentioned towards the end.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/dream-team-of-oneill-and-keane-fly-in-29745405.html

[DannyInvincible]

Has there been a hold-up with the paperwork? That piece just mentions he's still awaiting clearance. It's possible these processes just take a bit of time and all is passing off smoothly and as expected.

[Olé Olé]

O'Neill seems keen to use the granny rule. DM mentions : Kyle Naughton, Curtis Davies, Mark Noble, Nathan Redmond, Will & Michael Keane, Patrick Bamford, Callum McManaman, Harry Kane as some that will possibly be targeted.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2502692/Ireland-manager-Martin-ONeill-target-English-youth-stars-Republic-Ireland-team.html?ico=sport%5Eheadlines

Belfast Telegraph mentions Connor Wickham, Ryan McLaughlin & Liam McAlinden.

(http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2502692/Ireland-manager-Martin-ONeill-target-English-youth-stars-Republic-Ireland-team.html?ico=sport%5Eheadlines)http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/republic-set-their-sights-on-expanding-eligible-player-pool-29745656.html

Noel King hopes for a recruitment drive.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/dream-team-of-oneill-and-keane-fly-in-29745405.html

Was it established Michael Keane has played competitively for both Ireland and England and, as a result, is now tied to England? His brother Will's stock has dipped of late due to injury, even though he was a far bright prospect than Michael a couple of years ago. Their father is from Dublin.

In relation to the other names, some good players in there. Not sure how many are interested in playing for us. And that Daily Mail article has 'England B-Team' written all over it.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Whatever you do, don't tell Enda. Or 'Rather Round'...
:rolleyes:

[gastric]

Has there been a hold-up with the paperwork? That piece just mentions he's still awaiting clearance. It's possible these processes just take a bit of time and all is passing off smoothly and as expected.

Sorry, I just made the assumption that whatever paperwork was involved was part of the clearance process!

[gastric]

that's what I was thinking, even some of the same names being recycled. Until I see a direct quote from the management team, I'm taking this with a pinch of salt.

I think the speculation aids the new management as it ensures there is no complacency among the players. It also creates a bit of excitement among supporters as to where the management is going with the team.

In terms of who the FAI are looking at, Curtis Davies is one who has supposedly been approached and it would make sense from a strategic point of view as Dunne and O'Shea are certainly no spring chickens.
Bamford is certainly being looked at, King has been talking to is father while the mystery player King has alluded to must be McManaman as King attended the Wigan match at the weekend and commented on a player who had impressed him. All we need now is for Roy to ring them and make them an offer they can't refuse!

[SkStu]

The only condition I'd put on any of the names mentioned is that, presuming they qualify and are as good or better than our current crop, they need to want to play for us. "Feeling Irish" is secondary. We shouldn't be begging anyone.

[CraftyToePoke]

Anyone know if Ravel Morrisson qualifies ? I suppose if he did it would be mentioned in the last few days, most likely, but I thought I read once that he did.

Albrighton at Villa also does I believe. And I'm unsure if it was ever fully clarified if McGugan, now of Watford and having a fine season does.

I suppose its a matter of how comfortable one is with a number of lads who's international career with our neighbours has seemingly stalled, and up to our new management team to assess if it is only that stall which motivates them to look our way. If indeed they are even looking our way.

Davies is one that wouldn't really sit comfortably with me, a conversion at 28 is a bit cynical, but he hasn't spoken at all on it yet to my knowledge.

[Stuttgart88]

None of them passes the Stuttgart gut test. I'd much prefer to nurture and take a chance on the guys like Duffy if we're looking for long term options.

The only ones I'd be happy with would be Bamford and Will Keane.

[DannyInvincible]

And I'm unsure if it was ever fully clarified if McGugan, now of Watford and having a fine season does.

There was a thread on McGugan here where the opening poster claimed his father was Irish: http://foot.ie/threads/74152-Lewis-McGugan


I suppose its a matter of how comfortable one is with a number of lads who's international career with our neighbours has seemingly stalled, and up to our new management team to assess if it is only that stall which motivates them to look our way.

Have the new management team specified any conditions to the potential selection of eligible players? They may well be happy to select anyone willing and good enough to play for us, irrespective of their reasoning or the primary root of their motivation.

[DannyInvincible]

O'Neill on Wickham: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2503831/Ireland-line-surprise-Connor-Wickham-Martin-ONeill-eyes-reunion-Sunderland-striker.html


Wickham, who qualifies for the Republic through his Northern Irish father Stefan, an Army warrant officer, has scored six goals for England Under 21s in 17 appearances.

He played under O’Neill at Sunderland last season although struggled, after an £8million move from Ipswich Town and a serious knee injury, to make an impact under his reign.

O’Neill said: `I worked with Connor at Sunderland. Steve Bruce bought him but I thought the price tag concerned him and for a little while I thought being a professional footballer was enough for Connor and at that stage that he liked the lifestyle which was all very new to him.

`But you have to knuckle down and actually have to go and do something. In my latter days at Sunderland it looked as if he was going to come round and wanted to become a professional player.

`He is out on loan at this minute at Sheffield Wednesday and Connor would be the first to say that to go and play in the Premier League week in, week out is still a big task.

'But those little spells on loan, particularly this one where he is doing all right and scored a few goals, will help him.

`I don’t think I am in a position at this minute to turn down anything and if someone tells me someone is available, particularly someone I have worked with and might have a chance, I would give it some consideration.’

[tetsujin1979]

sort of related, Scotland want Steven Caulker to declare for them, even though he's played and scored for the England senior team in a friendly: http://www1.skysports.com/news/12040/9022949/

[DeLorean]

Naughton is a right back and not in the league of Coleman but maybe could do a job at left full?

Callum McManaman: Same story as Kane for me

Most of the Spurs fans absolutely hate Naughton being played at left back, which he is every so often. At full strength Vertonghen is moved there though, albeit slightly against his will.

McManaman looked a really good player towards the tail end of last season and his Cup final performance was immense.

[DannyInvincible]

What ever became of Jamie O'Hara anyway?...

[back of the net]

What ever became of Jamie O'Hara anyway?...

I think ......Kenny jackett dropped him from the Wolves League 1 squad as kenny wanted players who were focused on giving it their all in league 1 and getting the club promoted , and he was put on a transfer list..
Now that was about 2mths ago i saw that - so his status may have changed

[geysir]

Sorry, I just made the assumption that whatever paperwork was involved was part of the clearance process!
There's no need to apologise for that. Your assumption was correct.
McAlinden playing for us, has been held up by the bureaucracy involved with the clearance process.