Stephen Ward

[Noelys Guitar]

It will take Ward about 10 games before he starts to get used to international football and what is expected of him. He made one great run forward against the Russians gaining us a corner. Crosses poor. Positioning at times poor. McGeady deserves great credit for helping Ward out in the last tow games. But as soon as Ward has a couple of good and confident games (and he will)he will look like a different player. Niall Quinn been a perfect example of a player who can improve greatly and begin to understand the international game.

[BonnieShels]

McGeady's role with Ward reminds me of the first couple of games that McShane had.
Duff was constantly covering his ass. Remember at the Cyprus game in Croker Duff spent so much of that game in the first third of the pitch marshalling McShane.

Ward is undoubtedly a more talented footballer than McShane in saying that.

[TiocfaidhArmani]

McGeady's role with Ward reminds me of the first couple of games that McShane had.
Duff was constantly covering his ass. Remember at the Cyprus game in Croker Duff spent so much of that game in the first third of the pitch marshalling McShane.

Ward is undoubtedly a more talented footballer than McShane in saying that.

I'm better than McShane ffs:D

[BonnieShels]

I'm better than McShane ffs:D

I don't like to go down that road as it is unfair for me sitting here with my leaden left foot to criticise a professional footballer and use me as the comparison.

[the bear]

well in contrast to ward , mcshane was touted as the next mcgrath when he first burst on the scene.

we all know how that ended up so maybe it will be the reverse for ward and he will become an irish legend and release a ballad on curracloe beach in the near future

[paul_oshea]

Lads there is nothing to suggest ward will anything other than another mcshane, he isn't as clumsy but his reading and positioning is terrible.

Under pressure he doesn't have a good touch, and when rushed we saw the end product the last few days.

His crossing was absolutely atrocious the last day as well when loads of time.

[Irwin3]

Bashing Ward for a couple of poor crosses. All I have to say to that is at least he was there to cross in the first place. How many crosses did Kelly put in? How many runs did Kelly make? How many corners did Kelly win?

All I'm saying is give him some time. Ward was clearly out of position a couple of times. Although sometimes McGeady was back covering his own man (i.e. their right back - other teams like to get their full backs forward). Ward has been a utility man for Wolves for a good while now. He needs more than a couple of matches to get used to being an international left back.

For all the negatives, at least there was a slither of attacking promise from him at full back.

[Charlie Darwin]

A few points about Ward:

He's played 6 games for us now and we haven't conceded a goal in any of them. People call Trap a lucky manager - maybe Ward is his good luck charm?

Russia and Slovakia both play with one rampaging wide man and another who drifts in. Playing a 442 as we do, that means Ward is charged with tracking the man (Arshavin) infield and McGeady the wing back (Anyukov). McGeady and Kilbane got their wires crossed on this front and it cost us a goal in Dublin, but he and Ward seemed to be much more sure of their roles. If we played 433, Ward would be charged with tracking Anyukov, but we don't, so he has no choice but to go with Arshavin. He did get sucked too much infield for my liking but he was doing his job.

Ward's crossing was atrocious in both matches but in the last few Premier League matches he's put in some great crosses so he's perhaps just overcomplicating things a bit due to overeagerness. He'll iron that out. He also offers more going forward than Kilbane, with one good run against Russia to win a corner and another very early in the Slovakia match that Doyle didn't even lift up his head to spot (and wound up passing the ball out of the play - the first indication he was going to have a stinker). I've always been a big defender of Kilbane but I think Ward has won his shirt now.

[tetsujin1979]

He's played 6 games for us now and we haven't conceded a goal in any of them. People call Trap a lucky manager - maybe Ward is his good luck charm?Saw a similar stat during the week about Andrews. We haven't conceded a goal with Andrews on the pitch in these qualifiers.

[tricky_colour]

Yes it is hard to criticism a defence and a defensive midfield under those circumstances.

Statistically you would be saying Ward and Andrews are amongst the best players in the world.

[paul_oshea]

Chralie there might be a tiny hint of logic in what you were saying if Ward didn't do this time and again last year for Wolves against far inferior players than Arshavin. He is nowhere near international standard and if by some chance he ever gets close i dont want to see him near left back until that day. I was never championing ward as the man to replace kilbane/his chance etc etc, because i had seen enough of him for wolves to know he was nowhere near good enough, for even lowly wolves at the time. His positioning and general awareness is severely lacking. The only thing going for him is tackling.

[Irwin3]

Chralie there might be a tiny hint of logic in what you were saying if Ward didn't do this time and again last year for Wolves against far inferior players than Arshavin. He is nowhere near international standard and if by some chance he ever gets close i dont want to see him near left back until that day. I was never championing ward as the man to replace kilbane/his chance etc etc, because i had seen enough of him for wolves to know he was nowhere near good enough, for even lowly wolves at the time. His positioning and general awareness is severely lacking. The only thing going for him is tackling.

Do what? How many games did Ward even play for Wolves at left back last year? Elokobi was first choice.

[paul_oshea]

What? He played loads of games. If you must know here it is:

14-Aug-2010 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Stoke City Started, played whole game.
21-Aug-2010 Premier League Everton 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, played whole game.
28-Aug-2010 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Newcastle Started, played whole game.
11-Sep-2010 Premier League Fulham 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, played whole game. Booked
18-Sep-2010 Premier League Tottenham 3-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, played whole game.
21-Sep-2010 English League Cup Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-2 Notts County Unused Substitute.
26-Sep-2010 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Aston Villa Started, substituted on 39m.
2-Oct-2010 Premier League Wigan 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, substituted on 82m.
16-Oct-2010 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 West Ham Started, played whole game.
23-Oct-2010 Premier League Chelsea 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, played whole game.
30-Oct-2010 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Manchester City Started, played whole game.
6-Nov-2010 Premier League Manchester United 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, played whole game.
10-Nov-2010 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-2 Arsenal Started, substituted on 88m.
13-Nov-2010 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-3 Bolton Unused Substitute.
20-Nov-2010 Premier League Blackpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Unused Substitute.
27-Nov-2010 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 Sunderland Started, played whole game. Booked
4-Dec-2010 Premier League Blackburn 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, played whole game.
12-Dec-2010 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Birmingham City Started, played whole game.
26-Dec-2010 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Wigan Started, played whole game.
29-Dec-2010 Premier League Liverpool 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, substituted on 78m. Scored on 56m.
1-Jan-2011 Premier League West Ham 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, played whole game.
5-Jan-2011 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Chelsea Started on bench, introduced on 70 m.
8-Jan-2011 English FA Cup Doncaster Rovers 2-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, played whole game.
15-Jan-2011 Premier League Manchester City 4-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, substituted on 69m.
18-Jan-2011 English FA Cup Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 Doncaster Rovers Started on bench, introduced on 77 m.
22-Jan-2011 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-3 Liverpool Started, played whole game.
30-Jan-2011 English FA Cup Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 Stoke City Started, substituted on 84m.
2-Feb-2011 Premier League Bolton 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started on bench, introduced on 75 m.
5-Feb-2011 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Manchester United Started on bench, introduced on 65 m.
12-Feb-2011 Premier League Arsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Unused Substitute.
20-Feb-2011 Premier League West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started on bench, introduced on 85 m.
26-Feb-2011 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 Blackpool Started on bench, introduced on 66 m.
6-Mar-2011 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-3 Tottenham Started, substituted on 60m.
19-Mar-2011 Premier League Aston Villa 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started on bench, introduced on 81 m.
2-Apr-2011 Premier League Newcastle 4-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started on bench, introduced on 81 m.
9-Apr-2011 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-3 Everton Unused Substitute.
23-Apr-2011 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Fulham Started, played whole game.
26-Apr-2011 Premier League Stoke City 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, substituted on 79m.
1-May-2011 Premier League Birmingham City 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, substituted on 83m.
8-May-2011 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 West Bromwich Albion Started, played whole game.
14-May-2011 Premier League Sunderland 1-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers Started, played whole game.
22-May-2011 Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-3 Blackburn Started, played whole game.


28 games started.

Tets any chance of adding filters to your app?

[tetsujin1979]

Do what? How many games did Ward even play for Wolves at left back last year? Elokobi was first choice.


What? He played loads of games. If you must know here it is:
28 games started.

Tets any chance of adding filters to your app?
Read it again, how many games did he start at left back
The answer is here: http://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/8614/

Filters are on the list of things I'd like to do if and when I have time. Don't expect them anytime soon.

[paul_oshea]

18 I think? But that only shows started. When he was introduced he probably came on as left back also.

Anyway I think thats pretty much answered.

And for those comparing to McShane, at least Mcshane was a kid. Ward is not a late teen. He is 26. Not much more learning at that age to be done, even if he did come over from bohs 4 years ago at the age of 22. Yikes, we say doyle is approaching his best, and he is 27, in another couple of years people will be talking about when he is retiring!

[geysir]

18 I think? But that only shows started. When he was introduced he probably came on as left back also.

Anyway I think thats pretty much answered.

And for those comparing to McShane, at least Mcshane was a kid. Ward is not a late teen. He is 26. Not much more learning at that age to be done, even if he did come over from bohs 4 years ago at the age of 22. Yikes, we say doyle is approaching his best, and he is 27, in another couple of years people will be talking about when he is retiring!

So who in your opinion should be at Left Back for the next 2 or 4 competitive games?

[Irwin3]

18 I think? But that only shows started. When he was introduced he probably came on as left back also.

Anyway I think thats pretty much answered.

And for those comparing to McShane, at least Mcshane was a kid. Ward is not a late teen. He is 26. Not much more learning at that age to be done, even if he did come over from bohs 4 years ago at the age of 22. Yikes, we say doyle is approaching his best, and he is 27, in another couple of years people will be talking about when he is retiring!

The link shows he started 15 games at left back for Wolves last season. 11 before Christmas and 4 after Christmas. So after losing the position to Elokobi he has now apparently won it back this season. Is Mick McCarthy an idiot? He obviously believes it is worth giving Ward another shot at making the left back position his own.

At what age did KK make the left back position his?

[paul_oshea]

So who in your opinion should be at Left Back for the next 2 or 4 competitive games?

I reckon you could do a good job in there geysir.

You certainly do a good job at everything else.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Chralie there might be a tiny hint of logic in what you were saying if Ward didn't do this time and again last year for Wolves against far inferior players than Arshavin. He is nowhere near international standard and if by some chance he ever gets close i dont want to see him near left back until that day. I was never championing ward as the man to replace kilbane/his chance etc etc, because i had seen enough of him for wolves to know he was nowhere near good enough, for even lowly wolves at the time. His positioning and general awareness is severely lacking. The only thing going for him is tackling.

Paul, your scathing criticism of Ward is one that as an Irish "Supporter", I'd like to think is more at akin to those of the booing hordes at Wembley. It appears that you are just creating an argument to back up your pre-conceived ideas, possibly in the rather shallow hope that you will be able to tell us you were correct all along if proved right (if so, I hope the satisfaction that this gives you will outweigh the disappointment of it being to the detriment of the team)

Lets assess some of your opinions shall we:

1) "I was never championing ward as the man to replace kilbane/his chance etc etc, because i had seen enough of him for wolves to know he was nowhere near good enough, for even lowly wolves at the time." - How many times have you watched him Paul? I've been a Wolves Season-Ticket holder for years and have seen enough games to realise that he has progressed immensely since his conversion to Left Back to the point where he has universally been recognised as one of, if not our, best player the season and (along with Hunt) the catalyst for our revival last season. How then is he not good enough for Wolves? If you don't believe me start a thread on mollineux mix and see what the common consensus is.

2) "His positioning and general awareness is severely lacking. The only thing going for him is tackling." - I can only assume that you have cast this dispersion from his earlier games in the Premiership where he was growing into the position, covering yourself with the latter due to his last ditch tackle in the Slovakian game. Bearing in mind that he has kept Junior Hoilett, Duff and Agbonlahor quiet in his last three games his positioning and awareness can't be that bad, can it? Defensive positioning and awareness comes with understanding. I'm nots sure if it's occurred to you that Ireland have not played a consistent backline recently? Equally as Charlie said, there is always an difficulty when players drift inside and not having a strong link with the winger ahead of you is the most testing issue, the reason why him and hunty have such a good understanding, with the latter realsiing when to drop and cover, when Ward goes on one of his surging runs (another thing which he has going for him beyond just tackling). If anyone can be apportioned blame for this it would be Trap for not playing him more regularly in Friendlies making him more familiar with his surroundings prior to throwing him in to such a big double header (in which we didn't concede, I'd like to add).

3) "He is nowhere near international standard" - How good is international standard? How many Slovakians & Armenians are good enough to play in the Premiership? Most football fans would agree that a good premiership team would beat a good international team. If he is good enough to play in the Premiership (which he obviously is, as he does) then he is good enough to play at international level.

4) "Under pressure he doesn't have a good touch, and when rushed we saw the end product the last few days". This is absolute drivel, borne out of a desire to be proved right and on the basis of two bad crosses and one kick out of touch (hardly the most water-tight evidence). If you have watched him regularly, you will realise that his passing is generally very accurate, indeed his interlinking play & movement from the back and up the wings with Jarvis/Hunt is one of our strengths as a team, whereas his crosses equally being bery strong (certainly no less accurate than those two). I dare say that his poor crossing on this occassion was more down to an over-enthusiaism to succeed/a fear through lack of confidence (which comes through experience) in failing to deliver and fans (not supporters) jumping on his back (not that you'd be in that brigade)

At the end of ther day he is a relatively young lad, inexperienced at this level, who is feeling his way into the role. He has not been given the chance to fully familiarise himself with the team, or the winger up the line and we are possibly not exploiting his full potential of going forward. I am not saying he's the greatest player in the world, by any stretch of the imagination, however with time and our support I am sure he will have a valuable contribution to make. In the meantime, I will accept the limited ability of the individual, as I do other members of the team, in the belief that the sum are greater than the parts and holistically we can be stronger together. The latter could be said of the supporters/fans also.

[geysir]

I reckon you could do a good job in there geysir.

You certainly do a good job at everything else.
Thank you Paul, but can you at least offer something constructive to the question at hand. Charlie made a fair comment earlier, acknowledging that Ward made mistakes, but based on his observations he claims that Ward has it in his locker to be decent enough for us in time. That remains to be seen. You have no faith that Ward can nail the position with any distinction. Seeing as Trap probably identified Cunningham as our most likely LB to replace KK, then tried Clarke/Clark (I forget, e or no e?) and now puts Ward in there. Do you think that was a mistake by Trap to put his faith in Ward? or should Trap have gone for another option?

[paul_oshea]

Yep, fair point. although I'm not a football manager, if you see a problem, at least provide some sort of solutions. Find me solutions not problems :)

I believe there are a couple. I think bar 1 game against georgia(or was it cyprus pretty sure georgia) a few years ago, stephen kelly has looked decent for us, not oustanding, but assured and a decent ball player. He has certainly looked better than any of those in the other full back position. Therefore I would have looked to have had him play right back and JOSH left back. O'shea can play anywhere along the back 4, and again he hasn't looked spectacular out there but he has looked far more accomplished than Kilbane/ward there, certainly from a positional view point. There are other options, but I think this is where we would be most solid and balanced overall, as opposed to lobbed one-sided in terms of ability.

[TrapAPony]

Coleman, Dunne, O'Shea, Wilson would be my defence

[Stuttgart88]

I think bar 1 game against georgia(or was it cyprus pretty sure georgia) a few years ago, stephen kelly has looked decent for us, not oustanding, but assured and a decent ball player. He has certainly looked better than any of those in the other full back position. Therefore I would have looked to have had him play right back and JOSH left back. O'shea can play anywhere along the back 4, and again he hasn't looked spectacular out there but he has looked far more accomplished than Kilbane/ward there, certainly from a positional view point. Yep, it was Georgia at home. Kelly looks more at home at right-back than O'Shea as far as I'm concerned. JOS could be a stop gap at left back or even central mid in my opiniopn. And yes, before all the amateur historians here get all irate, I do know he has played both positions for us before, but I think we are so anonymous in the middle O'Shea would be an improvement.

[the bear]

Coleman, Dunne, O'Shea, Wilson would be my defence
judging on previous performances for ireland, sledger is a better centre half than o'shea

i would have coleman, dunne , sledge, o'shea

on the basis that wilson hasn't proved himself yet

[ArdeeBhoy]

Ward looks even worse for Ireland than Kilbane. If that was possible.

[SkStu]

He is certainly no Denis Irwin but Stephen Ward is getting a very tough time here. I saw the Slovakia game in full, did not see the Russian game but he held his own. His crossing was what really let him down. Defensively he improved immensely over the course of the game. As I said, he is not the answer to our problems but he is a good player and can do a job. Also, he has contributed to 3 clean sheets in each of his 3 caps to date. Lets give the lad a chance.

[SwanVsDalton]

He is certainly no Denis Irwin but Stephen Ward is getting a very tough time here. I saw the Slovakia game in full, did not see the Russian game but he held his own. His crossing was what really let him down. Defensively he improved immensely over the course of the game. As I said, he is not the answer to our problems but he is a good player and can do a job. Also, he has contributed to 3 clean sheets in each of his 3 caps to date. Lets give the lad a chance.

Bang on. I thought he struggled in Russia but was one of our best players against Slovakia. Either way he's a newcomer to the team and squad and has largely done well. Whether he goes on to be our first choice LB is hard to know, but he's taken his chance well and deserves a little bit more benefit of the doubt.

There are obvious concerns about his ability at international level, but the way he's improved year-on-year at Wolves means I wouldn't bet against him becoming a fixture for us.

[paul_oshea]

SvD were you at the game?

He struggled severly against Slovakia, but they were too poor to put us to the sword, particularly down his side. Russia weren't and thats the difference.

[seanfhear]

It will be interesting to see how Trapatoni reacts to this not great performance against Russia. Will Trap believe that he can iron out some of Wards failings and stay loyal to him (Traps fairly big on Loyalty) or will he return to Killer.

It does seem surprising that Wilson has not been blooded/tried (to any great extent) by Ireland. I think to get to the bottom of this we would need to know more about Traps relationship with Wilson and more about Wilsons desire to play for Ireland (I have no great reasons to think that he does not want to play for Ireland) .

[SwanVsDalton]

SvD were you at the game?

He struggled severly against Slovakia, but they were too poor to put us to the sword, particularly down his side. Russia weren't and thats the difference.

Yeah I was at the game. I thought he defended well, made several crucial blocks and distributed the ball inconsistently but generally did ok (he gave it away poorly a couple of times, like everyone in the whole team).

Most importantly he was constantly looking for the ball - he was the defence's only useful outball the whole match, and he charged up from left-back during the entire second half when quite a few senior players were hiding. He didn't always use it well, but I was impressed by his willingness and enthusiasm when others didn't want to know the ball or, just as bad, simply hoofed it aimlessly. Ward was probably our only player against Slovakia who continually drove the ball forward and with some semblance of purpose.

As for Russia, they didn't put us to the sword. So what is the difference? I'll take your point on Ward being fortunate - on another day it could cost us - but he's no more guilty of that than Andrews, O'Shea, Whelan, Kilbane or even Dunne, Sledge or Given on occasions.

He was up against it and had his moments, but stood up well particularly in comparison to teammates. So why the OTT histrionics? Why not, as others have suggested, just cut the guy some slack? His performances so far have as much good as they have had bad so it's just as valid to suggest he'll win us a game than cost us one.

I haven't seen enough of Ward to be convinced or unconvinced - but what I've seen of him for Ireland has be promising enough for me to not to throw him on the scrapheap.

[paul_oshea]

We obviously read things completely differently then. And those who I talked to after the game saw it the same as I did.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that he'll play in the next two qualifiers regardless of Killer's fitness.

[SwanVsDalton]

We obviously read things completely differently then. And those who I talked to after the game saw it the same as I did.

Opinionated football fans in disagreement shocka. Quite a few people post-game roughly agreed with my view, so did some people on here. But I'm not about to do a headcount. It's totally irrelevant.

We disagree, fine - I'd be interested to know your thoughts more on Ward's willingness, desire for possession and some of the tremendous clearances he made but that's up to you.

I simply feel those shellacking him are focusing entirely on the mistakes he made without really considering the undoubtedly decent elements of his performance.

Either way Ward certainly doesn't deserve the Dunphy-esque 'nothing player' style descriptions he's been getting.

[SwanVsDalton]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that he'll play in the next two qualifiers regardless of Killer's fitness.

Think so too, especially with Andorra being next. Probably with Ward's to lose now. Mad to think considering how long we've been debating Killer being replaced in the team, though I wouldn't bet against him coming back in for a crucial play-off or similar.

[Stuttgart88]

For what it's worth, I'd prefer KK back to face Armenia.

[tetsujin1979]

Ward is carrying a yellow card, for that reason alone I'd drop him for the Andorra game, it's not worth the risk of him picking up a needless booking for anything (mistimed tackle, mouthing off to the ref, coughing in the general direction of the assistant, etc) and missing the Armenia game

[paul_oshea]

Play him against Andorra then, quick fast.

[osarusan]

Play him against Andorra then, quick fast.
Spot on Paul. We'd hate to go into the Armenia game with two left full backs available. Makes much more sense to have only one.

[Charlie Darwin]

Ideally Kilbane would be injured and Ward suspended so we could go into the game with 10 men. Left back can't be a liability if you're not playing one!

[paul_oshea]

We all know we have plenty of cover. And if trap has to be forced into a decision then it has in the past worked out best for us, thats the directly i was talking about before.

[theworm2345]

Just saved a goal from Sessegnon, good hustle to get back.

[Dublin Red]

Just saved a goal from Sessegnon, good hustle to get back.

Ya, good man.

Think it's more important to note he's actually Captaining Wolves today. Looks like a bit of a leader on the pitch!

[SkStu]

captain? really? What a rise for the lad. Brilliant to see.

[tricky_colour]

Only caught the end bit of the game, delighted they won, not too surprised Ward was made captain, I always
got the impression he was a 'proper footballer' someone who knew what he was doing, ie someone who looks
up before he hoofs it up the pitch - lol.

[Jaysus]

Did well today, much better than O'Shea.

[Noelys Guitar]

Best player on the pitch. We have found a decent left back. Never once today gave the ball away. Always seemed to be playing in second gear. Better cross into the box and we have a real winner on our hands.

[theworm2345]

Best player on the pitch. We have found a decent left back. Never once today gave the ball away. Always seemed to be playing in second gear. Better cross into the box and we have a real winner on our hands.
Its no surprise, he had a damn good teacher
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b3/Kevin_Kilbane.jpg

Zubar didn't have a great game at right back but he is just returning from a long injury layoff so hopefully he can find his form and secure the other side and Wolves can win a few games and not have to look over their shoulder so much when facing Arsenal (A), Bolton (well they don't count), Chelsea (H), and Spurs (A) in four straight matches at the turn of the year. They do go to Old Trafford next though.

[tricky_colour]

Have to admit I thought he was out of position just before he cleared that ball off the line!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously I was thinking he should have been marking the guy wider on the right
on here at 3.16 but I guess he had a better view than I did :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znbhuc46Dyw

But I think that goes along with my general opinion that he reads the game well, the guy out wide
could have been a danger but by getting between the sticks he has him covered too, so a good decision overall.

[drummerboy]

This lad has been steadily improving for the last few seasons. When you consider he started off as a striker, they was played as a winger. Then he was converted to left full, but is still asked to play up front and in central midfield on occasions. He made a shakey enough start for Ireland but seems to have settled to international football. Still has plenty to learn but its great to see him improving his game all the time.

[geysir]

But I think that goes along with my general opinion that he reads the game well, the guy out wide
could have been a danger but by getting between the sticks he has him covered too, so a good decision overall.
It was the correct decision, a goal saving decision and an excellent piece of defending.