Jamie O'Hara [Archive] - Page 20

CraftyToePoke

21/02/2011, 4:48 PM

But if O'Hara did get called up, I'd support him no less than Damian Duff, Kevin Kilbane or Clinton Morrison.

I see your point, no good will come from booing him but I would just like Irish fans to send a message to these guys that Ireland as such a clearly distant second option is not what we want. Declare early, or leave it. I dont think thats unreasonable of us.

Sullivinho

21/02/2011, 4:56 PM

I feel a bit insulted by him now taking the 'I wasnt sure if I could play for Ireland or not' line if I'm honest, as well as being insulted by his repeated online pandering to Capello also while keeping the Ireland option nudged tactically open at all times, he knows well he is eligible, just didnt want to play for us untill it was a last resort.

Still, we are about to be represented by this guy I'd say looking at that interview. Cant say I want to be though.

Yeah, I get the impression he's ready to board but probably wants to dilute his previous England politicking by feigning ignorance on the eligibility rules, talking up the Irish familia etc. Or maybe I'm just a cynic today. Anyway, "I will definitely be interested" is the likely 'come and get me' in that piece.

Charlie Darwin

21/02/2011, 5:37 PM

Barry, Carrick, Parker, Wilshere, Henderson, Milner, Huddlestone and even Rodwell, Cattermole & Muamba would likely be ahead of him after that. Don't see him playing for England at all and I think he has finally woken up in that regard.
Not often Gareth Barry and "ahead" are used in the same sentence. Pacey player.

Noelys Guitar

21/02/2011, 8:55 PM

Drumcondra 69er

21/02/2011, 10:43 PM

I can fully understand anyone not wanting O'Hara to get selected. I'm certain he would have chosen England if they had have selected him. But we would never have qualified for 1988, 1990, 1994, 2002 without players who almost certainly chose Ireland as a fall back option. The list is long and includes Cascarino, Houghton, Aldridge, Babb, Mcateer, Holland, Townsend and a few others. We have an Irish born Premiership player who does not want to play for Ireland. Its not a perfect situation but I'd rather see us qualify with players who "come late" to their Irish roots and put everything in than not qualify with inferior players.

Not spliting hairs but Babb was quoted in a programme at Millwall when he was a youth player as wanting to play for Ireland as one of his ambitions and Houghton, while he probably would have taken a cap had Scotland called him up, always harboured Irish ambitions from what I've read.

But your point stands although O'Hara has been so up front about his English ambitions it would stick in my craw.....

Paddy Garcia

22/02/2011, 6:09 AM

England also made a play for McAteer.

drummerboy

22/02/2011, 7:45 AM

The lad was born and bred in England. Its natural that he would want to play for the country of his birth. He obviously has family here and therefore a certain amount of affinity with Ireland. If he did play for Ireland, I'm quite sure he would find it an honour to represent the country of his ancestors. I don't think he should be castigated for wanting to play for his birth country.

gastric

22/02/2011, 9:01 AM

From a pure pragmatic point of view, and putting emotions aside, if O'Hara declares it will certainly reinforce our midfield. Of all the potential players who could or might declare he is the one who we most badly need. He is only 24 and with the number of exciting young midfielders that we have, he could prove a midfield general at least in the short term. I think it's also worth mentioning that with the tragedy of emigration back again, and worse than ever, we will all have to become more accepting of players living abroad who will or might want to represent us.

geysir

22/02/2011, 10:33 AM

I appreciate that it's far too easy to be negative about this character, but f�ck, it's hard to be positive.

"Yeah, I mean I don't know what the scenario is to be honest because, em, I mean they asked me before and there was something where I couldn't play and then its been changed recently, eh, something to do with playing in the Under 21's and you know I think the rules been changed."

The FAI have already asked him did he want to declare and told him he was eligible because of the change in the rules. That doesn't appear to made to have made much impact on his psyche as he can hardly remember it.

"So I'm not sure whats been going on, obviously I've been injured for a while so I haven't really thought about it."

He was in the Portsmouth team at the time (spring 2010), playing the injury excuse card does not cut the mustard.

"But you know if I get a phone call then obviously its something I'll have to think about and discuss with my family because obviously everyone wants to play on the international stage"

The FAI have already asked him to declare, surely the next step is up him.

"So I'm not sure whether I can play, I'm not 100% on the situation"

Jesus wept, still not sure of his eligibility? maybe if Jamie was a teeny weeny bit interested he might have listened to the FAI representative and out of respect, already given it a bit of thought.
Houghton and Aldridge needed the time for an intake of breath before replying to their invitation.

"Now I think the opportunity has come"
I suspect the opportunity has already gone.
If he now wants to pursue playing for Ireland, then let him contact the FAI and make himself available.

Deckydee

22/02/2011, 11:26 AM

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/ohara-close-to-answering-irelands-call-2550030.html

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/ohara-waiting-on-irish-call-146107.html

My question is, what excatly is his irish links? Mother? Ol'lad?

How far back etc etc

Metrostars

22/02/2011, 11:42 AM

I'm sure Mick is advising him on the eligibility rules etc.

shakermaker1982

22/02/2011, 11:56 AM

I'm really not keen on this.

I'd rather have players who aren't up to scratch at the top level but who want to play for us instead of good players who have messed us about and have waited years for England to pick them. If it means we don't qualify for another tournament any time soon then so be it. We can invest in our own kids and hope they make the grade 10 plus years down the line.

irishfan86

22/02/2011, 10:48 PM

shakermaker1982

23/02/2011, 7:18 AM

Shaker, those homegrown kids may never play soccer in the first place if they never watch Ireland play at a major tournament.

As a dual citizen myself I know it's possible to love two countries so I'd have no problem with O'Hara joining the squad. Funny the differing attitudes toward O'Hara and that Dutch guy, who in any event doesn't even seem that great!

We haven't qualified for a tournament since 2002 and youngsters are still watching football & playing (ok this is partly down to the EPL but if it gets em playing then so be it). I just don't want a team full of mercenaries irishfan 86. McGeady and Kilbane have ALWAYS wanted to play for Ireland. These are the kind of guys I want in the green shirt.

gustavo

23/02/2011, 8:07 AM

Thread title edited and poll added as per request

geysir

23/02/2011, 1:59 PM

Poll should be adjusted to 'do you want Jamie to want to play for Ireland'.

How does one decide that they want a player, who as yet couldn't be bothered to decide if he wants to or not, to play for Ireland?
Based on available sparse and conflicting info, I refuse to vote :)

shakermaker1982

23/02/2011, 2:02 PM

60/40 at the moment in favour of him playing for the boys in green. I'm a bit stunned at that.

Razors left peg

25/02/2011, 7:16 PM

Ive changed my opinion on this about 100 times. As a rule I have no issue at all with us exploiting the grandfather rule to the maximum but the length of time its taken O'Hara to make a decision leaves a bit of a bad taste. On the other hand from a pragmatic point of view, who would I rather see in the midfield,O'Hara or Green, its a no brainer in that case.

I think Im starting to settle on the opinion that at the moment we need all the help we can get in midfield while we are waiting for players with great potential to develop so Id be happy enough to see him called up. If he scored the goal to make us qualify there wouldnt be many who would boo it!

Stuttgart88

25/02/2011, 8:20 PM

My gut instinct is that I don't want him.

TrapAPony

25/02/2011, 8:47 PM

Would be a very good addition. I would like to see him play for us.

Junior

25/02/2011, 9:09 PM

My gut instinct is that I don't want him.

Nail on the head for me also. I think he's taking the pi$$ actually.

I also think there is a chance he could get a call up for England one day so he should just bide his time for them and do us all a favour and say as much.

TrapAPony

26/02/2011, 3:16 PM

Scored again today v Blackpool.

paul_oshea

26/02/2011, 3:25 PM

ya watching the game, if wolves final ball was anyway good they could be 4 or 5-0 up, I cant remember the last time blackpool even had a shot on goal in this game.

this really is a game where doyle should have at least got 1 goal, not that he has had clear cut chances, but i think it defines the kind of forward he is.

o'hara dictating a lot of the play in a more central role too. would be a great addition to us.

SkStu

26/02/2011, 3:56 PM

i'd take Hammill too to be honest. What an exciting player - bags of potential.

paul_oshea

26/02/2011, 5:19 PM

yep, both would be great additions and both wingers, what is with us and the one position!!! And i dont mean any connection with our catholic upbringing :D

TrapAPony

26/02/2011, 5:26 PM

yep, both would be great additions and both wingers

Ya, they certainly would. O'Hara is generally a central midfield player though.

dr_peepee

26/02/2011, 5:32 PM

My gut instinct is that I don't want him.

I see what you mean. I'd grudgingly have him on board. I think he'd be comitted and hard working once playing..... But I could see him getting all Dean Kiely down the line if for example Meyler was getting in ahead of him

paul_oshea

26/02/2011, 5:51 PM

Ya, they certainly would. O'Hara is generally a central midfield player though.

Ya, he played that today, thats true but i thought he played more on the wing the last couple of years.

Drumcondra 69er

26/02/2011, 8:25 PM

Brady reckons it's very likely he'll be in the Macedonia squad, was asked on Premier Soccer Saturday.....

paul_oshea

26/02/2011, 8:39 PM

I know brady was previouslly involved, but are we giving too much credence to think at this stage he actually knows anything?

TrapAPony

26/02/2011, 8:51 PM

Brady reckons it's very likely he'll be in the Macedonia squad, was asked on Premier Soccer Saturday.....

Good stuff.

Drumcondra 69er

26/02/2011, 8:59 PM

I know brady was previouslly involved, but are we giving too much credence to think at this stage he actually knows anything?

Mentioned that Trap said yesterday there was some eligibility paperwork being sorted for a left footed player.....

Charlie Darwin

26/02/2011, 9:04 PM

I know brady was previouslly involved, but are we giving too much credence to think at this stage he actually knows anything?
He certainly gave the impression he knew more than he was able to say.

ifk101

26/02/2011, 9:45 PM

Franco Baldini sighted at Molineux today.

TrapAPony

26/02/2011, 10:07 PM

Franco Baldini sighted at Molineux today.

....possibly to see Karl Henry.
http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2011/02/22/fabio-capello-is-a-fan-of-karl-henry/

SwanVsDalton

26/02/2011, 10:49 PM

If he declared I'd have no problem. He's a talented footballer and could bring something extra. Could be the next Trigger McAteer or Matty Holland, generations removed but notching a crucial goal for Ireland.

Sullivinho

26/02/2011, 11:09 PM

Mentioned that Trap said yesterday there was some eligibility paperwork being sorted for a left footed player.....

I wonder what exactly Trap said to prompt Maloney's speculation. Maybe that'l come out during the week. Interesting paraphrasing anyway, as is the fact someone thought O'Hara a likely enough candidate to get Brady's opinion on him.

SolitudeRed

26/02/2011, 11:58 PM

He looks a decent player and will be getting regular games in the Premiership, he has gotta be a better option than the likes of Green. Would still have reservations though gien hes not sounded overly keen on playing for Ireland.

PS on a side note according to wikipedia O'Hara is going out with your one Danielle Lloyd who was involved with the Big Brother racism scandal!

Charlie Darwin

27/02/2011, 12:14 AM

They've been together for a couple of years now.

theworm2345

27/02/2011, 4:30 AM

Just an interesting note, this thread used to be titled "Nolan, O'Hara and Naughton possible call ups" and all three scored Saturday.

paul_oshea

27/02/2011, 4:43 AM

naughton did more than score though.

gastric

27/02/2011, 6:24 AM

Watched the Blackpool game today and O 'Hara again showed a deft touch and controlled the midfield albeit against ten men for most of the game. His goal was probably down to bad goalkeeping from Kingson, but overall he showed why he would be an excellent recruit and asset for us.

tetsujin1979

27/02/2011, 12:07 PM

Just a thought, is it that he would be a good recruit, or that he would be a good recruit right now, given that injuries and uncertainty means that the squad is missing the likes of Meyler and McCarthy? Say, in two seasons, with those two, plus Clifford and maybe an improved Gibson, would O'Hara still be as wanted?

paul_oshea

27/02/2011, 12:16 PM

We are looking for Mr right now, not Mr Right i think tets.

Yard of Pace

27/02/2011, 1:16 PM

Maybe an improved Gibson? That's a big maybe at the moment. O'Hara would be a huge asset now and in the future, it's ludicrous to think otherwise. He's a GOOD player, a good character. I can't believe people wouldn't want him playing for us just because he didn't get Tiocfaidh ar L� tattooed on his chest when he was 5 years old. If he comes to play for us it ain't for the good of his health, career, bank balance or status, so I'm happy to believe it is because he has some affinity to Ireland and his family here.

geysir

27/02/2011, 1:17 PM

If he has signaled his declaration to play for Ireland then fair enough.
Doubtful that he would be cleared in time to play next month.

Manc Irish Wolf

27/02/2011, 1:45 PM

Went to the game yesterday and am overjoyed that O'Hara is possibly going to swear his alliegance with us. The Kid is class. Hungry for the ball, always looking to pass and move and a great shot on him (like Darron Gibson, except with enthusiasm and balls). When we won he had his arms raised and fists clenched - it looked like the win meant more to him than any other player on the pitch - a sign of a born winner. I can't believe that he isn't good enough for Spurs, he's much better than Jenas and Huddlestone, for his desire alone. If we get hold of him it'll be a real coup.

AlaskaFox

27/02/2011, 3:51 PM

If he has signaled his declaration to play for Ireland then fair enough.
Doubtful that he would be cleared in time to play next month.

Didn't take long for Clark's clearance to go through at all though. I wouldn't rule out seeing him against Uruguay.

geysir

27/02/2011, 4:23 PM

Afair, it took over 4 weeks for Clark to be cleared in time for the Norway game.

Maybe FIFA operate an express clearing service for twice the normal price.

LFCSixty/Eighty

27/02/2011, 7:08 PM

I'm amazed so many people here would love to see O' Hara declare for us. This thread has been going since October 2009 and he is only now deciding to declare for us. It took Clark a matter of weeks to decide he wanted to play for us even though there was every chance he could have went on to play for England.

O'Hara on the other hand in an England reject who is only going to declare for us after realizing he will never pull on his beloved 3 Lions jersey.

Its these kind of players that give us a bad name from people who accuse us of allowing players to play for us who own an Irish red setter and I for one will be disgusted when he be parachuted into the set up, if not the team by Trap.