Jamie O'Hara

[SkStu]

after watching pompey today, O'Hara is a must. Everything good for them came through him. He'd add a touch of class that has been missing since Andy Reids expulsion. And he's not lacking as a physical presence either.

[SkStu]

Finnan and Wilson were excellent tonight for Pompey too (in attack and defence).

Reid was his creative, impressive self and reports of a recent weight gain are crap. What did he get the black eye from? (Meyler in training! :D )

[Deckydee]

I wonder what he means by:

..and believes that media attention for O'Hara or Mark Noble is causing problems for them at their clubs -- particularly because they have already played for England at some level

What sort of problems I wonder?

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd imagine it has to do with resale value. Being an England international adds a couple of million to any player's price-tag.

[seanfhear]

I'd imagine it has to do with resale value. Being an England international adds a couple of million to any player's price-tag.
It is amazing how being an England international puts so much value on to a player in England (and consequentially their wages).

Clubs are much less likely to discourage a player from turning out for England (even for friendlies etc) than for smaller nations.

[TrapAPony]

Darren Ambrose should be approached. Excellent goal against Villa and a Man of the Match performance along with twelve goals in the Championship this season.

[Deckydee]

Darren Ambrose should be approached. Excellent goal against Villa and a Man of the Match performance along with twelve goals in the Championship this season.

Here, why dont you ask him yourself :o)

http://www.darrenambrose.co.uk/Questions/

[TrapAPony]

Here, why dont you ask him yourself :o)

http://www.darrenambrose.co.uk/Questions/

:D What a terrible website.

[Cuyahoga]

Ireland are to play Algeria in a friendly in Dublin on May 29th according to the BBC. I reckon it will be on in the RDS or if not available go to the
Cottage again. They are in England's group in the world cup!

[SkStu]

Darren Ambrose should be approached. Excellent goal against Villa and a Man of the Match performance along with twelve goals in the Championship this season.

thought he played very well too TAP (thats two palace games ive seen in the last while and he has been excellent in both) - reminded me of Lawrence in a lot of ways...

[theworm2345]

Watched the 2nd Half of Portsmouth vs Stoke tonight, O'Hara has been complete crap. **** poor set pieces and got a kick to the balls as well.

[SkStu]

i watched the first half and he was decent... not as effective as the last game i saw but still showed enough to me to think he would add to our squad and first team. Looks like pompey fell apart all over the pitch in the second half.

[theworm2345]

i watched the first half and he was decent... not as effective as the last game i saw but still showed enough to me to think he would add to our squad and first team. Looks like pompey fell apart all over the pitch in the second half.
Its not that they fell apart in the second half so much as they just didn't have any of the needed quality in the final third...Kanu was the only one who looked able to provide it (Dindane was doing well and creating havoc but didn't have any service). Delap and Whelan were both better than O'Hara and I don't see any reason (aside from friendlies) O'Hara deserves a call over Delap (even beyond the throw-ins) if a big game were to come around. He may be old but has been consistent in all games I've seen.

[SkStu]

im a Delap fan but id choose O'Hara over him any day in terms of the qualities that each player would bring to the team.

[Acornvilla]

well ohara primeraly is a left back and playes mid and left winger when needed so i dont see the point in comparing him to delap?

[ofjames]

thats not correct at all acorn.

he's a centre midfielder who plays does a job on the left if asked (not a winger at all)

the only time he'd ever play left back is in an emergency

[SkStu]

correct ofjames. left footed centre mid primarily but flexible in the same sense Delap is (hence the comparison from worm, i believe)...

i watched the second half of the game and to be honest i thought he did okay in the 2nd half too. A couple of wayward shots form distance and his corners werent as impressive as Glen Whelans but his general play was good. I like how he demands the ball from the centre backs and threads passes into the channels for his wingers. Very effective. And would suit Traps gameplan too. Id like to see him in the team.

[Acornvilla]

he started off as lb at spurs?

[theworm2345]

he started off as lb at spurs?
Regardless, he certainly wasn't playing there yesterday.

[Royal rover]

Martin Kelly was on the bench for liverpool today - anyone know anything about him

[Acornvilla]

almost always lb for spurs i taught hes plAYING MORE CENTRAL FOR POPEY BECAUSE THERE CRAp (crap sorry caps_

[ofjames]

he started off as lb at spurs?

i think he played once or twice there when spurs had a huge injury crisis in defence last season. bale was out for months and then assou akotto when down and they'd nobody else.

he is most definitely a midfielder.

http://goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/02/19/1798398/portsmouth-midfielder-jamie-ohara-im-in-the-form-of-my-life

[Acornvilla]

alright shows what i know :)

[elroy]

Martin Kelly was on the bench for liverpool today - anyone know anything about him

Not eligible for us and capped at under age for England.

[TrapAPony]

Not eligible for us and capped at under age for England.

That doesn't make a difference anymore but Martin Kelly is one generation out I think.

[drummerboy]

Is Shane O’Connor who made his debut for Ipswich on Saturday Irish?

[endabob1]

O'Hara is a CM (and has always been a central player) he's only played left back when Spurs had no one else (which is most of the last 2 decades since Hughton left/retired). He was given his chance at Left Midfield by santini because Spurs had tried and failed to sign a left winger for the 800th transfer window in a row.
He's probably been Pompey's best player this season which I accept is no great shakes, he's a good honest pro always gives 100%, puts himself about and has a decent shot, technically he's not great but he is the type of battler Trapp likes in the middle.
Thing is he's basically 99% English, has given no signs of wanting to come over to the dark(green) side so I'm not sure it's worth persuing, although he would definitely add something to the squad

[tetsujin1979]

Is Shane O’Connor who made his debut for Ipswich on Saturday Irish?
yeah, plays with the U-19's - http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10272~47760,00.html

[shakermaker1982]

Tets your clued up on all our players. Do you know much about David Cawley? Young lad from Mayo who has gone to Ipswich.

[tetsujin1979]

not a lot, he was called into the U-19 training squad for the upcoming Elite qualifiers: http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100694:mccaffrey-unveils-extended-under-19-squad-for-bisham-abbey-training-camp&catid=4:under-19&Itemid=12
Seems to be playing regularly for the Academy side and scored against Chelsea back in October: http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/Academy/0,,10272~1843206,00.html
Oh, and his favourite show is Father Ted: http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/Academy/0,,10272~1744446,00.html
Google search of his appearances for the Academy: http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=TUt&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=david+cawley+site%3Aitfc.co.uk&btnG=Search&meta=&aq=f&oq=

[shakermaker1982]

not a lot, he was called into the U-19 training squad for the upcoming Elite qualifiers: http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100694:mccaffrey-unveils-extended-under-19-squad-for-bisham-abbey-training-camp&catid=4:under-19&Itemid=12
Seems to be playing regularly for the Academy side and scored against Chelsea back in October: http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/Academy/0,,10272~1843206,00.html
Oh, and his favourite show is Father Ted: http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/Academy/0,,10272~1744446,00.html
Google search of his appearances for the Academy: http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=TUt&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=david+cawley+site%3Aitfc.co.uk&btnG=Search&meta=&aq=f&oq=

cheers. I did a few google searches and he seems to be scoring a few goals. Your pretty clued up so I thought I'd check with you in case you have heard he's our next Roy Keane!!! My uncle was telling me about him last weekend. Quite close from where my old man is from. Fingers crossed he can make it over here.

[Deckydee]

Irish Times

O'Hara set for a callup...

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0223/1224265037837.html

.......There is unlikely to be much rancour, on the other hand, in the event that O’Hara and a couple of the other England-born players, who are eligible to play for the Republic, confirm – as Trapattoni suggested some will – their intention to make themselves available to the Italian for selection this side of the summer.

The Tottenham midfielder, currently on loan to Portsmouth, was not identified by name, but, Trapattoni said: “We have another two or three (new players). Sometimes when we talk and the story goes into the newspapers, other teams call and play them so we don’t want to say names.

“But they are on standby. They are very good players. There is one in particular. Left-footed though he doesn’t always play on the left. I cannot say the name. But we need to prepare the documentation before they come with us.”

O’Hara, capped seven times at under-21 level by England but eligible for both the Republic and Northern Ireland since last year’s Fifa rule changes, appears to fit the bill for the left-footed player, while Newcastle’s Kevin Nolan and Gary Cahill are amongst the most prominent of the other players entitled to switch their allegiance.

Hearld

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/brazil-perfect-tonic-to--end-henry-hangover-2073917.html

..........Once we get to August and the opening fixtures in the Euro 2012 campaign, it would be very difficult to bring either of them back -- especially if Trapattoni has managed to sign up Jamie O'Hara in the meantime.

I notice an unnamed Irish player has spoken out about the latest batch of potential recruits who might be available under the new FIFA rules, but I find that very odd indeed. Apparently, the problem is the fact that they turned out for England when they were teenagers and, on the face of it, I can see why that might bother some.

But not every kid in England with Irish heritage is brought up in an environment that encourages loyalty to the country of his parents or grandparents.

Personally, I think Trapattoni should be out there looking for new blood. He should be down at Fratton Park chatting with O'Hara, or at any of the other grounds around England where he might bump into someone with the right qualifications.

That's his job and we need only recall when Jack Charlton arrived in Oxford with John Aldridge in his sights and left with a bonus -- Ray Houghton.

Independent

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/ohara-and-duffy-poised-to-bolster-ireland-ranks-2074813.html

............IRELAND'S player pool is set to be boosted on the double with Jamie O'Hara to commit to the cause and talented Everton defender Shane Duffy rocking Northern Ireland by performing an about-turn on his international intentions.

Spurs midfielder O'Hara, currently on loan with Portsmouth, is ready to capitalise on a change in FIFA eligibility rules which allow an individual who has lined out for one country at U-21 level to switch his allegiances and play for another at senior level.
Irish-qualified O'Hara represented England in the European U-21 Championships but is understood to be interested in pulling on the green jersey.

Giovanni Trapattoni refused to mention him by name yesterday, but admitted there was someone on the way -- once the relevant papers are processed -- who is a left-footed player, although not necessarily a left-winger.
When the name of O'Hara -- who fits the description -- was put directly to the Irish boss he smiled and made a quip about not knowing who that was.

"There are others we can wait until next month for," he said. "They play in England, and their father or grandfather is Irish. They can play with us. There is one. We need to prepare the documentation.

"I do not wish to say who the players are because it can then end up in the media and there is pressure. There is one who is particularly interested. He is the left-sided player."

[endabob1]

I see Naughton is in the England U21 squad again
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8529197.stm

[Scooby Doo]

[QUOTE=Deckydee;1324479]Irish Times

O'Hara set for a callup...

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0223/1224265037837.html

QUOTE]
This is great news. Delighted. We're going to have quite a formidible team going into the qualifiers!
Can anybody please clarify whether or not Nolan is indeed eligible to play for Ireland. I was reading on here not so long ago that he was a generation out in terms of eligbility.
P.S. any updates on Barry Maguire? A Dutch friend of mine was telling me that he's miles away from the Dutch squads at this moment in time.

[Deckydee]

[QUOTE=Deckydee;1324479]Irish Times

O'Hara set for a callup...

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0223/1224265037837.html

QUOTE]
This is great news. Delighted. We're going to have quite a formidible team going into the qualifiers!
Can anybody please clarify whether or not Nolan is indeed eligible to play for Ireland. I was reading on here not so long ago that he was a generation out in terms of eligbility.
P.S. any updates on Barry Maguire? A Dutch friend of mine was telling me that he's miles away from the Dutch squads at this moment in time.

Nolan is eligible. Apparently he has to get his passport in order...............

[TrapAPony]

[QUOTE=Deckydee;1324479]Irish Times

O'Hara set for a callup...

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0223/1224265037837.html

QUOTE]
This is great news. Delighted. We're going to have quite a formidible team going into the qualifiers!
Can anybody please clarify whether or not Nolan is indeed eligible to play for Ireland. I was reading on here not so long ago that he was a generation out in terms of eligbility.
P.S. any updates on Barry Maguire? A Dutch friend of mine was telling me that he's miles away from the Dutch squads at this moment in time.

True about Barry Maguire. He has been an unused sub for FC Utrecht for a while now...although he got a 10 minute run out at the weekend.


As for Kevin Nolan, the same situation applies for him as it did with an ex-Irish player by the name of Michael Robinson. Apparently he does not qualify for Ireland under the parentage rule as his links to Ireland are only through a great-grandparent. However Nolan will become eligible if his grandfather belatedly adopts Irish nationality.

[elroy]

That doesn't make a difference anymore but Martin Kelly is one generation out I think.

Ya true was aware of that, but was more so making the point that he is actively involved in the English set up and this looks likely to continue. Not like that hes an ex under age player unlikely to be involved at international level with them again.

The prospect of Nolan signing up for us doesnt rest easy with me, O'Hara fine but not Nolan not after so many overtures in the past. Maybe im a hyprocrite but...

[Charlie Darwin]

Don't worry about Nolan. I have it on good authority that the Dutch are on the verge of calling him up to partner Dirk Kuyt in attack.

[Scooby Doo]

Don't worry about Nolan. I have it on good authority that the Dutch are on the verge of calling him up to partner Dirk Kuyt in attack.
:o brilliant!

[Razors left peg]

The prospect of Nolan signing up for us doesnt rest easy with me, O'Hara fine but not Nolan not after so many overtures in the past. Maybe im a hyprocrite but...

I feel exactly the same. I would be very excited at the prospect of O Hara but the fact that Nolan turned us down so often in the past would completely put me off him

[Scooby Doo]

I feel exactly the same. I would be very excited at the prospect of O Hara but the fact that Nolan turned us down so often in the past would completely put me off him
not only that, but the fact that, as Trapapony says, Nolan onlyqualifies through a GREAT-grandparent. Sure why not go looking for Frank Quedrue again while we're at it!

[The Fly]

For what it's worth, this whole issue is about to be discussed in a few minutes on TV3's champions league program.

[tetsujin1979]

Tony Cascarino and Martin Keown debating this now on TV3

Keown mentioned that he played for England because his Dad didn't want them to move to England and take advantage of what was offered there, and then not give something back. Might not have that word for word.
Said he saw Cunningham play as a striker, and mentioned his parents by name.

Really hope they make this available online later, it's well worth seeing.

[The Fly]

Worth seeing, despite being somewhat poorly researched.

[Charlie Darwin]

Interesting what Cascarino said about the reason France can't keep its top players.

[Serb]

Can anybody please clarify whether or not Nolan is indeed eligible to play for Ireland.

I would be very surprised to see Nolan called up to the Ireland squad. I don't want him there personally. He's English, he sees himself as English and never had a desire to represent Ireland until it was pretty clear that he had no hope getting into the England Squad.


Hi Kevin. What is the situation regarding your declaration for Ireland/England? Have you come to any conclusion on the matter?
Matt Tighe, Ireland
I want to play for England. It is something I have always dreamt of doing and hopefully that ambition will happen soon.Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6420535.stm

[drummerboy]

I wouldn't like to see Nolan playing for us. He has had the chance before on a few occasions and turned it down. He was actually named in a youth team to play England in Dalymount and back out at the last minute when Brian Kerr was manager. Despite all this he is just an average championship player and we have players playing in the premiership who can't get in the squad. So we don't need him.

[Deckydee]

O'Hara looking good.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/traps-vision-2074812.html

...........Trapattoni's midfield options are set to be further bolstered when the paperwork allowing Spurs' former England U-21 international Jamie O'Hara to convert to the Irish cause is completed.

O'Hara, on-loan at Portsmouth, was not named by Trapattoni, but he said that the arrival of a left-footed midfield player under the new FIFA eligibility rules was imminent and it's understood that the 23-year-old is that man.

[Yard of Pace]

"Midfield options".....I actually feel giddy just contemplating such an idea!

Has O'Hara said anything on this matter yet? It's really excellent news anyway.

[Deckydee]

No, I dont think it will happen until it is offically announced

One thing is for sure though...its going to be weird!

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/wM1ECIa9mne/England+U21+v+Wales+U21+UEFA+U21+Championship/akxNXZMTw_S/Jamie+O'hara

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/lv5T38B6t3h/Wales+U21+v+England+U21+UEFA+U21+Championship/cvipyHwVkha/Jamie+O'hara