David Meyler

[paul_oshea]

Never going to happen for so many reasons.

If we do qualify, im hopeful he will get a run out in some friendlies before euros and at least be part of the squad.

[irishfan86]

If Whelan was suspended, perhaps the Steven Reid "emergency" callup situation would make sense... (never gonna happen).

[TrapAPony]

If Whelan was suspended, perhaps the Steven Reid "emergency" callup situation would make sense... (never gonna happen).

If Whelan ever got suspended & if we were short on midfielders I would guess that Trapattoni would play Kilbane there.:(

[Charlie Darwin]

Bruce says he's back and ready for action. Full of compliments as usual: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11661_7264900,00.html

[theworm2345]

Just come on for David Vaughan in about the 81st minute, first time he'll actually get some time to play. Not sure about his dodgy facial hair though.

[tommy_c12000]

Just come on for David Vaughan in about the 81st minute, first time he'll actually get some time to play. Not sure about his dodgy facial hair though.

It's for charity so we'll leave him off, he's started movember early

[TrapAPony]

On the bench again today along with James McClean. John Egan also makes the Sunderland bench for the first time and Westwood starts.

[tommy_c12000]

Ya saw that. Great to see Egan there. He is Bruce's only defensive option on the bench by the looks of it so you never know he could well make an appearance today.

[Charlie Darwin]

On for Colback with 15 minutes to go. This fixture two years ago is where he got his original injury.

[tommy_c12000]

How did Meyler do when he came on? I saw he was lucky not to get booked for a rash challenge on Rooney

[Irwin3]

Nice little cameo. Kept the ball well. Hopefully he'll be starting games soon.

[Charlie Darwin]

He played OK. Sunderland looked a better team with him and Elmo on the pitch. There was nothing wrong with that tackle - he got the ball and Rooney kicked his foot, but Rooney gets free kicks every time he falls over so you can see why the referee acted the way he did.

Surely the best cameo of the night was Meyler's ridiculous fringe and tache though.

[tommy_c12000]

Ya just read it on skysports. They called it a "rash" challenge and said that he was lucky not to get booked

[Stuttgart88]

Was listening on 5 Live.

Commentary went like this:

Co-commentator: Looking at that again it looked like Meyler won the ball and Rooney kicked the wedged ball and got upended.
Commentator: Yes, he got the ball and the man.
Co-commentator: No. He got the ball only and Rooney then got upended kicking the ball which was stuck against Meyler.

The commentator was simply programmed to come out with a cliche.

[Kingdom]

Was the co-commentator Graham Taylor? Love listening to him. If we make it, Meyler really could be a secret weapon for us/

[Paddy Garcia]

Not Graham Taylor - cant remember who - someone recently finished playing I think.

[TrapAPony]

Failed to make the Sunderland bench v Wolves

[tommy_c12000]

Bruce was a huge fan of him. It will be interesting to see how he gets on with O'Neill there. Hopefully the change of management won't affect the development of David or John Egan

[Charlie Darwin]

O'Neill will love him - he's a superior player to those that are currently playing. He's still only recovering from a serious two-year injury and the hard ground won't do him any favours.

[tommy_c12000]

From Meyler's twitter account:

"Delighted to play another game and get another 90 minutes under the belt. That's my 10th game back since my injuries happy days!"

[tommy_c12000]

Here's the match report - V Man U Reserves. Egan came on for Bramble in the second half. McGinty started for United:

http://www.safc.com/news/20111208/sunderland-res-6-man-utd-res-3_2256213_2542015

[Closed Account]

Here's the match report - V Man U Reserves. Egan came on for Bramble in the second half. McGinty started for United:

http://www.safc.com/news/20111208/sunderland-res-6-man-utd-res-3_2256213_2542015Liddle and McClean started for Sunderland also, and Michael Keane started for United.

[Kingdom]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1208/1224308743785.html

Quinn references Meyler, Westwood and McClaen in this interview

[The Fly]

Liddle and McClean started for Sunderland also, and Michael Keane started for United.

I thought Michael Keane had switched to England?

[gastric]

I thought Michael Keane had switched to England?

I think until McGinty or Keane are actually named in an England squad, we live in hope that they will stay with us.

[Closed Account]

I think until McGinty or Keane are actually named in an England squad, we live in hope that they will stay with us.
That's my perspective anyway.

[drummerboy]

I think until McGinty or Keane are actually named in an England squad, we live in hope that they will stay with us.

Are we really that desperate?

[Closed Account]

Are we really that desperate?In hindsight, live in hope is a little strong. I'm just going to keep an eye out until they fall off the fence.

[gastric]

Are we really that desperate?

I don't think my post implies desperation, more a belief that the more on board the better. There have been times in the past where I have thought that if James Milner had stayed with us, he could have added a bit of creativity and strength in midfield. The same would apply if either of these went on to play for England, I would wonder what if!. Another player I hope stays with us is Jack Grealish who has, I believe, has represented both us and England, and from all reports is a real prospect.

[Irwin3]

I don't think my post implies desperation, more a belief that the more on board the better. There have been times in the past where I have thought that if James Milner had stayed with us, he could have added a bit of creativity and strength in midfield. The same would apply if either of these went on to play for England, I would wonder what if!. Another player I hope stays with us is Jack Grealish who has, I believe, has represented both us and England, and from all reports is a real prospect.

What's this all about?

[gastric]

What's this all about?


http://www.lookuppage.com/users/jamesmilner/

[Olé Olé]

http://www.lookuppage.com/users/jamesmilner/

I must say, that's a very new one on me too!

Let's hope O'Neill's Irish ties can ensure McClean and Meyler get some run outs. With Meyler it seemed to be a case of not wanting to rush him back, so one would presume O'Neill will play him when he sees fit. McClean wasn't given any opportunity by Bruce, so the news that O'Neill is at least considering McClean means he'll make his debut.

[Predator]

Great to see McClean impressing in front of O'Neill. The fact that he's on the bench so early into his career at Sunderland speaks volumes in itself.

[legendz]

McClean will get his chance. I wouldn't have a go at Bruce over it. I'm sure Bruce would've given McClean his chance. Meyler was superb before the injury he suffered in SoL against Manure. The departed villain described him at the time as undroppable. I hope to see Meyler injury free and coming along over the next few months. Trap had named him in a squad before the injury. Hopefully he'll see enough to give Meyler a chance. Personally I'd be of the belief had Meyler not been injured, he could've forced his way into Trap's plans by now but alas that was not to be.

[liamoo11]

[QUOTE=gastric;1559160. Another player I hope stays with us is Jack Grealish who has, I believe, has represented both us and England, and from all reports is a real prospect.[/QUOTE]

Grealish has never played for england he was named in an under 17 squad this summer and declined the offer. He has played at under 15, under 16 and under 17 level for us

[Irwin3]

http://www.lookuppage.com/users/jamesmilner/

Cheers. His wikipedia page makes no mention of his representing us, or of his eligibility for us at all.

Edit - There's a bit about it on his wikipedia discussion page. Someone wondering how he qualified for us and another says he never played at all for us.

Anyhow, wrong thread. Hope Meyler gets some first team action some. Maybe starting this Sunday, though it is a must win game at home vs. Blackburn so who knows. A nice welcome game for Martin O'Neill's return to the big time!

[gastric]

Cheers. His wikipedia page makes no mention of his representing us, or of his eligibility for us at all.

Edit - There's a bit about it on his wikipedia discussion page. Someone wondering how he qualified for us and another says he never played at all for us.


Anyhow, wrong thread. Hope Meyler gets some first team action some. Maybe starting this Sunday, though it is a must win game at home vs. Blackburn so who knows. A nice welcome game for Martin O'Neill's return to the big time!


This has been discussed on here before and what I can remember the belief was that he had played for us. I am happy to be proved wrong however!

[tommy_c12000]

Meyler on the bench today V Blackburn. Hopefully he will get a decent run out. McClean on the bench as well. O'Shea captains the side. Team selection hasn't gone down well with the Sunderland fans. General opinion:

- Colback and Vaughan . . . . not enough steel in midfield (great op for Meyler now to step in)
- Bramble in at centre back . . . . accident waiting to happen (get Egan in there Martin, he'll do a job for you!!)

http://www.readytogo.net/smb/showthread.php?t=653151&page=5

[The Fly]

McClean on the bench as well.

McClean came on in the 76th minute for Colback.

[tommy_c12000]

McClean came on in the 76th minute for Colback.

Has done well since he came on. Put in a couple of good crosses and looks very positive every time is gets the ball. Good chance of starting the next game

[Adrianovic]

McClean had a nice little 15 minute cameo.

I was impressed. Seems to be a clever winger who can create half a yard for himself to whip in a cross, rather than try the spectacular every time. Also seemed willing to get into the box and have a crack at goal if it is on.

That's about as much as I could glean from quarter of an hour, but I'd expect he'll be involved again soon.

[Closed Account]

Good to see Meyler come on last night at 2-1 to Sunderland and keep the game ticking over.
Sunderland fans seem happy with him too, I've only seen highlights. Good weekend for him coming up too,
Peterborough in the FA Cup. Should get an hour from the start hopefully.

[Charlie Darwin]

On as a sub for the last ten minutes, cruising 3-0 up to Norwich.

[IsMiseSean]

Meyler doesn't seem to be getting much of a look in at the moment.
Seems to be 5th choice CM behind Cattermole, Vaughan, Gardner & Colback.
I cant see why a loan move to a championship side didn't happen in January??

[the bear]

wouldn't say he's not getting a look in he's had a few 10 min cameos now, hopefully hes working his way up the queue

[Colbert Report]

He's played a total of fifty-eight minutes in the Premiership for Sunderland this season. A loan move might do him good, needs to play matches if he's going to have any chance of making the Euros squad.

[drummerboy]

He really needs to go out on loan. Fifth choice central midfielder at Sunderland. He simply won't progress as a player without games. I'm sure he realises this.

[ofjames]

He really needs to go out on loan. Fifth choice central midfielder at Sunderland. He simply won't progress as a player without games. I'm sure he realises this.

I don't think a loan move would be a sensible option at all and I think you are misinterpreting the fact he is figuring only sporadically off the bench as him being out of favour. You have to consider the two career threatening knee injuries he's suffered.

He's basically been out for most of the last two years. Last season when he was rushed back into the team the knee broke down within a few games. Bruce basically admitted afterwards that he was at fault and should have reintroduced him more gradually. And as I recall he got a lot of stick on this forum for his handling of Meyler.

If the knee breaks down for a third time his career could literally be over. I think Sunderland recognise this and are Being very cautious with him deliberately. A loan move would also take him away from the medical/physio staff that presumably have been treating him For the duration of his injuries which presents further risk.

I think Meyler can be a big player for Ireland for years to come but I think the Euros are going to come too soon for him. Hopefully he'll get some more game time over the rest of the season under o'neill then a serious preseason under his belt so he can kick on properly next season. Based on the performances he was putting in before the first injury I am wholly confident a fully fit Meyler is a far superior player than the four midfielders currently ahead of him at Sunderland

[Carrigaline]

He's played a total of fifty-eight minutes in the Premiership for Sunderland this season. A loan move might do him good, needs to play matches if he's going to have any chance of making the Euros squad.
His chances of making the squad have disappeared at this stage, especially considering he hasn't even been capped yet. Andrews, Whelan, Fahey, McCarthy, Gibson, Green, Clark and probably even Hoolahan are all ahead of him.

[ifk101]

I think Sunderland recognise this and are Being very cautious with him deliberately.

Agree. The chap has had serious injury problems. The rest of this season should be used as a gradual re-introduction to playing - which Sunderland seem to be doing. Ideally it would be great from an Irish persepctive to have Meyler playing regularly, but in the context of what he has been through, there's a need to think more long term.