Republic of Ireland V Argentina - Wednesday, 11th August 2010 - Friendly

[Junior]

Was going to post something similiar to elroy in the post above.

I think if we raise our game just 5% or 10% from the last campaign, eradicate just a few of the mistakes and maybe take one or two more of the chances we create and we have a great chance of finishing top in this group.

We have organisation, confidence, a sense of injustice from the last campaign and....oh yes we are actually not that short on ability.

[Stuttgart88]

I think if we raise our game just 5% or 10% from the last campaign, eradicate just a few of the mistakes and maybe take one or two more of the chances we create and we have a great chance of finishing top in this group.

We have organisation, confidence, a sense of injustice from the last campaign and....oh yes we are actually not that short on ability.Hear hear. The flipside is that if we continue to see chances going abegging and keep making dumb-assed defensive errors then it could be an awful campaign.

[Stuttgart88]

Quote from Trap, seems the role we all hoped Kilbane would have is the fact

"Kilbane is a great man, and a great player. He knows our opinions and our approach and I know he's happy to be still with us. Cunningham has played well also for Man City. Kevin is important and he can be a support maybe for Cunningham. When we have these great senior players they can help the young."Is this saying he's Cunningham's back-up now, or is he saying that he's Cunningham's mentor?

Is Ward recovered from his summer op yet?

[EastTerracer]

ShakerMaker mentioned the Argentina squad above but here is the full list according to the Irish Times website. It looks like we will definitely need an experienced team to face this lot (especially the forwards)...

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania).
Defenders: Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Emiliano Insua (Fiorentina).
Midfielders: Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Javier Pastore (Palermo), Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Jesus Datolo (Espanyol), Ever Banega (Valencia).
Forwards: Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli).

[Junior]

Bit disappointed we wont get to the see the legend that is Martin Palermo......

[Wolfie]

moan moan moan moan moan!

in case some of you didnt notice we were a complete shambles just over two years ago. since then trap has brought in some decent players and rebuilt the team. just because they are not big names doesnt mean they are not doing a good job for us.

our performances in qualifying deserved qualification and we were cheated out of it in the end. two teams we faced were the two wc 2006 finalists for gods sake. yes they had poor world cups but so what..... they werent always poor teams and we dominated both at times in the qualification. lads like green and cunningham actually impressed in the friendlies and have earned their place in this squad. all this talk that the FAI are insisting he plays a senior team etc because its the opening game of the aviva...... give us a break please..... what complete nonsense.

and as for the poster having a pop at the inclusion of given!!!!!!!!!

Well said. Lets approach the campaign with a positive frame of mind. We've the nucleous of a decent, organised team and the last couple of low key friendlies have hopefully helped rid the team of the trauma's of missing the WC.

We've got to at least believe we've a shot of getting out of the group.

Have Russia still got that plastic pitch????????

[geysir]

Is this saying he's Cunningham's back-up now, or is he saying that he's Cunningham's mentor?

Could be either, there is a fair bit of a natural politician in Trap.
But it reads more like the latter, "I know he's happy to be still with us" to me that reads that KK is happy just be around the squad recognising that he is just a back up utility.
KK's happiness factor is high.

[irishultra]

so is cunningham our first choice lb now? bold move by trap but i like it

[Razors left peg]

I still think O Shea will start the campaign at left back with Kelly on the right. Dont think Cunningham is ready just yet but would be interesting to see how he copes with the Argies before any final decision is made

[Charlie Darwin]

so is cunningham our first choice lb now? bold move by trap but i like it
I'd have no trouble with him being pitched in despite his age. He'll make mistakes but probably no more than KK and will surely be better able to get up and down the line.

I think Kelly on the right and O'Shea on the left would be the best first-choice selection, though.

[tricky_colour]

Bit disappointed we wont get to the see the legend that is Martin Palermo......

He certainty knows how to head a ball!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbyD9GUAi8k&feature=player_embedded

[Junior]

No Anthony Stokes? Is he injured?

Was disappointed he hasnt featured in the three friendlies of late. Has shown better form than most of the peripheral strikers in the squad in my opinion.

Just seen he's been named in the U21 squad which looks a very strong squad. Wonder what Cillian has done to be allowed to stay behind class and play with the big boys?

[Charlie Darwin]

It seems Noel King asked for Cunningham and Sheridan and was only given Sheridan, which implies Cunningham will probably start the game.

[shakermaker1982]

We need a LB playing at LB so I'd be delighted if Cunningham gets more exposure. Kilbane struggled there so it's a key position for the Trap to fix before our Euro campaign gets underway.

Next on the list would then be a partner for Whelan.

[Wolfie]

We need a LB playing at LB so I'd be delighted if Cunningham gets more exposure. Kilbane struggled there so it's a key position for the Trap to fix before our Euro campaign gets underway.

Next on the list would then be a partner for Whelan.

Its not beyond the realms of possibility that Green could play his way in.

[Razors left peg]

We need a LB playing at LB so I'd be delighted if Cunningham gets more exposure. Kilbane struggled there so it's a key position for the Trap to fix before our Euro campaign gets underway.

Next on the list would then be a partner for Whelan.

If Andrews produces performances like the one in Paris he will be impossible to replace

[shakermaker1982]

If Andrews produces performances like the one in Paris he will be impossible to replace

I hope he can produce those kind of performances but I have my doubts. I do like the look of Green and think he has a bit more bite than Andrews.

[Razors left peg]

I hope he can produce those kind of performances but I have my doubts. I do like the look of Green and think he has a bit more bite than Andrews.

Impossible to tell from couple of end of season friendlies. Personally I didnt think alot of Green but Im gonna reserve judgement until I see more of him. Andrews on the other hand produced the best midfield performance in a green shirt since Roy Keane against the Dutch in that game in Paris so for me he is nailed on to keep his place at the moment

[Stuttgart88]

I used to think there wasn't much wrong with our team that a decent central mid pairing wouldn't sort out. After the last campaign where Whelan & Andrews both grew into their roles I'm a lot less bothered about CM. I think they both finished the campaign strongly - and especially in Paris. Gibson is a very decent player and will hopefully only get better. Now I think that there's not much wrong with the team that a couple of proper full backs wouldn't sort out.

[Razors left peg]

I used to think there wasn't much wrong with our team that a decent central mid pairing wouldn't sort out. After the last campaign where Whelan & Andrews both grew into their roles I'm a lot less bothered about CM. I think they both finished the campaign strongly - and especially in Paris. Gibson is a very decent player and will hopefully only get better. Now I think that there's not much wrong with the team that a couple of proper full backs wouldn't sort out.

hopefully during this campaign Cunningham and Coleman will solve that

[Stuttgart88]

Realistically it'll be spring 2011 before they challenge for a place I reckon. Let's see...

[shakermaker1982]

If Coleman gets game time at Everton from the start and impresses then who knows....without putting too much pressure on the lad he does look the business.

[shakermaker1982]

Impossible to tell from couple of end of season friendlies. Personally I didnt think alot of Green but Im gonna reserve judgement until I see more of him. Andrews on the other hand produced the best midfield performance in a green shirt since Roy Keane against the Dutch in that game in Paris so for me he is nailed on to keep his place at the moment

he played well that night but I will never EVER watch that game again. The whole team were fantastic to be fair (from memory). If we'd have won I reckon I'd have watched that game 20 times by now haha.

[Razors left peg]

he played well that night but I will never EVER watch that game again. The whole team were fantastic to be fair (from memory). If we'd have won I reckon I'd have watched that game 20 times by now haha.

haha FACT :)

[jbyrne]

he played well that night but I will never EVER watch that game again. The whole team were fantastic to be fair (from memory). If we'd have won I reckon I'd have watched that game 20 times by now haha.

i have watched it again and how we didnt beat them by a couple of goals in normal time i will never ever understand. some brilliant play at times

[Stuttgart88]

Sounds like Doyle may be a doubt. He's having a scan on a calf (?) injury having missed Wolves' friendly today, according to SKY Sports News.

[EastTerracer]

Aidan has been excused from the squad so he can sort out his future (presumably Moscow but still hoping for Villa). The FAI will be seriously upset if he goes to Moscow as they will have to pay his fares for International matches - they usually stick the players on the 6.50am Ryanair to Prestwick, Stansted and East Midlands.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0809/1224276418006.html

[tetsujin1979]

from Ken Earyl's twitter feed: http://twitter.com/kenearlys/statuses/20781120800

Giovanni Trapattoni in hospital. Felt unwell on Sunday, vomiting, blamed shellfish, but didn't improve, now gone to hospital as precaution

[tetsujin1979]

also, starting XI announced: http://twitter.com/kenearlys/statuses/20781240060

IRL v Argentina: Given, McShane, Dunne, O'Shea, Kilbane, Andrews, Green, Lawrence, Duff, Keane, Doyle / Sheridan

[shakermaker1982]

McShane and Kilbane? FFS

[Stuttgart88]

KK I can understand but not McShane. Jesus H.

[rebelmusic]

Aye why not use Kelly? McShane isn't getting his game for a championship side team...

[TrapAPony]

Trap really baffles me. One wonders why the continued selection of Paul McShane? He is lucky to be in the squad never mind being near the team especially now that he's only a sub for Hull City. Surely to God Stephen Kelly, Kevin Foley or Seamus Coleman (I know he's not in the squad) are streets ahead of him. Messi must be licking his lips. Kilbane should step aside too and let Cunningham and Ward have a go. Also if we are a team supposed to be going places then Paul Green is not the answer.

[Sullivinho]

I hate to single any individual player out....but McShane has shown on more than one occasion that he's a liability. Disappointing selection. The other 10 were predictable enough.

[rebelmusic]

Nah im pretty dissapointed about KK aswell. Like, obviously cunningham will be subbed on at some point, but to really see him would have been in the opening 25 mins. If Argentina run away with it and then he comes in, it wont really matter how he performs.

Personally think Gibson should start in midfield too. We know exactly what we'll get off Andrews.

[Razors left peg]

If Kevin Kilbane starts this game it is beyond disgraceful. Hes been a great servant over the years but the man should do the decent thing now and retire from International football

Seeing that starting line up has really taken away the buzz about the game for me now, Raging!!!!

[shakermaker1982]

I don't mind having Kilbane in the squad (as cover for wide left) but he isn't a left back and he never will be. He's caught out of position time and time again. It's pointless playing him.

McShane? Titus Bramble X 50.

I really thought the Trap would have figured out by now that we need a new set of full backs.

[Razors left peg]

Kilbane and McShane at full back against Andorra would be dodgy but against arguably the best forward line in international football it just beggars belief

[poster]

Keith Fahey has joined yer squad. Not sure for who though, thought I heard Lawernce??

[Closed Account]

Think Lawrence has pulled out, will be good to see Fahey

[DannyInvincible]

I'm assuming Trap selected the starting line-up despite having been hospitalised(?), but his conservative selection policy for friendlies does worry me somewhat at this point. With all due respect to Kevin Kilbane for being such a fantastic servant over the years, there is absolutely no way we can rely on him for this campaign. I think everyone is well aware of that. He was directly to blame for a significant proportion of the goals we conceded during the last campaign. We have to be experimenting with potential long-term replacements now before having to throw someone in at the deep-end a few games into the campaign.

McShane's place in the squad alone warrants serious questioning, never mind a place in the starting line-up. He's constantly being referred to as an "accident waiting to happen", but the fact is he's already a proven liability. Double hand-ball or not, his poor positional sense cost us big-time in Paris with allowing Henry to get in behind him. I hate to sound overly harsh and I know that consistency can often be an important element in building a solid outfit, but, simply put, we really should be experimenting more in friendly games.

Whilst Green's potential ability and usefulness at this level might be debatable, I can't really complain from the perspective of him being a relative newcomer. He therefore offers the option of something different. This could well be the type of game where we'll see if he's worth the inclusion or not.

[Junior]

If Kevin Kilbane starts this game it is beyond disgraceful. Hes been a great servant over the years but the man should do the decent thing now and retire from International football

Seeing that starting line up has really taken away the buzz about the game for me now, Raging!!!!

Cant agree with that. I believe KK is on public record as saying he will always be making himself available for the international team. Trap has already stated more or less that his role will be of 'mentor' in this campaign.

In a time when players are retiring from international football at what seems to be younger and younger ages (Did I hear that Davies has retired from Wales today at 29?) or on a whim because of non selection or personality clashes or whatever token reasons they come up with - We should admire KK's continued commitment for the cause.

We are all aware of KK's deficiencies as I am sure he himself is, as is Trap - The transition to a new full back will happen in this campaign, it might take a few games though........

[Razors left peg]

Cant agree with that. I believe KK is on public record as saying he will always be making himself available for the international team. Trap has already stated more or less that his role will be of 'mentor' in this campaign.

In a time when players are retiring from international football at what seems to be younger and younger ages (Did I hear that Davies has retired from Wales today at 29?) or on a whim because of non selection or personality clashes or whatever token reasons they come up with - We should admire KK's continued commitment for the cause.

We are all aware of KK's deficiencies as I am sure he himself is, as is Trap - The transition to a new full back will happen in this campaign, it might take a few games though........

I do agree that too may players retire from international football way too early but I just think in this case that Kilbane has become a massive liability and its time for him to step aside

[EastTerracer]

I do agree that too may players retire from international football way too early but I just think in this case that Kilbane has become a massive liability and its time for him to step aside

That is Trapattoni's decision to make and KK will accept that decision when it comes. I think it is unfair to put the onus on Kilbane when the manager is the man who has to make the decision.

[Stuttgart88]

Bar JOS, I don't think we have any LB candidate who wouldn't be shaky at best. RB is a totally different story though.

Maybe the team will line up with JOS at RB and McShane alongside Dunne, but McShane sends shivers down my spine I'm afraid, regardless of where he plays.

[backstothewall]

That is Trapattoni's decision to make and KK will accept that decision when it comes. I think it is unfair to put the onus on Kilbane when the manager is the man who has to make the decision.

I agree. If i was KK and the manager wanted to play me, I'm afraid there is no way I'd be asking to be dropped

[Razors left peg]

That is Trapattoni's decision to make and KK will accept that decision when it comes. I think it is unfair to put the onus on Kilbane when the manager is the man who has to make the decision.

Ah you're right to be fair, Im just very frustrated that hes picked again

[Charlie Darwin]

Keith Fahey has joined yer squad. Not sure for who though, thought I heard Lawernce??
Fahey was in the original squad as far as I remember. Stokes has been promoted due to the injuries to Long/Doyle/McGeady.

Selection of full-backs is a regression. McShane's a centre half and nothing else and KK will always be adequate cover but nothing more. Match was perfect for Kelly and Cunningham.

[irishfan86]

I think it's still too early for Cunningham. He's hardly played any first team matches and going up against some of the best attackers in the world is not the right move at this point. If he comes on later in the game, O.K., but starting him against the best at this point I don't think would be the right option.

McShane I can't really defend at this point, but at this point I think O'Shea is seen more and more as a specialist fullback and not a centre-half (though I still think he can play there).

With this in mind, I think Trap is giving McShane an audition at centre-half against the best to see how he fares. Personally I'd move O'Shea inside and bring in the likes of Kelly or Coleman, but if McShane has a nightmare, maybe it will convince Trap to leave him out of the mix in the future. If he plays well, maybe its an indicator that he's progressing. Remember that he is still only 24 and most centre halves don't show their best until the second half of their 20s and beyond.

It's interesting to see that many still feel that the likes of McGeady will come good (myself included), but feel that McShane will never make it. I guess that's the life of a young centre-half. If you mis**** a cross it's not the end of the world, but if you let someone in on goal that is unforgivable.

Very tough to break into sides at centrehalf and as a goalkeeper.

[Charlie Darwin]

Knowing our luck McShane will score a hat-trick and never be dislodged from the full-back slot.