Republic of Ireland Squad V Armenia 3/9, Andorra 7/9

[Noelys Guitar]

I am/was a big fan of Green on his initial performances for us. Unfortunately I watched the Derby v Coventry game last week and he looked knackered after 70 mins. Made two passes within the space of a minute directly to Coventry forwards from just outside his own box. Hoping it was a one off/early season fitness issue.

[Crosby87]

Seems to be a negative feel on here so far, i will be interested to see if it persists leading up to the game....
I wish some peeps would realize that Things will not be perfect.
But I still think we should win. some Irish fans can pick apart our side like buzzards, but then what are Armenian fans thinking? Its not like they have lit the football world on fire in the last 10 years. (Or ever.)
One thing I will say though, Trap makes a lot of money to win games like this. If they draw or lose there is no sense in my humble opinion to be paying so much for a manager. His salary warrants a win here.

[tetsujin1979]

how many of the Armenian squad were in the U21 game in March?

[irishfan86]

Seems to be a negative feel on here so far, i will be interested to see if it persists leading up to the game....
I wish some peeps would realize that Things will not be perfect.
But I still think we should win. some Irish fans can pick apart our side like buzzards, but then what are Armenian fans thinking? Its not like they have lit the football world on fire in the last 10 years. (Or ever.)
One thing I will say though, Trap makes a lot of money to win games like this. If they draw or lose there is no sense in my humble opinion to be paying so much for a manager. His salary warrants a win here.

I don't see anybody saying Armenia are going to hammer us, only a bit of sensible caution. We are the favourites, and any longtime fan of the Irish side knows we've slipped or come close to slipping up against minnows before.

Against Georgia last campaign, a team of a similar standard, we required a fortunate penalty and a rare Robbie Keane corner goal (off his shoulder, no less) to beat them at home.

I wouldn't bet against us going there and winning convincingly, but it will be a hostile environment and most of us are simply acknowledging the challenges that this sort of game will have.

[Charlie Darwin]

We just don't travel well in Europe. We were the bounce of a ball away from losing in Montenegro, so I can see why people are nervous about this fixture. I'm reasonably confident myself because I think the team has matured and become more steely, but I think our poor goalscoring record particularly away from home makes us vulnerable in fixtures like this.

[irishultra]

We just don't travel well in Europe. We were the bounce of a ball away from losing in Montenegro, so I can see why people are nervous about this fixture. I'm reasonably confident myself because I think the team has matured and become more steely, but I think our poor goalscoring record particularly away from home makes us vulnerable in fixtures like this.

not good news since its the only continent we play in :rolleyes:

[Charlie Darwin]

There is this "World Cup" thing we occasionally take part in.

[theworm2345]

We just don't travel well in Europe. We were the bounce of a ball away from losing in Montenegro, so I can see why people are nervous about this fixture. I'm reasonably confident myself because I think the team has matured and become more steely, but I think our poor goalscoring record particularly away from home makes us vulnerable in fixtures like this.
I disagree, I don't think its the playing away so much as it is that we play down to the level of some of the weaker teams, especially on the road. If it was the playing away I would expect to lose to teams like Italy or France, even occasionally to the likes of Bulgaria and the Czechs, two or three nil. If we played like we do against those bigger teams away then we'd beat the likes of Cyprus and Montenegro two or three nil.

[Fergie's Son]

A tough match to be sure but this will be a tight group and we need to win games like this. 6 points over the next two games sets us up nicely. Time for a few players (hello McGeady) to shine and take the game to them.

[shakermaker1982]

Belarus and Moldova have all beaten them at home since beginning of 2009. Estonia managed to get a draw against em. I'm optimistic of 3 points. It will be tense, cagey and one of our playes will no doubt hand them a lifeline at some point but Keane/Doyle will get us through the tie.

If we don't get 6 points from the first two games then we won't be qualifying from this group. The performances our players manage for the big games are all well and good but they also need to make sure they turn up against the so called lesser sides.

I'd be even more confident if McShane and Kilbane were not in the starting 11. O'Shea at RB and Cunningham/Kelly at LB please.

[irishfan86]

A tough match to be sure but this will be a tight group and we need to win games like this. 6 points over the next two games sets us up nicely. Time for a few players (hello McGeady) to shine and take the game to them.

While I think this is definitely a game a fit McGeady could shine in, he's hardly kicked a ball since last season, so I'd have doubts about him figuring at all let alone making an impact.

Fingers crossed I'm wrong on this one!

[Lionel Ritchie]

I like the look of Paul Green as well, but let's keep in mind that the three games he's been involved in have been friendlies at home.

I remember Liam Miller looking phenomenal in a couple of friendlies only to go missing in the big games. Given the fact that Green seems to be a feisty sort I don't think this will be as much of an issue for him as it would be for a more stylish "luxury" player, but there is a difference between a game played at a relaxed pace in front of a home crowd and a hostile away ground with players going full tilt. Saw the friendlies and was reasonably impressed but the performance that, for me, ticks the boxes you've mentioned was opening day of the season at Elland Road where he bossed Leeds out of it. He'll be fine.

[gustavo]

were going to lose in armenia guys i can sense it. our whole squad is in shocking shape atm.

given-doesnt start

mcshane-reserve with a championship team
dunne-in defence of a team that has conceded 9 in 2 games
o'shea-doesnt play in the position he does with club as he does with country

duff-decent
andrews-injured but wont start for blackburn
whelan-sub for stoke
mcgeady-not match fit

keane-bench
doyle-off the pace

if we can be optimistic when players are doin well for their clubs then its only fair that u look at the squad for what it is atm, very uninspiring partially due to bad management

I'd give us more chance of getting a result in Armenia if we had 11 men ;)

[Colbert Report]

Doyle - off the pace. How do you figure that?

[Stuttgart88]

I think Noely posted that Doyle isn't looking 100% sharp having been injured until recently. However, I agree with Noely when he says that lack of club selection & form may actually be to our benefit.

Anyway, players like Robbie have had protracted spells on the bench at club level and still delivered for Ireland. The recent WC showed that teamwork & organisation counted for a lot more than club pedigree & form. We've got a good spirit, good work ethic and very strong sense of purpose under Trap. We just need to use the ball better and be more clinical.

[Noelys Guitar]

It is going to be 90F+ when the game kicks off on Friday going by the 5 day forecast.
http://weather.yahoo.com/armenia/yerevan/yerevan-2214662/

[Wolfie]

Anyone with even the most passing of interest in the Irish teams qualifiers over the last 30 years and beyond will attest to that heady mix of wariness, naseau and mild bouts of panic that these far flung places inflict on the long suffering supporter. To dimiss Armenia would be the height of folly.

I'm slightly comforted in the fact that its a credo of Trapps to respect all opposition and prepare accordingly. I'm just hoping Kelly gets the nod at right full. I'm far from a fan of Kelly either but there's no other blooded alternative.

I still believe that, given his experience and ability, Rory Delap was tailor made to slot in at right full for the last couple of campaigns - but too late now.

A few mentioned McShane as a weak link and who could blame them?? It has to be said - McShane's selection at the back will give Armenia hope of unsettling us at the back and a target for presenting them with easy possession. A harsh assessment - but a realistic view, I fear.

To compound this, Kilbane is far past international standard full back on the other side.

There will have to be a huge effort to eradicate stupid errors that dogged our last campaign. We're vulnerable at the back - no getting away from that.

[Noelys Guitar]

We will probably need to score two goals to win this game. For me the key players will be Duff and probably Fahey if selected. We have to get decent balls into the box especially from corners and free kicks I have a feeling having watched the clips of Armenia's recent games that we can exploit them in the air. Dunne and O'Shea as well as Doyle could be our match winners.

[Razors left peg]

Breaking news on sky sports just said that Duff and Andrews are out of the Armenia game. Thats a absolute disaster havin Duffer out. I dont know any details so far

[Stuttgart88]

The curse of Duffer. That's awful news. No HUnt to deputise. Step up young McGeady.

[Razors left peg]

McGeady and Fahy/Treacy on the wings now so I would guess. I would go for Treacy personally

edit...Actually forgot about Liam Lawrence... if hes fit he has to start

[Razors left peg]

Calf injury for Duff aparently

[Noelys Guitar]

Bad, Bad news on Duff. So 2 of Fahey, McGeady and Treacy. This is turning into a very tricky fixture for us. For a match like this I would start McGeady if he is close enough to match fitness. I would also go with Fahey over Treacy. Treacy can do a Hunt from the bench type job if required.

[Sullivinho]

I had a bad feeling something would happen to Duffer. Just about our only creative spark from midfield extinguished unless McGeady can step up. I don't rate Fahey at all.

Lawrence and McGeady for me if both are fit.

[amaccann]

Oh god, the closer it gets to kick-off, the more this game has 1-1 written all over it. With Duff gone our options for goals has just plummeted.

[Closed Account]

Thats awful news about Duffer. On an individual basis, I can't remember being worse prepared for a qualification double header.
John O'Shea is the only one of our first 11 not injured, coming back from injury, or out of favour at his club.
At the moment I'd start
Given
Foley (just edges Kelly in my opinion, who is more useful as a sub, covering all 4 positions)
St Ledger
Dunne
O'Shea
Lawrence
Whelan
Green
McGeady
Doyle
Keane

Set pieces will be key so hopefully Lawrence and Whelan are over them and nobody lets McGeady near them.

[IsMiseSean]

Calf injury for Duff aparently

Im getting more worried about this game now....

[Noelys Guitar]

Does anyone know if McGeady and Lawerence are fit to play on Friday? The thought of starting with Fahey moved to right side (wants too much time to move the ball along) and Treacy on left side (nice cameo against Argentina but starting in a game of this magnitude is very different) fills me with dread.

[Lenny82]

He has to call McCarthy up now with Andrews and Duff gone. It wouldn't surprise me if Trap goes with Keogh on the wing tbh. I dread the thought but it's not beyond possibility. Joe_Denilson's team is definitely the strongest as long as Lawrence's injury doesn't keep him out. Kilbane will defo start though IMO.

[TrapAPony]

We are very very mediocre all of a sudden. I think Trap likes us that way.

[Duggie]

will gibson not start for andrews?? im not sure about green, has he jumped above darren?

[Sullivinho]

Given
Foley (just edges Kelly in my opinion, who is more useful as a sub, covering all 4 positions)
St Ledger
Dunne
O'Shea
Lawrence
Whelan
Green
McGeady
Doyle
Keane

I'd second that. Toss up between Kelly and Foley but either would be steady. Can't see Trap leaning the same way though. The aged spectre of Kilbane could well figure.

Is McShane available?

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/2272/mcshanekilbane.jpg

The horror..

[Sullivinho]

will gibson not start for andrews?? im not sure about green, has he jumped above darren?

I'd expect Green to start. He's more of a 'Trapper' and arguably been more impressive in the short time he's been on the pitch.

[EastTerracer]

Bad news on Duffer although the reports indicate he might be available for the Andorra game if he responds to treatment. If McGeady and Lawrence are available I think Trap will go with those two as he knows them best. I suspect Keith Fahey and Andy Keogh might be ahead of Treacy after that. I'd also be hoping that James McCarthy gets bumped up to the squad from the U-21s.

[Scooby Doo]

I think its quite fair to suggest that McCarthy must have really pi**ed Trap off if we don't see him called up this week. Have we any other alternatives to Duff at the moment. Granted McCarthy isn't a winger but who else is there that could significantly add quality to the squad? Wish O'Hara would make up his f***kin mind!

[Duggie]

i would defo go with gibson, green going from derby to the depths of armenia in a WC qualifier. granted gison is a bit frustrating at times hes played in some big games for utd and can score.

[TrapAPony]

I think its quite fair to suggest that McCarthy must have really pi**ed Trap off if we don't see him called up this week. Have we any other alternatives to Duff at the moment. Granted McCarthy isn't a winger but who else is there that could significantly add quality to the squad? Wish O'Hara would make up his f***kin mind!

Wilson, Coleman, Walters, Ward, Stokes?? Trap has been here long enough to strengthen our squad but hasn't done so. O'Hara is still out with a back injury so would have missed these games anyway.

[Scooby Doo]

He's still out with a back injury so would have missed these games anyway.

Thanks, you're right. Still would like to know if he's committed for the near future.

[Duggie]

Thanks, you're right. Still would like to know if he's committed for the near future.

without getting into the whole debate i cant see why anyone would ever want him to play for Ireland. I for one never want to see him in a greEn jersey. EVER.

[Noelys Guitar]

Sky are suggesting Kilbane moved up to left side midfield and then a toss up between Green and Gibson (based on what info I don't know). If that happens then it mean McGeady or Lawerence or both are definetely out. O'Shea would move to left back. Probably Kelly starting at right back.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12020_6348731,00.html

[Lionel Ritchie]

Breaking news on sky sports just said that Duff and Andrews are out of the Armenia game. Thats a absolute disaster havin Duffer out. I dont know any details so far

calf muscle injury. Being assessed by Fulhams medics and may be available for Andorra.

[Razors left peg]

O Hara has had enough time to decide at this stage. He said he was gonna make a decision after the world cup and he has kept quiet since so he can f off at this stage as far as Im concerned.

I know it wont happen, but Coleman on the wing to me looks like it could be a decent option. He prob not defensively good enough at this stage to play right back but he definately has alot to offer attacking.

[Stuttgart88]

I was just thinking KK on the left is probably the best replacement, meaning a new left back - either JOS or Kelly. I'd still expect McGeady or Lawrence to start on the right though. If they're not fit they wouldn't be traveling. Match fitness is another thing so I doubt we'd get 90 minutes from either.

Duff being injured is no reason to call up McCarthy. Perhaps to replace Andrews, but not Duff.

Duggie: Ditto re-O'Hara never being picked.

[Scooby Doo]

without getting into the whole debate i cant see why anyone would ever want him to play for Ireland. I for one never want to see him in a greEn jersey. EVER.
Thats fine, thats your opinion. But without getting into the whole dedate, you cant deny that he would add much needed quality to the midfield contingent of our squad.

Trapapony, I agree about Walters but he has been playing well for Ipswich for the past couple of seasons and Trap doen't seem interested at all. I'd like to see him given a shot. Coleman slipped my mind and yes he would provide a welcome injection of fiestiness and skill. Was very impressed again with his cameo v Everton.

[EastTerracer]

Duff being injured is no reason to call up McCarthy. Perhaps to replace Andrews, but not Duff.


I know what you're saying Stutts as McCarthy is clearly a central midfield player. However, I don't think you can discount the fact that his only senior appearance to date was on the right-side when he came on against Brazil in place of Lawrence. Trap has consistently seen Keogh as a winger rather than a striker so I wouldn't be surprised if he saw McCarthy as an option as he is strong enough to run all day.

[tetsujin1979]

McCarthy has only played in central midfield for the U21s as well, if that has any bearing.
Whelan came off in the Brazil game, maybe McCarthy was introduced on the right so the team wouldn't have completely unfamiliar central midfield partnership playing?

[Scooby Doo]

I know what you're saying Stutts as McCarthy is clearly a central midfield player. However, I don't think you can discount the fact that his only senior appearance to date was on the right-side when he came on against Brazil in place of Lawrence. Trap has consistently seen Keogh as a winger rather than a striker so I wouldn't be surprised if he saw McCarthy as an option as he is strong enough to run all day.

Sure. If Keogh can be considered as a wide midfielder than why not McCarthy when needed? He has done in the past for club and country.

[Stuttgart88]

KK, Fahey, LL, Treacy & McGeady are all wide options and I'm sure Trap also sees Keogh or Long as able to fill in on the right. Personally, I'd like to see McCarthy in the squad but not picking isn't too controversial in my view, though with Andrews out you'd think it's wise to travel with 4 CM options.

[Wolfie]

Duff a bad loss - once again fortune vomits on our collective eiderdown.

Trapp might be reluctant to risk Treacy - he may well play Kilbane on the left wing. This would mean O'Shea at left full and either Kelly or McShane at right full.

Another option is to just play McGeady and Lawrence and let them switch wings at intervals during the game - a loose strategy that I doubt Trapp is a fan of.

He's also got Andy Reid.............................................. .. (is he match fit??)

[Scooby Doo]

KK, Fahey, LL, Treacy & McGeady are all wide options and I'm sure Trap also sees Keogh or Long as able to fill in on the right. Personally, I'd like to see McCarthy in the squad but not picking isn't too controversial in my view, though with Andrews out you'd think it's wise to travel with 4 CM options.
His inclusion in the squad would be in no way detrimental and is arguably merited above others who have been omitted. Agreed on the need for four CM players.