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

[Stuttgart88]

We've been keeping the hospitals busy during the last few get togethers. I reckon Dr. Alan O'Brien must be on a commission from the Mater.

O'Dea was unlikely to figure anyway and I know few of us here will regret McShane's absence. I hate talking ill of our players but he just fills me with dread. As said elsewhere, it's Trap's fault for picking him but still...

[Noelys Guitar]

My main worry about Friday's game is the lack of someone on the bench to change the game if things are not going to plan. We have to hope that the 11 starters get a lead and keep it. I believe they will and that the players are going to be really up for this game.

[amaccann]

Anyone know what the stadium's going to be like; by that I mean the pitch surface, crowd size & their hostility?

[Sullivinho]

Anyone know what the stadium's going to be like; by that I mean the pitch surface, crowd size & their hostility?

Here's a few minutes of Armenia vs Turkey from a couple of years back:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aanYpxH4cPI

I imagine that was a fairly hostile meeting. Seems to be a bit of a din going on but it's hardly the Azadi. Pitch/stadium seems a similar standard to Cyprus.

[Sullivinho]

McShane returning to Hull and O'Dea in hospital here.

Related incidents. O'Dea was sick with worry but an improvement in his condition coincided with Paul's exit.

[irishfan86]

My main worry about Friday's game is the lack of someone on the bench to change the game if things are not going to plan. We have to hope that the 11 starters get a lead and keep it. I believe they will and that the players are going to be really up for this game.

I know what you're saying, but I feel we have a couple of unlikely sources that could do some damage off the bench. Shane Long always provides energy when he gets on, and I think he could be a spark.

If Gibson came on late in a game, he could score from anywhere.

Okay, I'm pulling at straws, but whatever....COME ON IRELAND

[Noelys Guitar]

Armenian fans views on match. http://www.xtratime.org/forum/showthread.php?t=253480

[Kingdom]

Thankfully the hysteria seems quite muted here compared to the "other" website, where frankly the reaction to DOD, PMcS, and KT withdrawals have met with collective sh!t-fits while there is a conspiracy that James McCarthy is going back to Scotland because he wasn't called up to replace Duffer.

O'dea was never going to feature, even as backup, most hoped mcshane wouldn't feature anyway, so Treacy is the only real disappointment, as he looked lively in the cameo with argentina,

Thanks Charlie Darwin for that link above, it does seem as if he'll go with Killer at Left back.

Given,
Josh
Ledge
Dunne
Killer

Lawrence
Green
Whelan
McGeady

Doyle
Keane

Bench: Westwood, Kelly, Cunnigham, Foley, Keogh, Gibson, Long, Sheridan.

That's enough really even if it would be nicer to have a bit more in reserve. Cover for all positions when you take into account Josh, and stephen kelly's versatility.

[Kingdom]

As for the sources of goals, we've always had an ability to share them around. Scoured you tube for old Ireland clips, and one of the first was John Byrne netting an impressive double in Izmir! John Byrne!
even in the present squad, we've had Whelan, keogh, long, Dunney, all score goals when not expected to ease the burden. McGeady is overdue to start scoring, and the fact that he should be first choice for 2 games now that duffer is out, maybe he'll relax and open his account.

Robbie and Doyler will always get goals, and I've no doubt Glenn Whelan will continue to take potshots, and will definitely have success.
We'll be fine.

[Paddy Garcia]

I would prefer Walters to Sheridan on the bench.

[irishfan86]

I don't mind Sheridan because he offers something different (height and physicality). I don't know that Walters brings anything different to the team that Doyle doesn't to be honest. I'd have Walters in the squad but if we're looking for a different approach I don't think he's the man.

[Charlie Darwin]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/images/tile/2010/0901/1224277973254_1.jpg

Caption contest.

[Stuttgart88]

Robbie just laughed off Trap's chants of "Tottenham reject, Tottenham reject"

[Closed Account]

Giovanni: "Haha Robbie, I knowa whya nobodya wantsa to signa youa. Theya seena youa in the showera!"

Robbie: "I know, its flippin tiny"

[Noelys Guitar]

"Looka. Itsa Jono Delaneyo".

[Duggie]

Robbie.."Hey trap im thinking of going to turkey..."
Trap...."You is sucha joker robbie, you cracka me upa"

[Kingdom]

Que Robee, hava you eva bin ina... ina Turkish prison? They eat peeseza sheet lika you fora brek-fast! Mwahhahahahahaha

[irishultra]

keane: im gna stay at spurs to fight for my place and win back my place in the team

trap: hahahahahaha good 1 there robby

[Charlie Darwin]

Dunne sat out training again, but O'Dea is likely to travel to Armenia.

[seanfhear]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/images/tile/2010/0901/1224277973254_1.jpg

Caption contest.
Two Redhnapp Dicks amount to this !

[elroy]

Armenian fans views on match. http://www.xtratime.org/forum/showthread.php?t=253480

Sounds like they are missing a few of their first choice as well.

We really dont know how to describe our players properly........they are missing the "Almighty Agvan is out with injury"

[Stuttgart88]

Sounds like they are missing a few of their first choice as well.Cue a lot of naysayers to start claiming Trap is lucky, ignoring our own trouble with injuries.

Speaking of naysayers, David Kelly really peed me off in The Indo this week calling FIFA's decision to relocate our game against Georgia 2 years ago "lilly livered". FFS, the Russian tanks were in control only weeks earlier. What was it, 3 weeks?

The article wasn't without its merits in places but there is so much self-loathing among the Irish it's amazing at times.

[paul_oshea]

what exactly do you mean by "the irish" stutts.

[Sullivinho]

Armenian fans views on match. http://www.xtratime.org/forum/showthread.php?t=253480

It seems they don't think much of their manager. Also lamenting the loss of one of their senior defenders, Aghvan Mkrtchyan.


http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/images/tile/2010/0901/1224277973254_1.jpg

Caption contest.

"You've got the leeetle detail Robbie!"

[Stuttgart88]

what exactly do you mean by "the irish" stutts.People from Ireland (notwithstanding FIFA article 18.1(a)).

You know, all the people who felt we committed a criminal offence for playing in Germany not Tbilisi despite the Russian tanks, for being awarded a soft penalty at home to Georgia even though we had a good goal chalked off and a solid penalty appeal turned down. People who thought we should have been kicked out of world football when Italy had a guy sent off against us. People who are only happy when they're giving out. Irish people mainly. People like David Kelly.

[Kingdom]

Cue a lot of naysayers to start claiming Trap is lucky, ignoring our own trouble with injuries.

Speaking of naysayers, David Kelly really peed me off in The Indo this week calling FIFA's decision to relocate our game against Georgia 2 years ago "lilly livered". FFS, the Russian tanks were in control only weeks earlier. What was it, 3 weeks?

The article wasn't without its merits in places but there is so much self-loathing among the Irish it's amazing at times.

I'm disappointed in you. The Indo? And worse still that clown Kelly. The only way that could be worse is if you said you paid attention to something written by Paul Hyland. Tut tut Stutts, tut tut.

;-)

[Stuttgart88]

I have a certain degree of sympathy for a guy like Kelly, a sporting generalist who has a mandate to write every single day. But I think there's a post-Dunphy legacy among hacks of picking on all the negatives so down the line they can say "told you so".

There was also a huge degree of self-loathing in Tom Humphries' miserable piece after we lost the home leg of the play-off. Just as contemptible is the "best fans in the world" nonsense from temporary fans when the sun is shining, but some balance shouldn't be too hard to find. There are positives and negatives about this team and the current management.

[irishfan86]

Stutts, as a journalist in training, I'll say editors as a rule are rarely attracted to balance...say something a little bit different or extreme to sell papers/get viewers.

It's all about getting a reaction, and simply stating the pros and cons of a situation isn't generally enough for most editors.

[Kingdom]

I have a certain degree of sympathy for a guy like Kelly, a sporting generalist who has a mandate to write every single day. But I think there's a post-Dunphy legacy among hacks of picking on all the negatives so down the line they can say "told you so".

There was also a huge degree of self-loathing in Tom Humphries' miserable piece after we lost the home leg of the play-off. Just as contemptible is the "best fans in the world" nonsense from temporary fans when the sun is shining, but some balance shouldn't be too hard to find. There are positives and negatives about this team and the current management.

Emmet Malone is your only man. I was joking earlier obviously :)

[Stuttgart88]

I actually quite like Daniel McDonnell's youthful enthusiasm and genuine empathy for Irish football.

[paul_oshea]

People from Ireland (notwithstanding FIFA article 18.1(a)).

You know, all the people who felt we committed a criminal offence for playing in Germany not Tbilisi despite the Russian tanks, for being awarded a soft penalty at home to Georgia even though we had a good goal chalked off and a solid penalty appeal turned down. People who thought we should have been kicked out of world football when Italy had a guy sent off against us. People who are only happy when they're giving out. Irish people mainly. People like David Kelly.

I think what I was getting at was missed. Geysir will probably be able figure it out. You were being subjective as oppossed to (all)inclusive.

Good rant though :)

[jbyrne]

team confirmed:

given, oshea, dunne, st ledger, kilbane, lawrence, whelan, green, mcgeady, keane, doyle

[Sullivinho]

I'd have a slight concern, defensively, about our left (Kilbane & McGeady) but that team should be good enough to beat Armenia. Looking forward to seeing how Green and Whelan operate together competitively.

[seanog2001]

Its gonna be ahrd to see Ireland nicking the 3 points tomorrow, alot of players on the first XI havent had much playing time this year so far this season and when you factor in the heat you can see alot of lads struggling

[EastTerracer]

It has to be said that managerial consistency has been a real hallmark of the Trap era. When you look at Capello during the World Cup when even the English players didn't know who would be playing from match to match, I think it is a sign of real strength from Trap. He has generated loyalty from the players but, when he feels its necessary, he will make the changes he wants (e.g. Lawrence overtaking Hunt and McGeady).

We might not always agree with his selections (Paul McShane) but he clearly knows what he wants and won't change things until he is absolutely sure that it is an improvement in the team.

[amaccann]

Its gonna be ahrd to see Ireland nicking the 3 points tomorrow, alot of players on the first XI havent had much playing time this year so far this season and when you factor in the heat you can see alot of lads struggling
To do a John Giles here - I don't buy that at all - they're professional footballers, not geriatrics. Yes a lot of our team aren't getting on the first team, but it's not like they're gonna drop like flies within five minutes of kick off. They'll hardly "struggle"

[seanog2001]

I am not saying they will "drop like flies" after 5 mins but when its gets to the 60/70 min mark and IF its still scoreless the likes of mcgeady, lawrence, keane and kilbane mighn't have it in the tank for a full 90

[jbyrne]

Its gonna be ahrd to see Ireland nicking the 3 points tomorrow, alot of players on the first XI havent had much playing time this year so far this season and when you factor in the heat you can see alot of lads struggling

point taken but on the plus side the non playing by some of them for their clubs has meant that we are only really missing duff due to injury. i know andrews is also missing but we have a few similar options to him but far less so for duff.

[tetsujin1979]

Barring starting Kilbane, I've no problems with that. I'd have Kelly or Foley at right full and O'Shea on the left.

[Wolfie]

team confirmed:

given, oshea, dunne, st ledger, kilbane, lawrence, whelan, green, mcgeady, keane, doyle

I can live with that selection - just hoping to christ that Kilbane isn't targetted and that he has one of his more composed performances when in posession.

Huge game for Green and in the absence of Duff we'll be relying on McGeady to help alleviate any pressure upon us as much as provide an attacking threat.

[Duggie]

lets hope mcgeady and lawerence can get some balls into the box and hopefully robbie or kevin can pounce on 1 at least. im really nervous about this game now.

[geysir]

I personally lay the blame for Duff's withdrawal on the hands of those here who hooped and hollered when McShane got injured.

[greendeiseboy]

Barring starting Kilbane, I've no problems with that. I'd have Kelly or Foley at right full and O'Shea on the left.

+ 1 hopefully Kilbane wont be too exposed. Other than that decent enough team - should come away with the spoils.

[ifk101]

The following quote from Armenia's former caretaker manager worries me;

"... if they let Armenia dictate the pace of the game, then it could be a long night."

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/champions-league/a-country-with-minds-in-the-west-but-hearts-in-the-east-2321304.html

That's something we're not particularly good at - ie dictating the pace of games. I think we'll be doing well to get a win.

[Stuttgart88]

I personally lay the blame for Duff's withdrawal on the hands of those here who hooped and hollered when McShane got injured.What about those of us who were quietly relieved, albeit with a tinge of guilt?

[ShelsNeil]

Not sure if anyone listens to it, but the below podcast this week has Richard Sadlier on and he basically says that if we don't qualify from this campaign then the whole Trap thing will have been a complete waste of time. Hard to disagree tbh.

http://backpagefootball.com/featured/hold-the-back-page-episode-6/

[Sullivinho]

"... if they let Armenia dictate the pace of the game, then it could be a long night."

In fairness, if we let the 96th ranked team in the world dictate a game to us...then we may as well not bother turning up in Skopje, never mind Bratislava and Moscow.

[Duggie]

Not sure if anyone listens to it, but the below podcast this week has Richard Sadlier on and he basically says that if we don't qualify from this campaign then the whole Trap thing will have been a complete waste of time. Hard to disagree tbh.

http://backpagefootball.com/featured/hold-the-back-page-episode-6/

if i can help it i try not to listen to him, hes a major pain.

[rebelmusic]

Gotta agree with Mr.Sullivan. We should be handing their asses to them. If we can't comfortably win this game it would be pretty disgraceful

[cestlavie]

Overall a pretty weak team/squad. McCarthy, Wilson and Ward should be in that squad, all premiership players. Bad sign when people are delighted that McShane is injured(thank god), and Kilbane still hanging around like a bad smell (we thank you kevin,probably a good lad, god knows how you got so many caps but time for you to be let out to pasture)that is not good omen for the future.

In saying that, If we can get something, will be happy days but we really need leadership and new ideas at the top. Trap is an auld man, no way he is going to get around and see prospective players in the near future.