Liam Boyce, ex-Cliftonville youngster, now at Werder Bremen

[EalingGreen]

Liam Boyce, the Cliftonville teenager who signed for Werder Bremen in the Summer (after being "linked with" Barcelona!) seems to be settling in well in Germany:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/liam-boyce-relishing-life-with-werder-bremen-15036413.html

I wonder did his transfer include any 'add-on' for Cliftonville in the event of his making his full international debut, since he seems rather keen?

"Of course it would be great to play for the senior Northern Ireland side," said the Werder Bremen front man.

"The manager Nigel Worthington is giving young players a chance which is good to see and if he wants to include me in any future squads, I'll be there trying to show what I can do."

[Mr_Parker]

I'll let you wonder. :rolleyes:

[EalingGreen]

I'll let you wonder. :rolleyes:Am I to take it that you don't know, then?

Or may I expect another of your typical "I know something the rest of you don't, but am not going to say" posts?

[Mr_Parker]

Am I to take it that you don't know, then?

Or may I expect another of your typical "I know something the rest of you don't, but am not going to say" posts?

I do know, but the tone of your post indicates that you are more interested deriding the player and his desire to play rather than any genuine interest. :blowkiss:

[EalingGreen]

I do know,If you do know then why don't you say? After all, there may be other posters besides me who would be interested.


... but the tone of your post indicates that you are more interested deriding the player and his desire to playWhere, in word or tone, did I "deride" the player in my original post?
As for his quoted desire to play for the senior NI team, I heartily welcome it, as I would from any promising youngster.


... rather than any genuine interest. :blowkiss:I am interested in the Irish League and its clubs. It is a feather in both their caps when young players graduate from there to bigger and better things.
Meanwhile, I would be pleased for C'ville should they benefit further from his transfer, since outside money coming into the IL can indirectly benefit all the clubs in the League, including my own.

[ArdeeBhoy]

EG, You missed the boat.
There was a whole other thread on this. Am surprised you didn't, er, contribute.

IF LB now declares for the North that's up to him. He might well get more games. But at the time of the other thread, numerous locals seem to think he wouldn't.....

[Predator]

As we all know, anything can happen in football. He might be included in an IFA senior squad, not play, then, upon realisation at how close he came to eternal damnation, have an epiphany and begin machinations of the IFA's downfall, by declaring for the FAI - aided of course by the FAI, who will already have fired up the propaganda engine by arranging contrived media headlines of "I always wanted to play for Ireland". If so, the resultant fallout is almost inevitable. Boyce will most likely be castigated as nothing more than a "sectarian toe rag" (or "bigot", depending on how blindly furious one is), there will be a media spotlight programme on UTV Live where the ideas of changing the 'national anthem' and flag will be bandied about, then it will die down and everyone will get on with things, and rejoice in the beauty of choice.

[EalingGreen]

Boyce has now been called into the senior NI squad for the Nations Cup game vs Scotland in Dublin next week:
http://www.irishfa.com/international/item/6229/ni-squad-named-for-scotland-game/

With the obvious risk of withdrawals, his chance of a full debut must be getting closer.

Which could even trigger an add-on to his transfer from C'ville to Werder, if only someone knew whether this applied...

[dantheman]

Good luck to Liam, even if he does has to settle for plan B, hope he does well. As long as he kicks the ball into his own net when he plays the ROI.

Have to give the OWC fans hope from time to time, we don't want the whole northern setup to collapse completely - I am sure that the FAI could do without the cost of training up the future Gibson, Duffy, Wilson. they're a bit skint at the moment and the IFA do them a favour in this regard.

[EalingGreen]

Good luck to Liam, even if he does has to settle for plan B, hope he does well. As long as he kicks the ball into his own net when he plays the ROI.

Have to give the OWC fans hope from time to time, we don't want the whole northern setup to collapse completely - I am sure that the FAI could do without the cost of training up the future Gibson, Duffy, Wilson. they're a bit skint at the moment and the IFA do them a favour in this regard.There can be no objection to Wilson (Grandparent) or Duffy (Parents) representing the FAI.

As for Gibson...

Let's just say NI fans are currently managing to contain their, ahem, disappointment on that one. ;)

[ifk101]

Is Liam Boyce playing in Werder Bremen's reserves or is it their third team?

[Dodge]

2nd team, but the play in the 3rd tier (regionalised) of German football

[ifk101]

I looked into this a bit and he has only played three times (0 goals) for a team bottom of the German equilvalent of the third tier in their league system.

[ArdeeBhoy]

As for Gibson...

Let's just say NI fans are currently managing to contain their, ahem, disappointment on that one.

Tend to agree he's over-rated, but Fergie keeps playing him so he can't be that sh*te. And looks more comfortable than a Mr.J.Evans in that side....

[Dodge]

Tend to agree he's over-rated, but Fergie keeps playing him so he can't be that sh*te. And looks more comfortable than a Mr.J.Evans in that side....

NO he doesn't. Not even close. Gibson is BY FAR the weakest member of United's squad.


I looked into this a bit and he has only played three times (0 goals) for a team bottom of the German equilvalent of the third tier in their league system.

It should be stressed that the 3rd tier is made of reserve teams and semi pros, and contains about 80 teams as its regionalised.

[ifk101]

Werder Bremen 2 play in 3. Liga according to this;

http://www.soccerway.com/national/germany/3-liga/2010-2011/regular-season/

The league split into regions starts at the level below 3. Liga.

[Dodge]

yeah, I got that a bit wrong.

Some reserve teams play in 4th tier (and its about 40 teams, not 80)

[ArdeeBhoy]

NO he doesn't. Not even close. Gibson is BY FAR the weakest member of United's squad.
Much as have I no time for them, their worst players 'BY FAR' are G.Neville & Wes Brown, with the Evans bros. not far behind.
Granted Gibson isn't much better (maybe 5-6th 'worst'), but at least get yer facts right!!!
;)

[EalingGreen]

Much as have I no time for them, their worst players 'BY FAR' are G.Neville & Wes Brown, with the Evans bros. not far behind.
Granted Gibson isn't much better (maybe 5-6th 'worst'), but at least get yer facts right!!! ;)How surprising that out of 50-odd professionals at Old Trafford, AB should point to two NI players (one of them a 20 year old who has just gone out on loan to Hull), as being amongst the four "worst"...

Anyhow, two "facts" re Jonny Evans:
1. Ferguson gave Evans a 5 year contract last year;
2. Ferguson said he and Smalling were "the two best young centre backs in Britain" as recently as last month.

Granted, he went through a real bad dip in form towards the end of 2010, culminating in a shocker v WHU, which saw him dropped. Since then, he has returned to the team to show much better form, notably against Liverpool, thereby proving the old adage "Form is temporary, Class is permanent".

Here is a sample of what people are saying about him:
Journalist, 06/01/11 - "Ferguson has already earmarked Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling as long-term replacements for Vidic and Rio Ferdinand" http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8242302/Manchester-United-manager-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-to-mould-team-around-Anderson-and-Rafael-in-radical-revamp.html
Fan, 10/01/11 - "Jonny Evans proves the cream always rises" http://thebusbyway.com/2011/01/10/jonny-evans-proves-the-cream-always-rises/
Ferguson, 10/11/11 - "These two boys [JE and Smalling] are excellent players" http://www.manutdsoccerschools.com/news/2011-01-10-young-defenders-show-their-promise-254/

As for comparisons with Gibson, I am increasingly less bothered that Gibson's not available to NI, whereas I would be devasted if something were to deprive us of Evans. One can never tell, but I am ever more confident that when the two come to end their respective careers, Jonny will have much the greater CV to point to, certainly at OT and who knows, maybe even at international level?

As for younger brother Corry, it's never easy following on from an older sibling, but he's still showing distinct promise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5ztOAcdUQg&feature=related
Should he prove eg to be our "Phil Neville" to Jonny's "Gary", I will be more than happy. Whereas Gibson's best hope of emulating Gary Neville is in the Ugly Stakes..

[ArdeeBhoy]

Whatever.

Merely relying on anecdotal evidence of the few Man.U. fans I know who live in a virtually real world and actually go regularly.
They've slated Brown, G.Neville and J.Evans this eason as they see them all as defensive liabilities. Unimpressed by Gibson, but not on the same scale. On a par with Carrick they tell me.

Perhaps Evans J. is like David Healey who plays far above himself, outside club football....

And no way in a million years they (Evans/Smalling) will replace Vidic and Ferdinand.

[Mr A]

My 2c.... Would I rather have Evans or Gibson available for Ireland: Evans, by a mile.

Would I be bothered if neither were available? No.

[EalingGreen]

Whatever.

Merely relying on anecdotal evidence of the few Man.U. fans I know who live in a virtually real world and actually go regularly.
They've slated Brown, G.Neville and J.Evans this eason as they see them all as defensive liabilities. Unimpressed by Gibson, but not on the same scale. On a par with Carrick they tell me.

Perhaps Evans J. is like David Healey who plays far above himself, outside club football....

And no way in a million years they (Evans/Smalling) will replace Vidic and Ferdinand.Ah right, so I cite an MU fanzine, a broadsheet newspaper reporter and, ahem, Alex Ferguson to support my case, and you cite some (unnamed) "fans" you claim to know.

Do they live in your "virtually real world", too?

[Dodge]

Give it a rest lads. Arguing over which of 2 mediocre players is most mediocre...

[EalingGreen]

Fair enough.

Meanwhile, back on topic:

Liam Boyce, Northern Ireland’s newest international recruit, said last night he’s as excited about meeting Manchester United defender Jonny Evans as he is by his call-up to the senior squad.

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has elevated the Werder Bremen striker to the squad for the Carling Nations Cup opener against Scotland in Dublin next Wednesday.

The 19-year-old former Cliftonville player, who joined Bremen last August, admitted he was “really excited” about meeting fellow professionals who ply their trade in the Barclays Premiership and SPL.

He added: “I’m delighted to be involved in the Northern Ireland squad and I have to admit it is something I had hoped might happen some day in my career.

“The past five months have been fantastic and now I’m going to be training with Jonny Evans and other top players I’m only used to seeing on television. It’s exciting; it feels like I have achieved another step up in my career.”

Boyce had shifted from modest Irish League venues to a high maintenance Bundesliga environment and is now preparing to make his international debut at the all-new Aviva Stadium.

He added: “I have never been to a Northern Ireland game and the only players I know to speak to are Niall McGinn [following a trail at Celtic last year] and Corry Evans, who was in the Under-21 international squad with me.

“I’m a bit nervous about meeting guys like Jonny Evans and David Healy but it’s an excitable nervousness because these are guys I have been in awe of throughout my youth.”

The former Immaculata player has remained grounded since his attractive move to Germany. A former grammar school student, he is breaking down the language barrier and considers himself settled. He added: “I’m living the dream. I know am still progressing but I am faster, stronger and sharper and I hope to show that if I get a chance to play against Scotland.”

Not that he will be allowed to get carried away with the hype — within an hour of his international call-up, the teenager had his former team-mates at Cliftonville seeking tickets to the fixture.

He added: “George [McMullan] and a few of the lads are coming down to the game. It will be great to see them and having them there will help me along.”



Read more: http://www.belfastte...l#ixzz1CnXn8WWy

[Predator]

“I have never been to a Northern Ireland game..."
Interesting enough admission. At least he'll get to make his debut in the capital.

[Predator]

Came across this snippet in an article by Steven Beacom, concerning Boyce.

Another important reason for this call up is that it has been suggested the Republic of Ireland are interested in Boyce. They have taken a few Northern Ireland-qualified players down the years, such as Darron Gibson, Shane Duffy and Marc Wilson.
I’m not sure any of the above will ever be inspiring figures for the Republic, but Liam Boyce certainly has the potential.

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/boyce-callup-perfect-timing-from-northern-ireland-boss-15069537.html#ixzz1Cu9y8UaA

Is Liam Boyce seriously going to be held up as some sort of coup for the IFA?

[EalingGreen]

“I have never been to a Northern Ireland game..."
Interesting enough admission. At least he'll get to make his debut in the capital.Yes, his away international debut, in the capital of the host team.

Whereas if/when he makes his home NI debut, not only will that be in NI's capital, but it will also be in his own home city. ;)

[EalingGreen]

Came across this snippet in an article by Steven Beacom, concerning Boyce.

Another important reason for this call up is that it has been suggested the Republic of Ireland are interested in Boyce. They have taken a few Northern Ireland-qualified players down the years, such as Darron Gibson, Shane Duffy and Marc Wilson.
I’m not sure any of the above will ever be inspiring figures for the Republic, but Liam Boyce certainly has the potential.

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/boyce-callup-perfect-timing-from-northern-ireland-boss-15069537.html#ixzz1Cu9y8UaA

Is Liam Boyce seriously going to be held up as some sort of coup for the IFA?No. Beacom's just being a dick. As usual.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Ha ha. Wonder if Liam has spoken to McCourt & McGinn about their recent 'fanmail' ?? So he can at least warn Bundespost.

And doubtless Adam Barton and Lee Camp will also be held up as some sort of 'coup'. To be fair, they should get loads of caps.
Given their paucity of future talent is possibly worse than even ours....

If Trap wasn't such an obstinate old c*nt, he should call up all 3 for a game. We're not much better, but at least we do have a decent stadium.....

[EalingGreen]

Ha ha. Wonder if Liam has spoken to McCourt & McGinn about their recent 'fanmail' ?? So he can at least warn Bundespost.Maybe he has: "... the only players I know to speak to are Niall McGinn... ... and Corry Evans, who was in the Under-21 international squad with me".
In any case, injuries permitting, all three should be in Dublin next week, hoping to represent their country against Scotland.


And doubtless Adam Barton and Lee Camp will also be held up as some sort of 'coup'. To be fair, they should get loads of caps.
Given their paucity of future talent is possibly worse than even ours....No more than, say, James McCarthy or Aidan McGeady was a "coup" for you.

Anyhow, I wouldn't give too much credence to Beacom's efforts to cobble together a "story" (or Predator's interpretation of same).

As for the two players, although his registration has been delayed (FIFA bureaucracy?), it looks as if we'll get Camp, who will be welcomed the same as any other player who qualifies through having a parent or grandparent from NI.

And re. Barton, he's apparently still undecided but as far as I'm concerned, if we get him, great, if we don't move on.


If Trap wasn't such an obstinate old c*nt, he should call up all 3 for a game.Maybe if Trap was a foreign manager himself, he'd be more receptive to selecting foreign players. No wait...


We're not much better, but at least we do have a decent stadium.....Personally, I'd rather watch my team win in a ramshackle stadium with a bit of atmosphere etc, than watch them lose in a shiny new construction that we can't even afford...

[ArdeeBhoy]

And??

[ArdeeBhoy]

PS. 'Northern Ireland' may be an international soccer team. But it never has been or will be a 'country'. Except in this very ltd. sporting context.

[EalingGreen]

PS. 'Northern Ireland' may be an international soccer team.It's an "international football team", actually.


But it never has been or will be a 'country'. Except in this very ltd. sporting context.There's a Politics/Current Events section on this Forum, I believe (though I never go near it myself).

[Predator]

Yes, his away international debut, in the capital of the host team.

Whereas if/when he makes his home NI debut, not only will that be in NI's capital, but it will also be in his own home city. ;)I hope all the IFA fans show their support by packing out Lansdowne road.


No. Beacom's just being a dick. As usual.I got that impression all right, but it's an attitude that could easily be widely held. I'm glad it's not.

[EalingGreen]

I hope all the IFA fans show their support by packing out Lansdowne road.By the latest estimate, it's looking like 5-6k fans may travel, which ironically would be slightly fewer than we took to Glasgow for a midweek friendly v Scotland three(?) years ago.

Btw, thanks to the kind offer of a Complimentary (i.e. not-for-sale) ticket to next week's game, I shall now be able to support the lads in person, whilst still maintaining my principle of not giving my money to the FAI. (And as an amateur "ground-hopper", I am greatly looking forward to seeing the "Palindrome" as well)


I got that impression all right, but it's an attitude that could easily be widely held. I'm glad it's not.I don't speak for the rest of the fans any more than Beacom, but my own view is that whilst I always support any player who wears the shirt, I take particular pleasure in those players who come from a Nationalist background, since I accept that many may have mixed feelings etc.

For example, I saw a wee clip of Michael Hughes on TV the other day, which reminded me of one of my all-time favourite NI players:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v80/mikeyborlandmsp/hughesy.gif

[ifk101]

Whilst still maintaining my principle of not giving my money to the FAI.

:bigsmile:


I take particular pleasure in those players who come from a Nationalist background, since I accept that many may have mixed feelings etc.

:bigsmile:

[ArdeeBhoy]

It's an "international football team", actually.

They now play Aussie Rules? Or Gridiron? Guessing there's no chance of GAA....
;)

And my sources now telling me only 2-3k travelling (Your boycott seems to have worked? Well Done!), but disinformation and all that.
What's the 'Palindrome' btw, are the North now playing in Alaska??

[Not Brazil]

And my sources now telling me only 2-3k travelling

Your "sources" :D would, not for the first time, be wrong.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Fair enough, but given you know the person concerned blame them....
;)

[EalingGreen]

They now play Aussie Rules? Or Gridiron? Guessing there's no chance of GAA....Why don't you take yourself off to soccer.ie ?


And my sources now telling me only 2-3k travelling (Your boycott seems to have worked? Well Done!), but disinformation and all that.As NB says, you are plain wrong when you say that. Therefore it is your "sources" who are guessing - if they actually exist, that is - and you who is falling for their guesses.


What's the 'Palindrome' btw, are the North now playing in Alaska??It's an early nickname given to the AVIVA by someone with a typically Irish love of wordplay.

But hey, don't worry, these things often pass over the heads of English people...

[ArdeeBhoy]

They do. And I think know you. Certainly of you. And believe we even resided in the same county for a while. :eek:

And the last point makes no sense.....though geography seems a topic many unionists struggle with.
;)

[EalingGreen]

I do know, but the tone of your post indicates that you are more interested deriding the player and his desire to play rather than any genuine interest. :blowkiss:So now that young Liam has made his international debut, care to enlighten us as to whether that earns Cliftonville any add-on from the transfer?

P.S. A simple "Yes" or "No" will do. Or maybe a photograph...:rolleyes: