Jack Grealish

[tricky_colour]

I don't know whether the opposition are terrible or whether he just makes them look terrible, in the few clips
I have seen of him he makes them look like a pub side (after a good few pints), they seem to be falling over left right
and center without him doing anything!

[wonder88]

The clips I have seen in recent weeks also seem to suggest he is a good player. Granted it is the 3rd division, but many good players have developed by playing at that level over the years.

[CraftyToePoke]

The clips I have seen in recent weeks also seem to suggest he is a good player. Granted it is the 3rd division, but many good players have developed by playing at that level over the years.

Compares very favourably so far with Connor Cliffords unproductive loan at the same club a couple of seasons back, as a guide to how these loans can go for young prospects.

[tetsujin1979]

all the goals from Notts County's win on youtube here
avQzRhw-jMo
Dat pass from Grealish for the last goal!

[liamoo11]

That notts county supporter who wrote in his blog how much better Ince was on loan than Grealish really is stuck in that english understanding of football. Course he loved Ince cause he was fast, strong, direct, took on the full back and crossed or shot at every opportunity just as he does always for Blackpool maybe a slower version of Townsend. Grealish is nothing like either of those two wingers thankfully he is a playmaker who will be at ease in the premier league and at senior level for us. But good god he needs a strenght and conditioning coach.cant remember many players as scranny as him. Jordan graham meanwhile from villa and at loan at ipswich is the player that notts fan would appreciate fast, direct, crosses everything and a few tricks a proper english winger

[Crosby87]

Soccer announcers are so funny. During the Liverpool game before the guy said "Liverpool are.....asking some questions right now." what the hell does that even mean.

[tetsujin1979]

That notts county supporter who wrote in his blog how much better Ince was on loan than Grealish really is stuck in that english understanding of football. Course he loved Ince cause he was fast, strong, direct, took on the full back and crossed or shot at every opportunity just as he does always for Blackpool maybe a slower version of Townsend. Grealish is nothing like either of those two wingers thankfully he is a playmaker who will be at ease in the premier league and at senior level for us. But good god he needs a strenght and conditioning coach.cant remember many players as scranny as him. Jordan graham meanwhile from villa and at loan at ipswich is the player that notts fan would appreciate fast, direct, crosses everything and a few tricks a proper english winger
I wouldn't be too worried about that yet. He's only just turned 18, so still has about 3-4 years of growing left to do. Work on his ability, strength and conditioning will come in time.
In the video there it looks like he's not wearing any shinpads, I thought they were mandatory?

[Charlie Darwin]

Soccer announcers are so funny. During the Liverpool game before the guy said "Liverpool are.....asking some questions right now." what the hell does that even mean.
It means they're posing problems that Spurs have to find answers for. Seems fairly intuitive.

[Eminence Grise]

Soccer announcers are so funny. During the Liverpool game before the guy said "Liverpool are.....asking some questions right now." what the hell does that even mean.

I think the whole questioning thing might have started in this game.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2gJamguN04

[CraftyToePoke]

But good god he needs a strenght and conditioning coach.cant remember many players as scranny as him.

Well, he is slight definitely but you could also argue to leave well alone as if he is impacting at that level of football, which is a fairly rough & tumble one at that end of that division, he is doing fine. At this point anyway. I know what you mean though, he looks like a kid among men in the clips.

[geysir]

It means they're posing problems that Spurs have to find answers for. Seems fairly intuitive.
Krosby's asking a lot of questions lately.

[samhaydenjr]

With Grealish starting to really impress at Notts County, perhaps it's time to speculate about the point at which he should be called into the senior squad - I mean if he continues the way he's going, I don't think it's overly optimistic to think he could be in the Villa starting eleven next season and thus a realistic option for the Euro 2016 qualifiers - so should we be aiming to have him in the squad, at least, for the Autumn 2014 games? If so, perhaps a run-out against Serbia in March to blood him into the team might be a good idea..or maybe give him some game time in whatever friendlies we arrange for next summer. Or should we hold out until the March/June 2015 fixtures? Or the Autumn 2015 ties? Or is this one qualifying tournament too early to promote him?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

With Grealish starting to really impress at Notts County, perhaps it's time to speculate about the point at which he should be called into the senior squad - I mean if he continues the way he's going, I don't think it's overly optimistic to think he could be in the Villa starting eleven next season and thus a realistic option for the Euro 2016 qualifiers - so should we be aiming to have him in the squad, at least, for the Autumn 2014 games? If so, perhaps a run-out against Serbia in March to blood him into the team might be a good idea..or maybe give him some game time in whatever friendlies we arrange for next summer. Or should we hold out until the March/June 2015 fixtures? Or the Autumn 2015 ties? Or is this one qualifying tournament too early to promote him?

He's playing in League One.

[tetsujin1979]

Depends on the u21 fixures as well, he seems to get along well with Noel King and is becoming an important part of the side. On the other hand, capping him in one of the early qualifiers would tie him to us. Maybe if it's against the group minnows - Faroes/Gibraltar/San Marino?

[DeLorean]

Trying to tie him to us shouldn't come into it and only serves to put any lingering fears, amongst the likes of us, to rest. There are other players that deserve a run out more than Grealish, he'll get his chance when and if he's ready.

[Bungle]

If Jack really wishes to play for us, then he will do. All the indicators have been that he is very committed to us. He's turned down England a few times and even when he had the little tiff with Paul Doolin, he didn't sulk and decide he wanted out of playing for us. It's positive that there is a strong young Irish contingent at Villa and that he would seem to get on with Noel King.

[samhaydenjr]

He's playing in League One.

True, but his form (and particularly his two goals) in recent weeks would indicate that he is already capable of playing at a higher level and is getting better and better very quickly. The question I pose does rest on him continuing this advancement and breaking into the Villa squad next season, which is, admittedly, not guaranteed, but is definitely a possibility based on his last few appearances.

[samhaydenjr]

Trying to tie him to us shouldn't come into it and only serves to put any lingering fears, amongst the likes of us, to rest. There are other players that deserve a run out more than Grealish, he'll get his chance when and if he's ready.


I totally agree that bringing him into the squad quickly should not be an exercise in tying him to us. And certainly there is a number of Irish midfield players currently playing at a higher level than him. But seeing him jink past entire defences twice (in a style that is actually reminiscent of George Best) and tear one of them apart with a peach of a pass definitely raises the possibility of him being ready faster than we had anticipated and leapfrogging some of them over the next eight months, particularly if he starts getting game time at Villa next season. And if this happens, I feel the Irish management should be ready to utilise him at the appropriate point in the Euro 2016 tournament. And with us playing up to six qualifiers next Autumn, it would be great to have him ready for those, even as an impact sub capable of running at those "lesser" but well-organised teams we often have trouble breaking down. So that's why I would consider giving him a run-out against Serbia (maybe thirty minutes) even ahead of some Championship or even Premier League midfielders.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I totally agree that bringing him into the squad quickly should not be an exercise in tying him to us. And certainly there is a number of Irish midfield players currently playing at a higher level than him. But seeing him jink past entire defences twice (in a style that is actually reminiscent of George Best) and tear one of them apart with a peach of a pass definitely raises the possibility of him being ready faster than we had anticipated and leapfrogging some of them over the next eight months, particularly if he starts getting game time at Villa next season. And if this happens, I feel the Irish management should be ready to utilise him at the appropriate point in the Euro 2016 tournament. And with us playing up to six qualifiers next Autumn, it would be great to have him ready for those, even as an impact sub capable of running at those "lesser" but well-organised teams we often have trouble breaking down. So that's why I would consider giving him a run-out against Serbia (maybe thirty minutes) even ahead of some Championship or even Premier League midfielders.

Paddy McCourt scores similar goals in The Championship and he can't get into the Northern Ireland team.

[SkStu]

I too would reserve judgment until he does it at a higher level for longer than a few games (I know youre not suggesting otherwise Sammy). Kid looks good though!

He is slight - as someone commented above - hopefully he doesn't turn out to be the next Richie Partridge...

[Dunners]

Quality is quality , this lads got it all make no mistake he will be a top player. He may not be ready to be considered after a couple of run outs in the lower leagues but if he gets a chance at Villa he will take it. Then the sky is the limit , he is that good. MON may already be aware of him from his time at Villa.

[Charlie Darwin]

I too would reserve judgment until he does it at a higher level for longer than a few games (I know youre not suggesting otherwise Sammy). Kid looks good though!

He is slight - as someone commented above - hopefully he doesn't turn out to be the next Richie Partridge...
I would reserve judgement on his slightness until I see how he copes with bigger players. Some people who look slight turn out to be quite powerful, ie Danny Welbeck, Aaron Ramsey, even a young Gerrard.

[tricky_colour]

I think he is doing fine as he is, there are some disadvantages to bulking up too I think, you can lose some agility.
As it is he doesn't need to barge past player, he seems to have a knack of unbalancing them, he does that a few
times in the Notts County video, whether he can do that against better quality defenders remains to be seen
but it will be worth waiting for if he can.

[CraftyToePoke]

He's playing in League One.

Yes, but he has just gotten his first glimpse of first team action and has impacted dramatically. He looks to be transferring that academy/reserve level ability pretty effortlessly into fixtures for league points, key development moment. He only needs to step up one level to be playing the same standard as some players who start for us presently. Given his age, and the rate of progress he is making, it could well be a fast tracking job into our set up, if not just yet, then hopefully soon.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/football-league-blog/2013/dec/20/league-one-2013-14-fans-half-term-report

Who's been the star? Andre Boucaud has looked a classy reintroduction to our midfield since Kiwomya brought him back into the side. But it's hard not to heap praise on Callum McGregor – on loan from Celtic – who is our top scorer this season. The jury is out with many with Jack Grealish, but having scored his first two goals in professional football we're starting to see what he's really capable of.

All we want for Christmas is... I can only play it safe and hope we can retain the services of the aforementioned loanees Grealish and McGregor. If they're still with us by the end of the season, then the simple fact is we will not be relegated – he says, fully expecting someone to be bringing this up in May when it all goes the shape of the pear!

Stuart Brothers, Black and White Fanzine

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/414880365296513024/IrGRoXSo.jpeg

Why doesn't he wear shin guards? :confused:

[Charlie Darwin]

He's probably wearing very thin inserts, or they're very low. Nobody ever escaped a broken leg because they were wearing shin pads.

[tricky_colour]

Well as defenders seem to fall over before they cab get near him perhaps he does not need them.

Shin guards may actually be counter productive anyway, they may give you a false sense of security.

However in that pick it looks like they have just slipped down, his ankles clearly are not that thick.

YOu can see one here.


http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/880x10001.jpg

[SkStu]

He's probably wearing very thin inserts, or they're very low. Nobody ever escaped a broken leg because they were wearing shin pads.

Yep, they're the inserts. Which are tiny in most cases. It's a rule of the game to wear shin protection isn't it?

[Razors left peg]

He's playing in League One.

So is Kevin Doyle... but yeah I dont think hes ready for a full cap yet

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

So is Kevin Doyle... but yeah I dont think hes ready for a full cap yet

Kevin Doyle has over 50 caps for Ireland, approximately 50 Premier League goals scored, was arguably our best player at Euro 2012 (not saying much) and is probably (along with Long) the only reason we realistically stayed in contention for the WC 2014 after turning a loss away to Kazakhstan into a win.

Think he deserves a bit more credit that that, in fairness.

Grealish is 18 years old and has just over a dozen appearances for a team in the relegation zone of League One. If he comes good, great; but we are going to need to be a bit more patient.

[samhaydenjr]

Kevin Doyle has over 50 caps for Ireland, approximately 50 Premier League goals scored, was arguably our best player at Euro 2012 (not saying much) and is probably (along with Long) the only reason we realistically stayed in contention for the WC 2014 after turning a loss away to Kazakhstan into a win.

Think he deserves a bit more credit that that, in fairness.

Grealish is 18 years old and has just over a dozen appearances for a team in the relegation zone of League One. If he comes good, great; but we are going to need to be a bit more patient.

I understand your view about being patient with Grealish and the rest of his season at Notts County becomes unspectacular or if he gets called back to Villa to spend the next year or so in the youth teams, certainly there would be no point in rushing him into the squad. However, I feel there is a scenario that could also unfold where instead of being patient, the new management team should be ready to bring him in quickly (and admittedly it is a quite specific scenario that may not pan out at all). If Grealish continues to excel at Notts County for the rest of the season, it may be a good idea for Martin O'Neill to use his old Aston Villa contacts to find out whether Paul Lambert plans to put him into the first team next season. If so, then a run-out in a friendly (either against Serbia in March or in a Summer friendly, should the FAI organise a couple) might be a prudent. Because if Grealish were to take the Premier League by storm next season in the manner that Ross Barkley has done this season, then it would be great to have him already blooded into the international squad by the time Matchdays 2 & 3 of Euro 2016 roll around in October 2014 (or failing that, Matchday 4 in November), even if it just means being able to use him as an impact sub in the last half hour. Again, I acknowledge that the next twelve months may not unfold anything like this and also that Grealish is still young, but consider this...when Euro 2016 qualification kicks off, he will have just turned 19, which is older than Robbie Keane and Anthony Stokes were on their international debuts, and less than 18 months younger than Robbie Brady, Darron Gibson, James McCarthy and John O'Shea were.

[CraftyToePoke]

Notches again today. The pendulum swings further to the fast track option :) This can be argued well either way and there is a lot in what both of you are saying, but can't help hoping for the specific scenario from above. His loan ends in January anyway I think, so maybe we will see him at a higher level sooner. A good showing in a Championship loan move or a big squad gathering at some point, a 28/32 training camp even, would surely see him involved.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Every friendly counts before the Euro 2016 Qualifiers. First priority should be giving Andy Reid and Wes Hoolahan playing time and integrating them further into the set up ahead of September. Hendrick and Meyler also deserve a chance and Gibson should be available by pre-season. Then we have McCarthy, Whelan, McGeady, Brady and Quinn all playing at a high level.

I just don't see a situation where we could justify putting an untested League One player on the pitch when we should be preparing pragmatically for Euro 2016 Qualifiers, for a competition we have every chance of qualifying for.

I definitely think there should be a couple of B Internationals where players like Grealish, Carruthers and Murray can be assessed though.

If Grealish moves to a Championship team or (highly, highly unlikely) gets into the first-team at Aston Villa by the end of the season my opinion may change but until then I'm just reminded of the unwarranted excitement over Terry Dixon and Conor Henderson.

[tetsujin1979]

Every friendly counts before the Euro 2016 Qualifiers. First priority should be giving Andy Reid and Wes Hoolahan playing time and integrating them further into the set up ahead of September. Hendrick and Meyler also deserve a chance and Gibson should be available by pre-season. Then we have McCarthy, Whelan, McGeady, Brady and Quinn all playing at a high level.

I just don't see a situation where we could justify putting an untested League One player on the pitch when we should be preparing pragmatically for Euro 2016 Qualifiers, for a competition we have every chance of qualifying for.

I definitely think there should be a couple of B Internationals where players like Grealish, Carruthers and Murray can be assessed though.

If Grealish moves to a Championship team or (highly, highly unlikely) gets into the first-team at Aston Villa by the end of the season my opinion may change but until then I'm just reminded of the unwarranted excitement over Terry Dixon and Conor Henderson.
Hoolahan and Reid will be 34 and almost 34 respectively, when Euro 2016 kicks off. It's more likely that two of Gibson, McCarthy, Hendrick and McCann will be the starting central midfield partnership at that time, and I genuinely wouldn't think it was a positive sign of the squad progression if we were still relying in two players in the latter stages of their careers.
Grealish will be a few months short of turning 21. Similarly it's more likely that two of Brady, McGeady, Pilkington and McClean will be the starting wingers. Nobody is saying he should be captain, or even a guaranteed starter, but the signs are promising that he will be an excellent player in years to come, and hopefully a part of the squad at that time.

Dixon was cause for massive excitement, but everyone was well aware of his injury history, even at that young age. Henderson was a renowned passer of the ball in midfield in the underage setup, has scored some special goals, and was the first Irish player since the mid-late '90s to complete a full game for Arsenal. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious injury at the worst possible time and his career has stagnated since. He might get a run out this weekend for Hull against Middlesbrough.

[tetsujin1979]

according to this - http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-youngster-jack-grealishs-6458408 - his loan deal with Notts County expires on the 13th January, and there's been no contact yet about extending it. Also, three unnamed League One clubs are monitoring the situation

[Charlie Darwin]

Hoolahan and Reid will be 34 and almost 34 respectively, when Euro 2016 kicks off. It's more likely that two of Gibson, McCarthy, Hendrick and McCann will be the starting central midfield partnership at that time, and I genuinely wouldn't think it was a positive sign of the squad progression if we were still relying in two players in the latter stages of their careers.
The Latvia and Poland matches suggest O'Neill is planning to play with a CAM in the Hoolahan or Reid mould in front of two midfielders. Unless we can unearth somebody younger who can fulfill the same function - and it looks like Grealish might eventually be that man - I think we can work with those two for a couple of years.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Hoolahan and Reid will be 34 and almost 34 respectively, when Euro 2016 kicks off. It's more likely that two of Gibson, McCarthy, Hendrick and McCann will be the starting central midfield partnership at that time, and I genuinely wouldn't think it was a positive sign of the squad progression if we were still relying in two players in the latter stages of their careers.
Grealish will be a few months short of turning 21. Similarly it's more likely that two of Brady, McGeady, Pilkington and McClean will be the starting wingers. Nobody is saying he should be captain, or even a guaranteed starter, but the signs are promising that he will be an excellent player in years to come, and hopefully a part of the squad at that time.

Dixon was cause for massive excitement, but everyone was well aware of his injury history, even at that young age. Henderson was a renowned passer of the ball in midfield in the underage setup, has scored some special goals, and was the first Irish player since the mid-late '90s to complete a full game for Arsenal. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious injury at the worst possible time and his career has stagnated since. He might get a run out this weekend for Hull against Middlesbrough.

I think, on form, Hoolahan and Reid deserve to play a significant part in our next qualifying campaign, while they are still only 32 which is hardly old. As far as Euro 2016 goes, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Hoolahan, Reid and all parties will invariably benefit from working under a manager who is more tactically flexible and competent to make changes during games. I don't believe we will see such ham fisted attempts at substitutions that we seen in the last campaign under Trapattoni, particularly in the crucial games against Austria and Sweden.

I would be much more confident bringing on Hoolahan or Reid than bringing on Cox or Keogh.

As CD said, we need a mix of players. Trapattoni's stubbornness (putting it lightly) deprived us of options for too long. As long as Hoolahan and Reid are fit and able and performing at a very high level, they should be at the forefront of our thinking.

Anders Svensson was four years older than Hoolahan and Reid when he put us to the sword and the latter two aren't renowned for being lightning quick anyway.

[samhaydenjr]

Every friendly counts before the Euro 2016 Qualifiers. First priority should be giving Andy Reid and Wes Hoolahan playing time and integrating them further into the set up ahead of September. Hendrick and Meyler also deserve a chance and Gibson should be available by pre-season. Then we have McCarthy, Whelan, McGeady, Brady and Quinn all playing at a high level.

I just don't see a situation where we could justify putting an untested League One player on the pitch when we should be preparing pragmatically for Euro 2016 Qualifiers, for a competition we have every chance of qualifying for.

I definitely think there should be a couple of B Internationals where players like Grealish, Carruthers and Murray can be assessed though.

If Grealish moves to a Championship team or (highly, highly unlikely) gets into the first-team at Aston Villa by the end of the season my opinion may change but until then I'm just reminded of the unwarranted excitement over Terry Dixon and Conor Henderson.

You're right, that would probably be the ideal solution - as you point out, we do have a bit of depth in midfield at the moment and it is important that we solidify the best options over the coming months so a B international or two would give us the opportunity to move players like Grealish, Murray and Carruthers up a level in international play without disrupting preparations too much. But it is important to think about players who may not be quite ready for international competition just yet but could possibly come of age over the next campaign and try to gauge the right time to bring them into the fold.

The comparisons with Terry Dixon and Conor Henderson are incorrect, quite simply because they have only played one league game between them (and a few cup ties) - Dixon's career was hampered by injury, while Henderson just didn't make the grade at Arsenal but could yet come good, having landed at Hull, which is quickly becoming the club for talented Irish midfielders seeking a renaissance after seeing their careers take a bit of a dip. Grealish, on the other hand, has fifteen games and three goals (two of which were beauties) under his belt at the moment and while, yes it's "only" League One, he's still going up against decent quality, established professionals. As regards him being untested at international, that's precisely why I'm putting forward the possibility of testing him in friendlies in advance of Euro 2016.

[CraftyToePoke]

when Euro 2016 kicks off. It's more likely that two of Gibson, McCarthy, Hendrick and McCann will be the starting central midfield partnership at that time,

Not liking Meyler at all then tets ?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

You're right, that would probably be the ideal solution - as you point out, we do have a bit of depth in midfield at the moment and it is important that we solidify the best options over the coming months so a B international or two would give us the opportunity to move players like Grealish, Murray and Carruthers up a level in international play without disrupting preparations too much. But it is important to think about players who may not be quite ready for international competition just yet but could possibly come of age over the next campaign and try to gauge the right time to bring them into the fold.

The comparisons with Terry Dixon and Conor Henderson are incorrect, quite simply because they have only played one league game between them (and a few cup ties) - Dixon's career was hampered by injury, while Henderson just didn't make the grade at Arsenal but could yet come good, having landed at Hull, which is quickly becoming the club for talented Irish midfielders seeking a renaissance after seeing their careers take a bit of a dip. Grealish, on the other hand, has fifteen games and three goals (two of which were beauties) under his belt at the moment and while, yes it's "only" League One, he's still going up against decent quality, established professionals. As regards him being untested at international, that's precisely why I'm putting forward the possibility of testing him in friendlies in advance of Euro 2016.

We are just going to have to disagree. I think it's it's impractical to select Grealish in squads before the European Championships, let alone give him playing time. We went 5 years without giving Wes Hoolahan or Andy Reid a chance because of the eccentric we had managing us. We finally start giving them playing time and are reaping the dividends with good performances at club and international level; now we push them aside and start testing out an 18 year old kid, who is currently entrenched in a League One relegation battle, in matches that we should be using to figure out the best system to play in the Qualifiers and the best available personnel who have a realistic chance of playing? I think it would be unfair on Hoolahan, Reid and another half-dozen players who are playing at much higher level than Grealish. I even think it would be unfair to place these expectations on Grealish.

He hasn't even got half a season under his belt yet. Let him complete the season at Notts County and see what Paul Lambert's plans are in the summer. There is plenty of time for him to get selected, if his form merits it; even in this qualifying campaign.

But Serbia, and as it stands the summer friendlies, are much too soon.

[tetsujin1979]

Not liking Meyler at all then tets ?
no, I do like him. Just didn't think of him when I was thinking of central midfielders. Very similar player to McCarthy, with an added goalscoring option. If you think that the central midfield partnership would be a holding player and a box-to-box player, he wouldn't be the first player to come to mind for either role. Assuming Gibson and McCarthy both stay at Everton, and stay fit, you'd have to imagine they'd be the starting partnership at international level

[Charlie Darwin]

no, I do like him. Just didn't think of him when I was thinking of central midfielders. Very similar player to McCarthy, with an added goalscoring option. If you think that the central midfield partnership would be a holding player and a box-to-box player, he wouldn't be the first player to come to mind for either role. Assuming Gibson and McCarthy both stay at Everton, and stay fit, you'd have to imagine they'd be the starting partnership at international level
Meyler would come to mind as more of a box to box player to me than McCarthy. I suspect when Gibson is fit that O'Neill will go with them whenever possible and play them similar to McCarthy and Barry at Everton, both hanging back to allow the full backs a bit more freedom going forward.

[samhaydenjr]

We are just going to have to disagree. I think it's it's impractical to select Grealish in squads before the European Championships, let alone give him playing time. We went 5 years without giving Wes Hoolahan or Andy Reid a chance because of the eccentric we had managing us. We finally start giving them playing time and are reaping the dividends with good performances at club and international level; now we push them aside and start testing out an 18 year old kid, who is currently entrenched in a League One relegation battle, in matches that we should be using to figure out the best system to play in the Qualifiers and the best available personnel who have a realistic chance of playing? I think it would be unfair on Hoolahan, Reid and another half-dozen players who are playing at much higher level than Grealish. I even think it would be unfair to place these expectations on Grealish.

He hasn't even got half a season under his belt yet. Let him complete the season at Notts County and see what Paul Lambert's plans are in the summer. There is plenty of time for him to get selected, if his form merits it; even in this qualifying campaign.

But Serbia, and as it stands the summer friendlies, are much too soon.

Fair enough...I know it would be a long shot to have him ready in time for the start of the qualifiers and the 2015 games are probably a more realistic target...but if he bangs in four more goals by mid-February, I'm totally coming back to advocate a call-up for him :)...still think a B international would be an excellent option, particularly right now as we have a handful of young up-and-comers coming through as well as a few fringe players who could benefit with a run-out.

[Yard of Pace]

Was Trap our first manager (of "modren times") not to have a B international?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Was Trap our first manager (of "modren times") not to have a B international?

The Trapattoni era had one, way back in 2008.

[Yard of Pace]

The Trapattoni era had one, way back in 2008.

Doh, the game Wes played in. I was thinking the last one was the Scotland game.

[tetsujin1979]

Was Trap our first manager (of "modren times") not to have a B international?
Did Kerr have one?

[Charlie Darwin]

Kerr had one against Scotland I thought. In reality, these days, a B game against some Championship team is all you're going to get, and that's hardly going to be a huge challenge for mostly Championship and League One players.

[back of the net]

Kerr had one against Scotland I thought. In reality, these days, a B game against some Championship team is all you're going to get, and that's hardly going to be a huge challenge for mostly Championship and League One players.


The 2-0 against scotland in hampden? Was that a B intl?

Or am I confused?