Republic of Ireland V Uruguay - Tuesday, 29th March 2011 - Friendly

[Dodge]

Stephen Kelly annuonced as captain. Presume the team will be announced soon enough

[Dodge]

Has Marc Wilson done something? He's a Premiership regular now so why does Trapattoni always ignore him?

There's premiership regulars not even in the squad (Ward...)

[SwanVsDalton]

Ireland XI vs Uruguay: Westwood, Foley, O'Dea, Kelly, Clark; Green, Fahey; Lawrence, McCarthy, Keogh; Long

Same as the earlier training side. Basically everyone from the original squad, except the goalies, Wilson and Treacy, have got a start over the last two games, which isn't a bad thing. Be curious to see how they line-up. Think it'll be Keogh with/behind Long...

Formation update:

McDonnellDan

Trap said 4-3-1-1 was the formation. Think he meant 4-2-3-1...McCarthy behind Long..Keogh wide

[Kingdom]

Haven't gone through the thread, but suffice to say he needs to give proper game to the fringe players. I'm delighted to see that he released the old heads - fair ducks to him for that.

There are a number of issues that Trap has to resolve between now and June; Centre half, left full, centre mid and the formation.
Centre half: Dunne needs to be replaced as he is suspended; St Ledger was injured and if he was to be injured for the return then it's effectively two new centre halves we're looking at.
Options include moving JOSH to centre half, or blooding two new players over the next three friendlies. The issue is a bit more complicated as a lot of people had seen Clark as a credible alternative to Killer in the short term and would have been in with a great shout of starting if Ledger and Josh were available the other night.
I would favour Josh moving into centre half myself, as I think we've found a good solid player in Kevin Foley. Also in this situation there is a balance with a left footer and a right footer (if paired with O'Dea) and between the combative defender and the more elegant player (O'Dea the former and Josh the latter). In this respect Clark would be able to play the next few friendlies at left full, with a stand in at centre half in place of JOSH/Ledger. For Tues I'd play Marc Wilson, another option even if he is a defensive midfielder by choice.

So for Tuesday, I'd have a back 4 of:

--Foley--- Wilson--O'Dea---Clark--

for the intention of preparing the 3 newbies for Macedonia, where I'd look for:

--Foley---JOSH--ODea---Clark--(even if he probably will still pick Killer)

Centre midfield is something that needs to be sorted out now, once and for all. For the first time, I'll cede to the notion of dropping Glenn Whelan. He has the ability, I don't care what anyone says, he can pick a pass, but for some reason the past few games, I don't know if it's lethargy or just a deficiency, the game seems to pass him by with ease (but I'd still have him ahead of Green). Personally I'd throw Fahey in, and give him a run of games to give him a chance to grow into the role (the same courtesy that was afforded to Whelan and Andrews initially). Glenn while being the more defensive player in midfield, wouldn't be overly aggressive, and plenty of teams show that you can have an effective midfielder who doesn't necessarily need to throw a boot in to be effective (i.e. tracking runs, blocking off space etc.) so in that regard I wouldn't worry about Keith fahey starting in the centre.
I'd give Gibson another go, he wasn't brilliant against Macedonia but he wasn't gash either, and he demonstrated a proper desire on Sat, and wasn't afraid to give Duff, Keane, and Long a tongue lashing for not tracking back at various times in the second half.
Obviously McCarthy has to be an option, even if it was only a cameo he had, he showed a few positive signs (quick movement and releasing the ball in tight spaces), but the best was where the big lump they had in front of the back 4 tried to shoulder him off the ball and was bounced to the deck. Still he seems to be groomed for the off-the-striker role and it would be no harm in checking that avenue out.

A point on the wingers. There can be no doubt that Duff and McGeady are the first choices. No doubt at all. But I would have them on the opposite wings. There is absolutely no rapport between McGeady and Kilbane - none whatsoever. They don't link up properly, they're not on the same wavelengths, and I've seen the odd waving of hands (or dissent) to each other - not many maybe 3/4 times over the past while. It means that we as a team aren't getting the best offensively from McGeady. I'm not saying it would be any better if he was on the right (where he is playing for the club, very successfully) - but I'd bet that he wouldn't be any worse.

So for Tuesday, I'd be going for:

-----------Fahey-------Gibson----------

--McGeady---------------------Treacy--

---------------McCarthy----------------

Up front is probably the easiest solution of all. Am I right in thinking Long and Keogh are the only fit strikers? If so it's a no-brainer that Long starts, but I can't imagine him getting the full 90, and Keogh really is more of a replacement for Keane/McCarthy, so I dunno what might happen there?

Anyway, after all that, I'd pick this team for a bit of continuity as well as experimentation....

--------------Westwood-------------
Foley------Wilson----O'Dea------Clark

----------Fahey------Gibson---------

McGeady-----------------------Treacy

---------------McCarthy--------------

-----------------Long-----------------

I would give Westwood the full game too.

[irishultra]

4-2-3-1 is the formation we need to start using....good news its being tried out. Keane can be the player we bring on if we need a goal or a bit of whatever robbie keanes meant to bring to the team as a 30 year old, but

mcgeady mccarthy duff

doyle

should be the front 4

[passinginterest]

I don't think it'll be anything other than 4-4-2.

Green and Fahey in the middle Lawrence and McCarthy on the wings.

Slight chance he'll play Kehoe on the wing with McCarthy behing Long but doubt it. Trap likes his rigid 4-4-2 and he'll want all of these players comfortable slotting into it.

[drummerboy]

Wilson gone home because of illness

[SwanVsDalton]

I don't think it'll be anything other than 4-4-2.

Green and Fahey in the middle Lawrence and McCarthy on the wings.

Slight chance he'll play Kehoe on the wing with McCarthy behing Long but doubt it. Trap likes his rigid 4-4-2 and he'll want all of these players comfortable slotting into it.

That's not what he's saying but we'll see.

More Twitter updates from McDonnell:

Trap on selection issues “The referee say to us, we can only play with 11 players. Not 25 or 30.”

Trap just referred to his wingers as swingers. Manuela clarified the error to him. “Ah, double meaning,” he laughed.

[Murfinator]

Ireland XI vs Uruguay: Westwood, Foley, O'Dea, Kelly, Clark; Green, Fahey; Lawrence, McCarthy, Keogh; Long

Same as the earlier training side. Basically everyone from the original squad, except the goalies, Wilson and Treacy, have got a start over the last two games, which isn't a bad thing. Be curious to see how they line-up. Think it'll be Keogh with/behind Long...

Formation update:

McDonnellDan

Trap said 4-3-1-1 was the formation. Think he meant 4-2-3-1...McCarthy behind Long..Keogh wide

RTE are saying its McGeady not Keogh.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0328/ireland_kellys.html

[Stuttgart88]

SSN saying Westwood, Foley, Clark, O'Dea, Kelly, Green, Lawrence, Fahey, Long, McCarthy, Keogh.

I'll reserve opinion until I see how they line out but it could be interesting. Please not 4-4-2.

Kelly could be left back, but we'd then have 2 left footed CBs, one of whom surely would be better deployed at LB - Clark probably, with Kelly CB makes more sense.

No matter how the others line out, there's no natraul left footer. Fats is most likely to play LHM because he has played there before (likes it) and LL, Long or Keogh would be awful there.

Long has shown he can play wide right, but Keogh has disappointed there. LL, McCarthy, Long, Keogh are all possible options in Trap's mind.

My guess is the following:

---------WW-----
Foley-Kelly-O'Dea-Clark
---Lawrence-Green---
Keogh--McCarthy--Fahey
-------Long------

Even with the XI named, I reckon we could all guess the positions and not get it right.

[geysir]

Trap would select Kelly at CH over Clark? I would not have seen that one.
Did Kelly ever fill in at CH for us?


edit - I see from Stutts' post that nothing is for sure yet in that dept.

[Hibs4Ever]

I'd say kelly will play at left back, and Clarke at CB with O'Dea

[geysir]

RTE are saying its McGeady not Keogh.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0328/ireland_kellys.html

If it is so, I'm relieved.

[zero]

keogh looks poor but is there much point having him in the squad if he doesn't get a run out? i wouldn't be surprised to see mcgeady start and keogh to come on at HT. if anything happens to long we have nobody else (bar keogh) to play up front, do we?

[Kingdom]

---------------Westwood----------------
Foley------O'Dea--------Kelly------Clark

-------------Green---Fahey------------

--Lawrence--------------------- Keogh
-----------------McCarthy--------------

------------------ Long----------------


Just seen the released team.... nice to see changes, very nice actually, but has he made the right changes? A bit disappointed to be honest, but I fully appreciate that he wants to give as many players a chance as possible. I'll try to justify the disappointment.

He's switching from a relatively rigid 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1, yet he's effectively dropping two wingers from a system that thrives with attacking wingers? That doesn't make sense to me - surely if he plays this type of formation in Skopje, he's going to be accomodating McGeady and Duff in the wide roles; therefore shouldn't he play like for like tomorrow??? keogh cannot play wide - he has proven that for us. He can play behind the front man or as a deeper striker, and I do like him. I feel he should have played Keith Treacy - he impressed with his cameo against the Argies (pretty sure it was against them) and I'd have liked to have seen him. Also would have meant Keogh could have replaced McCarthy easily around the hour mark if needing to .
Same for Liam Lawrence- he will be effective as a RM in a 4-4-2, and would be better again (probably) to the right of a central 3, but I don't think he'll be that effective as the RW of an advanced 3 as in the formation above.

Fahey deservedly gets a role in the centre. I'd have preferred a different partner, but understand that there could be a need for a bit of grunt beside him (and because Whelan is carrying a knock).

Surprised Kelly got picked at centre back, but happy in a way as it means Clark is getting a run at left back.
Agreed that Wilson can count himself a tad unlucky, but I'm sure he'll get a half an hour at least, particularily if Green continues to prove he's not int standard.

[Dodge]

He's already said Lawrence is on the wing (he was asked directly about it)

[Stuttgart88]

Stokes has come over apparently.

Has Gary Twigg met the residence criteria yet? :)

[Stuttgart88]

I think Kelly has played at least 45 mins at CB before.

[geysir]

It's a bit like the Lions midweek team.

[elroy]

Oh god that Centre defence is very very inexperienced. Is Forlan starting tomorrow night? I would have thought it will be like this:

Foley O'Dea Clark Kelly.

Am sure Kelly played left back quite a bit for Bham (and did reasonably well too).

In a sense im glad to see the new faces, just keeps the squad keen and good to have the younger lads show what they can do.
Positive are another game for WW, McCarthy, Clark, O'Dea. Lawrence deserves a chance to stake a claim for first XI. Im not so sure about Keogh though, presumably Walters isnt about?

[Stuttgart88]

---------------Westwood----------------
Foley------O'Dea--------Kelly------Clark

-------------Green---Fahey------------

--Lawrence--------------------- Keogh
-----------------McCarthy--------------

------------------ Long----------------



That team looks fine except Keogh makes no sense in that position, and it's not fair to him either. It's got to be McGeady with Treacy getting a look later.

[elroy]

This would appear to be our bench options:


Darren Randolph
David Forde
Marc Wilson
Darron Gibson
Glenn Whelan
Aiden McGeady/Andy Keogh
Keith Treacy
Anthony Stokes

[geysir]

The only reason I can see for the possible Kelly at CH Clark at LB is that Trap's considering Clark in that position for Macedonia away

[ifk101]

Kelly replaced O'Dea in the centre against Norway for the last 30/35 minutes. I don't recall any other time he has played there for us.

[Dodge]

Damien Delaney was also called into the squad for the bench.

Wilson has gone home injured/ill

[TrapAPony]

FAI have Keogh down as starting. Jaysus.
http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101653:kelly-to-captain-ireland-against-uruguay&catid=1:senior-men&Itemid=8&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[paul_oshea]

The only reason I can see for the possible Kelly at CH Clark at LB is that Trap's considering Clark in that position for Macedonia away

That and/or he is happy enough with our options for CB, which makes me think that if Clark wants to break into the team, it will only be at LB, even if he is a CB and starting for Villa.

[paul_oshea]

Damien Delaney was also called into the squad for the bench.

Wilson has gone home injured/ill

Anyone a bit sceptical about that? Was he playing in the warm up game?

[Stuttgart88]

I would prefer to see a left-footer at LB for balance, and Clark over O'Dea because we should give him some runs there before Macedonia game. Kelly being captain suggests that he'll line out at CB, just for no other reason that CB is a captain-type position. Flimsly logic but it kind of makes sense.

[Stuttgart88]

That and/or he is happy enough with our options for CB, which makes me think that if Clark wants to break into the team, it will only be at LB, even if he is a CB and starting for Villa...at LB :)

I personally think that our priority should be to try and blood Clark at LB because that's where we are thinnest at the moment.

Good call to call up Delaney as cover.

[Stuttgart88]

Anyone a bit sceptical about that? Was he playing in the warm up game?Oh God, don't start another flippin' conspiracy! Worst thing is, it's not implausible.

[SwanVsDalton]

I don't think Keogh starting is so bad in the scheme of things. Trap's cleared the deck, everyone originally named in the squad, bar Treacy and the goalies, are getting a start. I think that's a good thing. If Keogh's playing wide and deep, I'll be more disappointed but I suspect he'll play further forward and look to link with Long and McCarthy.

As has been pointed out Wilson and Whelan have gone home, with Stokes and Delaney called up so bench will be something like:

Darren Randolph
David Forde
Damien Delaney
Anthony Stokes
Keith Treacy
Aidan McGeady
Darron Gibson

[Stuttgart88]

So, more likely 4-3-1-2?

------Goalie------
RB-----CB---CB----LB
Lawrence--Green--Fahey
------McCarthy----
----Long--Keogh----

Makes sense. Maybe just a plain old 4-4-2 with Green and McCarthy.

[ifk101]

I'm pretty sure that Tony O'Donoghue asked Trappatoni in the aftermath of the Macedonia game would he consider changing the system. And the answer was no.

He has started every game with the same formation. I'd like him to try something different but I'm not convinced he feels the need to do so. I think we'll line-up as follows

Westwood
Foley, Kelly, O'Dea, Clark;
Lawrence, McCarthy, Green, Fahey;
Long, Keogh.

[paul_oshea]

Thats even better if its the case that he is willing to put Mccarthy in midfield in his normal 4-4-2 system, as it means we could realistically see him start there if away to Macedonia if he performs really well in the next 3 games.

What height is mccarthy? He looked physically imposing Saturday.

[ifk101]

What height is mccarthy?

Ask Google. That chap knows everything.

[tetsujin1979]

What height is mccarthy? He looked physically imposing Saturday.
google returns vary between 5"9 and 5"11, I'd have him at the upper end of that scale, he looked huge when he came on against Macedonia

[Duggie]

pic of him in the star standing tall for the anthem, hes around the same height as shane long, tiny bit smaller just.

[tetsujin1979]

rte.ie have updated their page with the lineup: http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0328/ireland_kellys.html

Having made his first competitive appearance off the bench against Macedonia, Wigan's James McCarthy will start behind the lone striker Shane Long between Andy Keogh and Liam Lawrence and in front of Keith Fahey and Paul Green.

Kelly will be in the centre of defence with Ciaran Clark on the left, Darren O'Dea in the centre and Kevin Foley on the right.

Keiren Westwood continues in goal in the absence of Shay Given.
so it's going to look like this


Westwood
Foley Kelly(c) O'Dea Clark
Lawrence Fahey Green Keogh
McCarthy
Long
Keogh was on the left for the South Africa game in Limerick, and was terrible. I said at the time it was clear he had no control with his left foot and never should be played there again. Clark could be in for a busy night

[SwanVsDalton]

Presumably Keogh and Lawrence will play further forward than in our traditional flat four? I'd hope Keogh can cut inside from the wing and link closely with McCarthy and Long as opposed to playing up and down the touchline. I'd share your concern if that happened.

[Stuttgart88]

I'd be really happy with that team except for Keogh LHM. He's on a hiding to nothing if they line up like that.It'll just have people on his back.

[DannyInvincible]

Oh God, don't start another flippin' conspiracy! Worst thing is, it's not implausible.

Wilson grew up supporting us and has been playing with our various under-age sides for about seven years. I wouldn't doubt his commitment.

[Stuttgart88]

I'm talking more about a possible row with Trap over not being picked. Still, he's probably ill or injured as said.

[Razors left peg]

Delighted with that team. it brings a bit of excitement to the game. Green and keogh are the only issues I have with it, green is one of the worst players I've ever seen in an Ireland shirt while keogh has proved time and again that he can't play on the wing.

[TrapAPony]

I'd be really happy with that team except for Keogh LHM. He's on a hiding to nothing if they line up like that.It'll just have people on his back.

Would someone like Wes Hoolahan not have been a better option there.

[geysir]

Does a fan ever achieve a state of complete satisfaction?

[Charlie Darwin]

Kelly will start in the centre for two reasons: he's the most experienced defender left in the squad and he's right footed.

I'm surprised Treacy isn't playing instead of Keogh. With five men in midfield, Keogh is probably going to have to push out wide and, as mentioned, he's not got a great left foot. If he comes inside as you'd expect him to, he'll be running into congestion all the time.

Still, it's good to see Trap varying the system and obviously very excited to see how McCarthy gets on. With Fahey, Lawrence and McCarthy all in midfield, we have no excuses for not being able to control our fair share of the possession.

[geysir]

McGeady causes an extra problem for defenders because he can take them on the outside or cut inside and hit the ball with his right or left.

[Stuttgart88]

Would someone like Wes Hoolahan not have been a better option there.I think there are better options in the squad - Treacy & McGeady. I like Hoolahan but he has been playing very much in the Zidane-role lately, albeit not quite with such applomb.

[Kingdom]

That team looks fine except Keogh makes no sense in that position, and it's not fair to him either. It's got to be McGeady with Treacy getting a look later.

I agree, I was just lining it up as I thought they will tomorrow.