Squad to face Norn Iron, Scotland and Macedonia

[SwanVsDalton]

Trap names provisional 33-man squad (http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101735:trapattoni-names-33-man-provisional-squad&catid=1:senior-men&Itemid=8)

Stephen Ward included, Folan and McShane recalled but no room Hoolahan or Harte.

St.Ledger, Doyle, Duff, O'Dea and Andrews all included provisionally subject to proving fitness. However Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh tweeted from the press conference that it's not looking good for Duff or Doyle, and had some Trap quotes on Given and Hoolahan:

"Can't tweet any more from press conf as daily restrictions - safe to say Duff, Doyle injury news not positive. More in tomorrow's papers."

"Big News from Trap: We expect it's too difficult for Kevin Doyle to make Macedonia. We need an update, 'Maybe' but we think 'no."

"Good news from Trap: "Shay GIven told us he will be ok, I am sure he will be here."

"Hoolahan - at this moment, no. We look at the team, the players, at the moment we have many players certain to be in team. We can't change."

[DannyInvincible]

Disappointing news on Doyle, although he has returned to light training at Wolves and McCarthy is still confident he'll have a role to play in their final two games of the season, so I guess we'll have to wait and see: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6911958,00.html


Doyle hasn't featured since March due to a knee injury while fellow frontman Ebanks-Blake has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem.

And although the strike pair have returned to light training, McCarthy does not expect them to be back in contention for another week and the last two games of the season against Sunderland and Blackburn.

"Doyle was out training today and we're still hopeful he will be right for the last two games," he told the Express & Star.

Otherwise, it'll be good to get a look at Ward if Trap decides to give him some game time. A realistic contender for that left-back slot, maybe?

[tetsujin1979]

Hoolahan, and possibly Randolph, are the two missing faces there, but neither would start, so I'm happy enough with that squad
With Kilbane, St Ledger and Treacy effectively in League One, that's 3 players at a lower level than I would like to see us selecting from

[SwanVsDalton]

I'd say Ward will get capped somewhere or other. His listing on the FAI site has him in with the wingers/forwards, though not sure if that's any indication of what management are thinkin. Also think Elokobi's been favoured over him at Wolves in the last month or two, so wouldn't be surprised if he played further forward.

If Utd finish the job tonight presumably Gibson and O'Shea won't feature in the Carling Cup games?

[SwanVsDalton]

Hoolahan, and possibly Randolph, are the two missing faces there, but neither would start, so I'm happy enough with that squad
With Kilbane, St Ledger and Treacy effectively in League One, that's 3 players at a lower level than I would like to see us selecting from

You don't hang about do you Tets?! I presume Sledge will move and hope Treacy will follow him, though he could find himself out of the squad anyway if Hoolahan continues in the same vein.

[tetsujin1979]

You don't hang about do you Tets?! I presume Sledge will move and hope Treacy will follow him, though he could find himself out of the squad anyway if Hoolahan continues in the same vein.
I said "effectively", so as good as playing in League One.
I think Treacy will have a better chance than St Ledger of moving. He's been a lot higher profile with some stunning strikes and free kicks, St Ledger's been part of the joint second worst (with Doncaster) defence in the Championship

[SwanVsDalton]

I said "effectively", so as good as playing in League One.
I think Treacy will have a better chance than St Ledger of moving. He's been a lot higher profile with some stunning strikes and free kicks, St Ledger's been part of the joint second worst (with Doncaster) defence in the Championship

I know - I was jesting.

Perhaps but Sledge's international credentials should stand to him despite diminishing league returns. Think most clubs are aware he's more than able at Championship level, and even higher, when on form.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd say Ward will get capped somewhere or other. His listing on the FAI site has him in with the wingers/forwards, though not sure if that's any indication of what management are thinkin. Also think Elokobi's been favoured over him at Wolves in the last month or two, so wouldn't be surprised if he played further forward.

If Utd finish the job tonight presumably Gibson and O'Shea won't feature in the Carling Cup games?
Our Northern friends will be devastated :p

[DannyInvincible]

Any idea when NI announce their squad, or have they already done so?

[Stuttgart88]

At least Hunt is back in the picture if Duff is out.

Despite Doyle's quality I think there's enough quality in the forward line to compensate for his loss.

Glad to see Ward getting the call.

Hoolahan would have been an imaginative call up and a just reward, but I agree when Trap says that he's probably not what we're looking for. McCarthy can play the advanced midfield role if we use it, and we're well enough covered both centrally and out wide.

There'll be more dropping out so Hoolahan may get his chance yet.

The forward line excites me but the rest is what it is - decent but with more potential to underperform than overperform.

[Murfinator]

Disappointing to see Harte not called up, the two friendlies are a good chance to try out some players.

[geysir]

The disappointments about missing players erode what little joy is left in my life.
But at least somebody notices they are missing.

Spare a thought for Andy Reid,
'gone and soon forgotten'

Imagine that line on a headstone.

[TrapAPony]

Dan McDonnell says on his twitter that one new recruit will go into the squad once his paperwork has been completed. Who can it be.

[Sullivinho]

Very pleased for Ward, someone I had presumed Trap had no time for whatsoever.


Dan McDonnell says on his twitter that one new recruit will go into the squad once his paperwork has been completed. Who can it be.

Luke Chambers is the only player I can think of who has been quoted as saying he's sorting out his paperwork.

[theworm2345]

Ward certainly deserves a shout if Folan does (hell Connolly does if Folan does as he's scored as many goals as Folan recently and is playing at the same level, but we won't get in to that) especially with his versatility. Hoolahan not being given a chance even in the Nations Cup is pretty preposterous when the likes of Keogh and McShane are in there, but hopefully he can keep his place at Norwich next season and force his way in. He's also nearly 29 I suppose but then Paul Green is 28 and has been a regular.

[Fixer82]

Is Paul Green injured?

[theworm2345]

Is Paul Green injured?
Yes he did his knee a few weeks back, out for nine or so months.

[Fixer82]

here Worm
Here's a video of your pal scoring and speaking Dutch from 10 years ago I came across a while ago

[theworm2345]

here Worm
Here's a video of your pal scoring and speaking Dutch from 10 years ago I came across a while ago
Where?

[Stuttgart88]

Hoolahan not getting picked is not preposterous. Tets put it better than I did above.

It's a disappointment for me, but no more. Harte's ommission disappoints me more.

[Fixer82]

Sorry. Here ya go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIqkxU5AZPA

[theworm2345]

Sorry. Here ya go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIqkxU5AZPA
Ah yes, thanks for this...I actually have this full match on DVD if anyone would like to see it send me a PM (remember, I do have limited space in my PM inbox so don't all PM at once!)

[ifk101]

(hell Connolly does if Folan does as he's scored as many goals as Folan recently and is playing at the same level, but we won't get in to that)

I'm sure the thinking with Folan is the option for "route one". Connolly can't play that role.

[tetsujin1979]

Connolly is at best fifth choice behind Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Noel Hunt and Anthony Stokes for the striker/finisher role of the front two, as pointed out above Folan is competing with Doyle, Walters, and Best for the target man

[geysir]

Walters would have to be in pole position.
There hasn't been much activity in Folan's thread, after some early promise with the Rapids.

How Trap will play these 2 games?
Nearly a full team against NI and nearly a second string against Scotland?

[Fixer82]

Are you serious (perhaps you're not)? As much of a fan I was/am of Connolly, his international career is as dead as a dodo. He's constantly injured and playing League One when he's not injured. I'd love to see him pull on a green jersey but to say he's 5th choice at best.....he's probably 12th choice at best in the midget striker role....
then again, we'll always have this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp-3YUTZ_0A

[theworm2345]

Are you serious (perhaps you're not)? As much of a fan I was/am of Connolly, his international career is as dead as a dodo. He's constantly injured and playing League One when he's not injured. I'd love to see him pull on a green jersey but to say he's 5th choice at best.....he's probably 12th choice at best in the midget striker role....
then again, we'll always have this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp-3YUTZ_0A
As I said we won't go into that (which everyone ignored), I was hoping not to, but you lot have brought it in so here we go. At the moment, even I could not argue for Connolly's inclusion as he is playing in League One and, though he's been in good form of late (nearly scored an absolute stunner on Monday with his left foot to boot, came off the bar). I'd argue in pure finishing ability he's behind only Keane and maybe Long or Stokes. He's claimed he's one of the fittest players at Soton as well, which means he's still got something left in the tank. Folan is playing at the same level and Connolly has scored as many goals since his return from injury as Folan when he started playing in MLS, hence the comparison there. As for his career being as dead as a dodo, with cloning the dodo just could be brought back (http://animals.howstuffworks.com/extinct-animals/dodo.htm). Fortunately, we don't have to clone Connolly but if he has a Long-like season in the Championship next year (or maybe even his old boss Pardew snaps him up at striker-short Newcastle), which we all know is entirely possible if he stays fit, you never know, he could be more phoenix than dodo, and I will remain hopeful/delusional.

[geysir]

Are you serious (perhaps you're not)? As much of a fan I was/am of Connolly, his international career is as dead as a dodo. He's constantly injured and playing League One when he's not injured. I'd love to see him pull on a green jersey but to say he's 5th choice at best.....he's probably 12th choice at best
Have a heart, Fixer.
The lasting life long memory that a kid retains, is of the person who tells him that his best pal (his dog), has to be put down.

[Fixer82]

My Dog has to be put down??? ;(

[Fixer82]

Call him up trap ya bol**x!!!!

[Razors left peg]

Dan McDonnell says on his twitter that one new recruit will go into the squad once his paperwork has been completed. Who can it be.

Simon Cox according to todays Star

[Mr A]

Simon Cox according to todays Star

Had to google him.. a West Brom striker. http://www.wba.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10366~35281,00.html

Was signed for 1.9 million..


Cox blasted 11 goals in just 23 starts and 11 substitute appearances for Albion last term - including ten league strikes in his first full season at Coca-Championship level.


Season 2010 - 11

Competition Apps
(as sub) Goals Yellow
Cards Red
Cards
League 6 (11) 1 0 0
League Cup 4 (0) 3 0 0


Career History:
Club Season Comp. Apps
(as sub) Goals
WBA 2009 - 10 League 17 (11) 9
FA Cup 3 (0) 0
League Cup 3 (0) 1
Swindon Town 2008 - 09 League 45 (0) 29
FA Cup 1 (0) 0
League Cup 1 (0) 1
Swindon Town 2007 - 08 League 35 (1) 14
Reading 2007 - 08 FA Cup 0 (1) 0
League Cup 0 (1) 0
Northampton 2006 - 07 League 6 (2) 3
Brentford 2006 - 07 League 11 (2) 0
League Cup 1 (0) 0
Reading 2006 - 07 FA Cup 0 (1) 0
Reading 2005 - 06 League 0 (2) 0
FA Cup 0 (2) 0
League Cup 0 (2) 0

[DannyInvincible]

Cox scored his first Premier League goal against Spurs the other week after having come on as a sub: http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/simon-cox-tottenham-9122901/

Was a pretty good one too.

[SwanVsDalton]

According to Dan O'Donnell's twitter Westwood is out for the rest of the season and out of the squad - Randolph called up in his place. So kid gloves around Given and personally would like to see Forde get a cap, seems likely he will (maybe Randolph too).

[mark12345]

Ward certainly deserves a shout if Folan does (hell Connolly does if Folan does as he's scored as many goals as Folan recently and is playing at the same level, but we won't get in to that) especially with his versatility. Hoolahan not being given a chance even in the Nations Cup is pretty preposterous when the likes of Keogh and McShane are in there, but hopefully he can keep his place at Norwich next season and force his way in. He's also nearly 29 I suppose but then Paul Green is 28 and has been a regular.

Agree with worm hundred per cent about Hoolahan. Despite Trap saying he's not what he's looking for, I think Wes is exactly what Ireland need (a player who can hold the ball, beat a man or two and always find a team mate with a pass - he can split a defence too). How he figures Ward is better than Hoolahan is beyond me? But I guess that's why he's the manager.

[Crosby87]

Can Folan leave his MLS team during the season?

[Charlie Darwin]

All players are required to leave their clubs during recognised international windows. I don't think the Celtic Cup games fall under that though, so it'd be up to the club whether they want to release him.

[Closed Account 2]

No idea why Harte and Hoolahan aren't in the squads, all the talk is Hoolahan being the best midfielder in the Championship this season, and possible player of the season for Norwich. I still think Harte has a lot to offer, and given he's always been delighted to play for us it seems like a shabby way to treat him


Sorry. Here ya go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIqkxU5AZPA

Bloody hell, Pius Ikedia playing for Ajax, talk about a blast from the past! Pretty sure it's Bertie van Marrwijk as the manager for Feyenoord in that clip (blue shirt white hair) - current Dutch national team boss. Also Dudek in nets for them, flapping at that Arvaladze shot?

[geysir]

All players are required to leave their clubs during recognised international windows. I don't think the Celtic Cup games fall under that though, so it'd be up to the club whether they want to release him.
The Celtic Cup games are official friendlies. If the friendlies are fixed for the designated international dates then afaiaa clubs are mandated to release the player.
The question is, is a MLS club required to comply, if they don't want to release a player?
I assume if Folan is in the 23 man squad for Macedonia then he would have to be released.
The Rapids are playing 4 games right through this period.
I see the USA are playing a few friendlies at the start of June

[Supreme feet]

Re Hoolahan and Harte, I'm more disappointed about the fact that Cunningham and Meyler aren't fit enough to take part. Would have been an ideal opportunity to bed them into the squad. We can take it that there won't be too many changes to the squad or surprise inclusions between now and the end of the campaign. Still, I'm looking forward to seeing Coleman, Clark and McCarthy getting more game-time.

[ifk101]

Westwood and Duff out.

Randolph and Simon Cox in.

Paul Green out for the rest of 2011.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/0506/1224296280066.html

[Deckydee]

Looking forward now to seeing Simon Cox

[gastric]

Considering the size of the initial squad, surprised that Connor Sammon wasn't called up before Caleb Folan. Is he injured or is this a case of Trap just sticking with the tried and tested.

[SwanVsDalton]

Tried and tested I think. MLS ain't really the place to be, but Folan is a very blunt forward and offers more physicality than others which presumably still makes him an option. Think that's fair enough for now though there's plenty of opportunity for the likes of Sammon to overtake him. Have to say, though, the striking competition below Keane, Doyle and Long is quite fierce, a lot of players of a vaguely similar level looking for squad places - Walters, Best, Stokes, Keogh, Hunt, Folan, Sammon, Cox and, at a stretch, Ward.

[geysir]

From the IT
'Darren O’Dea, according to his club manager Paul Jewell, is set for surgery on what the Englishman suggested was a very serious ankle problem'

[TrapAPony]

Trapattoni should really have drafted in Luke Chambers. We have very little central defenders to choose from for the Macedonia match with Dunne, O'Dea & St Ledger (seemingly) out.

[SwanVsDalton]

Has Chambers actually declared for us?

[TrapAPony]

Has Chambers actually declared for us?

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/nottinghamforest/forest/Chambers-verge-Ireland-following-impressive-season-Forest-defence/article-3319080-detail/article.html

[Sullivinho]

Has Chambers actually declared for us?

"Chambers on verge of Ireland call up after impressive season at Forest" (11/3/2011) (http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Chambers-verge-Ireland-following-impressive-season-Forest-defence/article-3319080-detail/article.html)

"There has been some contact. They have asked me to become a Republic of Ireland citizen. We had been trying to keep things quiet but I am going through the process. Hopefully, I can get the passport through and I can be involved."

[SwanVsDalton]

Fair enough guys. Extra points to Sullivinho for neat hyperlinking...

Maybe with withdrawals he'll end up included. Though management would probably argue we already have four CB options (after O'Shea and Sledge) to play in Macedonia. Even if some of them are very unpalatable...