Irish Abroad 2011/2012

[TrapAPony]

Mark Noble was on Talksport today :

Noble’s form in the claret and blue of his boyhood club has also reignited speculation he could pledge his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland after hitherto failing to earn his first full England cap
“I think I am eligible as my grandparents are Irish,” he said. “I’ve been asked before and held out. I still have hopes of playing for England and getting back into the Premier League and I still believe I can do that. We will see, you never know what the future holds.”
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/football-league/championship/1313/39/exclusive-noble-promotion-paramount-no-matter-how-we-get-it?

[Charlie Darwin]

No thanks.

[TrapAPony]

Paul Green back starting for Derby against West Ham which is fantastic news for Ireland no doubt.:( Mark O'Brien & Jeff Hendrick benched. Joey O'Brien starts for West Ham. Game is on Sky Sports 2.

[SkStu]

Joe Mason scored the only goal for Cardiff today in their win.

[drummerboy]

Owen Garvan started for Palace, first game back since injury.

[liamoo11]

Irish under 19 keeper on bench for watford tonight

[drummerboy]

McCann scored 2 for Burnley tonight

[TrapAPony]

Anthony Gerrard got Cardiff's 2nd goal in their 2-0 Carling Cup quarter final win over Blackburn.

[theworm2345]

Watched all of Birmingham's Europa League match and all of Manchester United vs Crystal Palace and came away with a few things.

Fahey played the full 90 minutes for Birmingham, lineup graphic at the start had him operating on the right but seemed to be playing in the center. Did decently in the midfield and was very good about performing his defensive duties, breaking up a few of their attacks on his own. With that being said he can be very sloppy with the ball at times, giving away possession needlessly at times and passing to no one on a couple of occasions. I've never rated Zigic but he was completely useless tonight while Rooney stayed on the bench (Doyle was also an unused sub). Birmingham will have to win their final match, at home to group strugglers Maribor, to have any chance to go through. Brugge and Braga will play and if they draw (it could well be an arranged draw) they both go through...Brugge had a miraculous come back tonight to win 3-4 after being 3-0 down after 72 minutes. Maribor even hit the post in the dying seconds as they almost equalized.

The other match featured Gibson for United and Scannell and McCarthy for Palace and all three started. One of the Keane brothers who can't keep their allegiances together was an unused sub for United. Gibson did OK tonight, especially compared to the rest of the team, showed his shooting ability and was really the only player they had who looked a threat going forward. Scannell was deployed on the left wing supporting their lone striker Easter with Zaha on the right. Wasn't involved too much (Zaha was controlling the game on the other side) though showed some impetus in attack, went down after about 35 minutes holding the back of his leg, went off and came back on only to go down again 5 minutes later and had to be substituted. Injury didn't look that bad. McCarthy I thought was solid at the back (though to be fair United's attack was pretty feckless), only real mistake he made was pulling Macheda's shirt and hauling him down for the penalty when there really was no need (Macheda was in a decent scoring position, not great, but probably wouldn't have scored as he's pretty useless as well). Boggles the mind that he never got capped considering some defenders who did, especially under Stan. I do think he is prone to giving away penalties as memory serves though. As a side note, Darren Ambrose, who there has been quite a bit of speculation about, came on at the half and scored a beauty...had a few other very nice shots from distance that he went close with as well. Thats what stuck out to me for him (which I already knew), didn't really notice his play otherwise.

[gastric]

Terry Butcher is happy with Aaron Doran's progress after shoulder surgery - I was wondering what was happening with him.
In other news, Alex McLeish has said he will not be getting rid of Stephen Ireland in January - how the mighty have fallen. What has happened to him? He has shown in the past, the potential to be world class.

[drummerboy]

Terry Butcher is happy with Aaron Doran's progress after shoulder surgery - I was wondering what was happening with him.
In other news, Alex McLeish has said he will not be getting rid of Stephen Ireland in January - how the mighty have fallen. What has happened to him? He has shown in the past, the potential to be world class.

In his own mind, perhaps.

[gastric]

In his own mind, perhaps.

While he has peed me off like everybody else, I think you're letting a biased attitude infuence your opinion.

[drummerboy]

While he has peed me off like everybody else, I think you're letting a biased attitude infuence your opinion.

I have to admit I'm am biased, I just can't stand the spoiled brat; but to say he had potential to be world class is pushing it a bit far. Potential to be a good premiership player maybe.

[theworm2345]

Crystal Palace and Derby County just finished playing. McCarthy started in center of defense (as he has every match for Palace this season) and Garvan in central midfield for Palace. McCarthy was solid as a rock for about 70 minutes and then turned a cross into his own net in the 75th. Wasn't necessarily a comical gaffe as it was a tough ball to deal with, but it was certainly an error. Garvan was decent, didn't really do all that much and I wasn't sure what his role was supposed to be. May have just been overshadowed by Ambrose. Green started at right back for Derby while Hendrick started in central midfield. Green was actually very impressive and might have been their man of the match. In the first half his passing and crossing were a bit off but he was getting forward and defending well against Calvin Andrew, who is strong and has some pace (that being said he is a striker, I believe, more than a winger, which is where he was playing). In the second half he continued to defend well and got his passing and crossing under control and was a constant threat up the right side, including putting in the cross which McCarthy turned in to his own goal. Had a decent chance late on as well. Hendrick was pretty unimpressive for roughly the first 70 minutes, didn't get on the ball much, and his passing went astray. He got it together though as Derby surged late on, showing more offensive impetus and getting in to the game more. Mark O'Brien came on at the 90 minute mark for Derby, didn't really have much to do though I will say that if he is going to be an effective centre half he looks like he needs to hit the gym.

Conor Clifford got his first senior goal against Fleetwood in the FA Cup tonight as well.

[tommy_c12000]

Thanks. Good report

[Charlie Darwin]

Sheffield United v Torquay United is live on Setanta Ireland now. Stephen Quinn and Dave McAllister playing for Sheffield, Eunan O'Kane for Torquay.

[TrapAPony]

Just looking at OWC & lads that are eligible for them so must be for us are :

Niall Keown (Reading) - 18 year old reading defender who can play fullback or centrehalf. Martin's son
Matthew Kennedy (Kilmarnock) - born 1994 - Has represented Scotland at u15, U16 & U17 level. Still only 17 and already made his first team debut for Kilmarnock.
Ronnie Hawkins (Tottenham) - born in 1994 - Left footed central midfield player whose father was born in Belfast
Callum McManaman (Wigan)

[gastric]

An interesting article. Hopefully, the u19 competition helps young returning players as well as the home grown ones.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/koevermans-admits-fai-fears-over-talent-drain-to-gaelic-football-2954601.html

[gastric]

Chambers being looked at by Premiership clubs.


http://eurorivals.net/transfer-rumours/luke-chambers-to-wigan.html

[DannyInvincible]

A young Liverpool-born player called Conor McAleny (http://www.evertonfc.com/player-profile/conor-mcaleny) has just come on for Everton versus Arsenal. Surely some Irish in him...

[TrapAPony]

A young Liverpool-born player called Conor McAleny (http://www.evertonfc.com/player-profile/conor-mcaleny) has just come on for Everton versus Arsenal. Surely some Irish in him...

Great grandfather as far as I know

[tetsujin1979]

James McClean introduced off the bench for Sunderland

[Irwin3]

My first time seeing him. Made a good impact. Good to see an old fashioned left winger whipping crosses in. Will be interesting to see how he does in a game from the start. He looks a bit raw but he seems to have a good direct style of play. Looking forward to seeing more.

[gastric]

Newcastle seemingly interested in Sheff. Utd's Harry Maguire. Does anyone know if he has any Irish connections or if he is any good? His wikipedia profile does not mention any English national team involvement.

[SkStu]

that would suggest to me that he is not very good as opposed to being not very English!! ;)

[gastric]

18 years old and supposedly Newcastle are offering 3 million for him, he must have some quality about him!

[gastric]

Wigan and West Brom showing interest in Jon Daly according to Skysports.com

[MeathDrog]

Wigan and West Brom showing interest in Jon Daly according to Skysports.com
Well past it. He hasn't won a major since the early 90's.

Wouldn't be much of a footballer either, still very overweight.

[liamoo11]

In fairness daly has put in some hard yards down the years would be great to see him get a big move

[Yard of Pace]

There's a Michael Francis O'Halloran on the bench for Bolton today. Started out at Celtic and he's from Glasgow. Surely a possibility that he's eligible??

[Yard of Pace]

Just came across this, for nostalgia fans...
http://www.kickinmagazine.ie/abroad.htm

[tetsujin1979]

There's a Michael Francis O'Halloran on the bench for Bolton today. Started out at Celtic and he's from Glasgow. Surely a possibility that he's eligible??Quite possibly, but he has played underage for Scotland

[tetsujin1979]

Recovered from a massive hard drive failure to update the stats site, bringing everything up to date up to Wednesday night's games: http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/GameDayDetails
I'll complete the updates for the rest of December tomorrow, then compile the monthly stats for the season so far, as well as the complete stats for the 6 months

[tetsujin1979]

I've compiled the monthly stats for November, and December and for the season to date: http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/MonthlyStats?month=13
Some of the standout stats for me:
Andy Reid has been introduced from the bench more than anyone else
Backing up some earlier comments about the importance of Keith Andrews' goals, he's scored in eight games, resulting in five wins
Paddy McCarthy starting and completing 25 games, and winning 14 of them
Jon Daly is the top scoring player so far this season, justifying some recent links with Wigan, among others

The twitter feed is here for live updates - http://www.twitter.com/irish_abroad
Or if you're not on twitter you can just leave the live blog open on matchday for automatic updates - http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/Live

[tetsujin1979]

Eoin Doyle started on the bench for Hibs today, just came on

Richie Ryan rumoured to be be involved in the Dundee game later this afternoon


Paddy McCarthy starting and completing 25 games, and winning 14 of them
And just like that I jinx it and McCarthy is out of the Palace team for the early kick off against Leicester. According to a few mentions on twitter, he has a virus

[boovidge]

Terry Dixon's just scored against the Zimmers :D

[eitoof]

Under 19 international Neill Byrne has joined Rochdale http://www.fai.ie/international/under-19/102298-u19-defender-moves-to-secure-first-team-football.html?

[tetsujin1979]

Shane O'Connor on trial at Southend: http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~2565661,00.html

[gastric]

Wigan interested in signing Keith Andrews according to the Daily Mirror.

[liamoo11]

There is a calum reilly on bench 18 year old winger for birmingham wonder is he eligible

[liamoo11]

rodgers on bench for brighton still eligible for our under 19s this season I think

Bonham sub keeper for watford

[tetsujin1979]

rodgers on bench for brighton still eligible for our under 19s this season I thinkThat's Brendan Rodgers' son, and could possibly be another lad for Michael O'Neill to mention in future

<EDIT>

Came on in the 63rd minute, just went close according to Sky Sports

[Carrigaline]

Lots of Irish players getting Premier League starts today.

Cox, Gibson, Duffy, Clark, Foley, Ward, Dunne, Given, McClean, O'Shea, Duff, Kelly, Hoolahan, Walters, Whelan, Foley, Ward.

[tetsujin1979]

Lots of Irish players getting Premier League starts today.

Cox, Gibson, Duffy, Clark, Foley, Ward, Dunne, Given, McClean, O'Shea, Duff, Kelly, Hoolahan, Walters, Whelan, Foley, Ward.
so good they're playing twice?
Delap, Ireland and Pilkington starting too.

[Closed Account]

Lots of Irish players getting Premier League starts today.

Cox, Gibson, Duffy, Clark, Foley, Ward, Dunne, Given, McClean, O'Shea, Duff, Kelly, Hoolahan, Walters, Whelan, Foley, Ward.


so good they're playing twice?
Delap, Ireland and Pilkington starting too.
Was Wilsons transgression really that bad that he gets dropped by Tets!

Definitive list:
Cox, Gibson, Duffy, Clark, Ireland, Dunne, Given, Foley, Ward, McClean, O'Shea, Duff, Kelly, Hoolahan, Pilkington, Wilson, Walters, Whelan, Delap.

Bench: Long, Keane, Hunt, Doyle, Westwood, Meyler.

[tetsujin1979]

Was Wilsons transgression really that bad that he gets dropped by Tets!

Definitive list:
Cox, Gibson, Duffy, Clark, Ireland, Dunne, Given, Foley, Ward, McClean, O'Shea, Duff, Kelly, Hoolahan, Pilkington, Wilson, Walters, Whelan, Delap.

Bench: Long, Keane, Hunt, Doyle, Westwood, Meyler.
Watch it all going down in real time on the site here: http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/Live
It's like teletext!

[Metrostars]

So if Robbie Keane comes on for Villa in the second half, that will be 5 RoI internationals on the field - Given, Dunne, Clark, Ireland*-Keane. That must be up there with the highest numbers in recent years?

*ex international :p

[tetsujin1979]

So if Robbie Keane comes on for Villa in the second half, that will be 5 RoI internationals on the field - Given, Dunne, Clark, Ireland*-Keane. That must be up there with the highest numbers in recent years?

*ex international :p
Best I can find in the Irish Abroad database in the Premier League is Man City VS Sunderland from 2007 with 6 players
5-Nov-2007
Manchester City 1-0 Sunderland
Manchester City's starting players: Richard Dunne Stephen Ireland
Sunderland's starting players: Ian Harte Anthony Stokes(substituted on 58 minutes) Liam Miller Daryl Murphy(substituted on 58 minutes)
Sunderland's substitutes: Graham Kavanagh David Connolly

Overall, the most players I have is nine starting players in two separate games - Sunderland - Luton in 2007 and Ipswich - Scunthorpe in 2010
13-Mar-2010
Ipswich 1-0 Scunthorpe
Ipswich's starting players: David Norris Damien Delaney Brian Murphy Jonathan Walters Owen Garvan(substituted on 74 minutes) Daryl Murphy(substituted on 50 minutes) Shane O'Connor
Scunthorpe's starting players: Joe Murphy Cliff Byrne
Scunthorpe's substitutes: Donal McDermott

9-Dec-2006
Sunderland 2-1 Luton
Sunderland's starting players: Stephen Elliott Liam Miller Graham Kavanagh David Connolly(substituted on 78 minutes) Daryl Murphy
Luton's starting players: Dean Kiely Kevin Foley Lewis Emanuel David Bell

[theworm2345]

He must've meant on one team as Gibson and Duffy also played in that match.

[gastric]

Good day for the Irish in the Championship, 4 sendings off - Scannell, Chambers, Norris and Alan Dunne. Could have been 5 as ex U21 Shane Lowry joined Dunne as Millwall lost 6-0 to Birmingham, Rooney scoring.