Republic of Ireland V Croatia - Wednesday, 10th August 2011 - Friendly

[TrapAPony]

Final squad is as follows: Shay Given, Keiren Westwood, David Forde, Seamus Coleman, Stephen Kelly, Stephen Ward, Richard Dunne, Sean St. Ledger, Darren O’Dea, Damien Delaney, Glenn Whelan, Darron Gibson, Keith Andrews, Keith Fahey, Andy Keogh, Damien Duff, Stephen Hunt, James McCarthy, Keith Treacy, Marc Wilson, Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Jon Walters, Shane Long, Simon Cox.

Liam Lawrence and Kevin Kilbane have been excused for club commitments while John O’Shea, Aiden McGeady, Paul Mc Shane and Kevin Foley have picked up injuries and will also be excused.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Football-Association-of-Ireland-Official/239295259422561

[IsMiseSean]

Is Ciaran Clark just dropped then?

[Closed Account]

Is Ciaran Clark just dropped then?
When did the FAI start using Facebook for squad announcements? Anyway, they mention 26 man squad, then name 25 players.
Might of just forgot to put Ciaran Clark in.

[Sullivinho]

The official site (http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101946&catid=1&Itemid=8) mentions a 26 man squad too but only lists 25..

[Noelys Guitar]

I thought Clark was carrying an injury? Or maybe not.

[DannyInvincible]

Apparently he's just been ommitted: http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2011/0802/1224301751780.html

Strange.


Giovanni Trapattoni has trimmed his squad to face Croatia in an international friendly next week by seven players as a result of injuries and club commitments, while Aston Villa’s Ciaran Clark has also been omitted to allow the manager a chance to assess Stephen Ward at left fullback.

The latter has impressed in his three caps so far, since his debut against Northern Ireland in the Carling Nations Cup in May.

Since being named in a 32-man squad last month, new Sunderland signing John O’Shea has picked up a hamstring injury and will not travel back to Dublin for the August 10th game at the Aviva Stadium.

Spartak Moscow winger Aiden McGeady and defenders Paul Mc Shane and Kevin Foley are also unfit to travel, while Liam Lawrence and Kevin Kilbane both have club commitments with Portsmouth and Derby County respectively.

Kilbane moved from Huddersfield to the Rams on a six-month loan deal today and will make his debut in the opening game of the season against Birmingham City at Pride Park on Saturday, when Portsmouth begin their campaign at Middlesbrough.

[BonnieShels]

Seems Shay Given is still at Man City...

www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0802/republicofireland_croatia.html

Jaysus

[Sullivinho]

Clark played some part in the Chelsea game (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265%7E2405926,00.html) a few days ago so definitely not injured.


Apparently he's just been ommitted:

Strange.

O'Dea and Delaney retained but no Clark. I'll see your 'strange' and raise you a 'what??'

[geysir]

I see on RTE that the last 3 names listed in the squad are Walters, Long, Cox.

I thought I'd just get that one out of the way.

[SwanVsDalton]

Looks like Ward, Delaney and O'Dea are being rewarded for some very good showings in games/training. And so it should be. There will be more chances for Clark. Expect Ward will start next week. What chances him completing a meteoric rise and displacing Killer for Slovakia?

[DannyInvincible]

The official site (http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101946&catid=1&Itemid=8) mentions a 26 man squad too but only lists 25..

I see it's been edited to 25 on the website and in most media releases now. I think that pretty much confirms that Ciarán Clarke was dropped for some reason rather than his name having simply been missing from the final cut in error. He was in the original 32, so it's puzzling to say the least.

[Kingdom]

Looks like Ward, Delaney and O'Dea are being rewarded for some very good showings in games/training. And so it should be. There will be more chances for Clark. Expect Ward will start next week. What chances him completing a meteoric rise and displacing Killer for Slovakia?

Has to be a good chance of it - if he starts against Croatia, that is that surely. I can't imagine Trap will make too many unenforced changes after this game, start of a new season (even within the one campaign) is as good a time as any to make the changes.
It'll be interesting to see if Treacy can get a run out, or if he sticks with Duff and Hunt given Macker is injured.

[SwanVsDalton]

I see it's been edited to 25 on the website and in most media releases now. I think that pretty much confirms that Ciarán Clarke was dropped for some reason rather than his name having simply been missing from the final cut in error. He was in the original 32, so it's puzzling to say the least.

Don't think it's too puzzling. His unfortunate injury allowed Ward and Delaney to impress Trap. He could've been named but obviously he wouldn't have got a run, so better to keep him with his club and build up his fitness (he was injured recently even if he has started playing games). Strong start to the season will see Clark back in the squad and he has plenty of time.


Has to be a good chance of it - if he starts against Croatia, that is that surely. I can't imagine Trap will make too many unenforced changes after this game, start of a new season (even within the one campaign) is as good a time as any to make the changes.
It'll be interesting to see if Treacy can get a run out, or if he sticks with Duff and Hunt given Macker is injured.

Well Killer will be back for Slovakia and it would be a big step to start Ward - certainly an eye-raiser considering Kilbane's been a constant fixture. But if he impresses he might have a good shout. Particularly since Trap might be looking to be a bit more adventurous at home.

Figure it'll probably be Duff right, Hunt left at the start though would expect Treacy and Coleman to get a decent time on the wings.

[Sullivinho]

Delaney out, Clark in (http://www.breakingnews.ie/archives/2011/0807/sport/clark-in-for-delaney-as-fai-announces-squad-to-face-croatia-515703.html)

[tetsujin1979]

Didn't realise Fahey had pulled out as well, doesn't seem to have been injured in the game yesterday, although he was substituted midway through the second half

[SwanVsDalton]

Good to hear Wilson called the FAI direct to explain he's injured (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/mccarthy-gets-chance-to-mend-bridges-with-trap-2841984.html). And Walters is travelling anyway, despite being unlikely to be fit enough, along with McCarthy and Gibson. The Trap warning shot appears to have worked.

[tetsujin1979]

McCarthy off injured against Villareal, just been helped down the tunnel :(

[tommy_c12000]

McCarthy off injured against Villareal, just been helped down the tunnel :(

I saw him winking at Roberto on the way off . . . .

[the doc]

Delaney out, Clark in (http://www.breakingnews.ie/archives/2011/0807/sport/clark-in-for-delaney-as-fai-announces-squad-to-face-croatia-515703.html)


Bet The Saint is sharpening his studs as we speak!;)

[Sullivinho]

Bet The Saint is sharpening his studs as we speak!;)

I hope to God someone has the good sense to put them on the same side in training..

[rebelmusic]

McCarthy off injured against Villareal, just been helped down the tunnel :(

AS long as he comes over for the FAI docs to examine him no hassles. If he stays at wigan...bu-bye

[Irish_Praha]

AS long as he comes over for the FAI docs to examine him no hassles. If he stays at wigan...bu-bye

I agree. I'm not doubting that he is injured again for something like the 3rd time just before a friendly or Carling Cup game. However, after what he said to the media about his commitment to Ireland it would make sense for him to turn up anyaway to add some action to his words. He can't hide behind his club forever and should ahve the b@lls to tell them to let him come over to be checked by the Irish medical staff. If not then I would have my doubts.

[shakermaker1982]

Couldn't the FAI just hire a doctor they trust to check player injuries instead of expecting footballers to hop on a plane over to Dublin?

[cufc champions]

Wilson and Walters were assesed and sent home according to FAI twitter account.

[DannyInvincible]

Couldn't the FAI just hire a doctor they trust to check player injuries instead of expecting footballers to hop on a plane over to Dublin?

That sounds sensible. Even FIFA make provision for players playing in a different country from their national association.

Part 4 of annexe 1 on page 34 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/administration/01/27/64/30/regulationsstatusandtransfer2010_e.pdf) reads:


4. Injured players
A player who due to injury or illness is unable to comply with a call-up from the association that he is eligible to represent on the basis of his nationality shall, if the association so requires, agree to undergo a medical examination by a doctor of that association’s choice. If the player so wishes, such medical examination shall take place on the territory of the association at which he is registered.

[TrapAPony]

''Conor Clifford (Chelsea) will be called up to senior squad by Trap. He'll play for Under 21s tonight in Sligo and will join up after that.'' - FAI

''Big news for Chelsea youngster Conor Clifford. Will join up with Irish squad for Croatia game after he plays for U21s tonight.'' - Dan McDonnell

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2011/0809/1224302142520.html

[SwanVsDalton]

Wow, that's great if true. First time in ages we've had a real senior squad bolter. Could get a cap too since since we've only two natural centre mid's.

[tetsujin1979]

Great news, congratulations Conor!

[CraftyToePoke]

Great for him, would be even better if he gets a run out.

[BonnieShels]

Judging by RTÉ its almost certain he will.

Delighted for him.

[SwanVsDalton]

Team as per Dan McDonnell via Twitter:

Ireland team v Croatia: Given, Kelly, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward; Duff, Whelan, Gibson, Hunt; Long, Keane

Expect Doyle and Cox will both get maybe even a half each. The rest largely picked itself.

[tommy_c12000]

It's a very strong Irish side with the usual weakness in centre midfield. I thought Trap had said he was going for a Long Cox partnership?

I'm thrilled to hear about Clifford's call up. I'm a huge fan. Hopefully he will get some game time. It will be great exposure for the lad.
Top news on Chelsea's official website: http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2414914,00.html
Cannot be a bad thing. AVB appears intent on giving youth a chance and has not gone down the route of buying expensive established "superstars" thus far, so you never know.

Best of luck to Conor anyways!

[Sullivinho]

I think Trap has spoken about seeing Long and Cox together (shhh) so Cox on for Keane in the second half with little or no involvement from Doyle perhaps? Predictable enough side given what was available anyway.

[TrapAPony]

Doyle is out with a knee problem

[Sullivinho]

I'm thrilled to hear about Clifford's call up. I'm a huge fan. Hopefully he will get some game time. It will be great exposure for the lad.

Ditto. Great to see one of these 'one for the future' lads in amongst the senior squad although the circumstances played their part. Despite being an ever presence in the U-21's I doubt Trap will have seen enough of him at close hand to trust him but either Whelan or Gibson not going the 90 and you never know..

[tetsujin1979]

must be the most amount of Irish-born players to start a game in a while? (queue debate on whether or not Gibson is Irish-born - he is)

[EastTerracer]

Tony Pulis is complaining about his players having to travel to Dublin to have their injuries assessed - why are so many club managers in England such complete gob****es?


They are only friendly games and we are paying their wages. Our supporters want them to be fit for Sunday and the Irish supporters are not paying for them in a game that's a meaningless fixture.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2024231/Tony-Pulis-unhappy-Ireland-treatment-Stoke-duo.html


Meanwhile Slaven Bilic has been revealing some unorthodox coaching techniques - there are more English-born players in the Pogues than in the Irish team.

"We have done the homework - we even went to see the Pogues in Zagreb!"
"They were playing in a small open-air arena to about three or four thousand people. They are very popular - they are a world-class band."

[Kingdom]

Tony Pulis is complaining about his players having to travel to Dublin to have their injuries assessed - why are so many club managers in England such complete gob****es?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2024231/Tony-Pulis-unhappy-Ireland-treatment-Stoke-duo.html


Pulis and Allardyce are buddlies.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Well, if we are to rely on the Daily M*il...

[jbyrne]

Tony Pulis is complaining about his players having to travel to Dublin to have their injuries assessed - why are so many club managers in England such complete gob****es?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2024231/Tony-Pulis-unhappy-Ireland-treatment-Stoke-duo.html



well tony, maybe if your players could be trusted to be honest where supposed injury is concerned...

[an_ceannaire]

Pulis is right lads....
This IS a meaningless friendly and Stoke DO pay their wages
No one in Ireland outrside of Foot.ie seems to give a toss about this game so if one of the stoke contingent got injured and missed a few months of the premiership as a result of a game even the Irish Public dont care about............
How is he wrong?

15,000 max crowd tonight........says it all

[OwlsFan]

Pulis is right lads....
This IS a meaningless friendly and Stoke DO pay their wages
No one in Ireland outrside of Foot.ie seems to give a toss about this game so if one of the stoke contingent got injured and missed a few months of the premiership as a result of a game even the Irish Public dont care about............
How is he wrong? 15,000 max crowd tonight........says it all

The fact that the Irish public don't care about this game does not make it meaningless. It is the last game we have before we face the vital qualification games. If it is meaningless, why did Stoke have three or four pre season games before the league starts? Why do teams have in house practice games. If Ireland didn't have "meaningless" friendlies, we'd never get a chance to practice before we had competitve games.

[shakermaker1982]

I think Pullis is spot on.

If you don't trust the Stoke club doctor then hire an independent doctor.

[paul_oshea]

It is a bit unnecessary to have to get a plane over to dublin just to have a doctor there, they should have an irish doctor in England or something and go there. It would be cheaper and also less hassle for all concerned.

Oh but wait that would be logical.

[SwanVsDalton]

If the players could be trusted not to cry off it would make things much easier.

[shakermaker1982]

If you don't trust em don't call em up.

If I played for Forest and was asked to report to Dublin I'd have the following pleasant trip to contend with (ok I have to do this every time I travel for a home game but I'm usually half cut so it numbs the pain): an hour to get to the airport, have up to 2 hours to kill at the airport before I board the plane, 50 minute flight, waste another 30 minutes walking the length of Dublin airport to get my luggage & then finally hop in a taxi to the team hotel to report to the doctor (up to an hour). Reverse that for the trip home. Genuine injured players shouldn't have to endure that.

[SwanVsDalton]

If you don't trust em don't call em up.

We'd be down about a dozen players at that rate. There's clearly better alternatives if you don't have a bottomless pit of talented players.


If I played for Forest and was asked to report to Dublin I'd have the following pleasant trip to contend with (ok I have to do this every time I travel for a home game but I'm usually half cut so it numbs the pain): an hour to get to the airport, have up to 2 hours to kill at the airport before I board the plane, 50 minute flight, waste another 30 minutes walking the length of Dublin airport to get my luggage & then finally hop in a taxi to the team hotel to report to the doctor (up to an hour). Reverse that for the trip home. Genuine injured players shouldn't have to endure that.

If it's a blanket policy, then yeah I think it's a little extreme. But I don't think it is - Trap's line on it has been (per usual) contradictory and McCarthy didn't have to come over this time. Simply put the pull-out's last time were a joke and if player's had to take an inconvenient couple of hours out then it's difficult for me to sympathise. Moreover it appears to have worked. Nary a word of controversy this time around. If this keeps up maybe management will be happy to cut them some slack but until then it doesn't bother me.

[paul_oshea]

Lads i give a very simple solution, its far quicker and easier to get down to london for most players or even birmingham. Stop over complicating.

Everyones happy, its a lot cheaper, and a fair compromise.

[SwanVsDalton]

Lads i give a very simple solution, its far quicker and easier to get down to london for most players or even birmingham. Stop over complicating.

Everyones happy, its a lot cheaper, and a fair compromise.

It's not necessarily about fair solutions though, is it? In this instance it's about drawing a line with some players about do's and don'ts. In the future I'd look at fair solutions.

[Fergie's Son]

Any link to a feed for this lads?