Ireland's 23 man squad for Euro 2012

[Stuttgart88]

My guess is that Trap has been reluctant to experiment with that formation more because you usually play three all-round midfielders behind the front three, which would exclude Duff, McGeady, Hunt, etc. Agree entirely.

[tommy_c12000]

Good to note that Meyler completed 90 mins for Reserves last night in 3-0 win V Newcastle:

http://www.safc.com/news/20111116/sunderland-res-3-newcastle-utd-res-0_2256213_2518015

I (http://www.safc.com/news/20111116/sunderland-res-3-newcastle-utd-res-0_2256213_2518015) wouldn't be at all surprised if he starts V Fulham at weekend, or at least get a lengthy run out

[DannyInvincible]

I see Paul Green made a return to action playing for Derby's reserves against Sheffield United on the 15th of November.

Or maybe it's best he remains forgotten about...

[TrapAPony]

I see Paul Green made a return to action playing for Derby's reserves against Sheffield United on the 15th of November.

Or maybe it's best he remains forgotten about...

Yes, he came on for Jeff Hendrick yesterday for the last 8 minutes of the match v Hull. Lets say no more on this issue.;)

[Acornvilla]

There is always liam Miller if were stuck!

[DeNiro]

How about Lukas Jutkiewicz? Read in a paper over the weekend that Trap is checking out the parentage of a striker playing in England. Wonder if it's Jutkiewicz?

[Sullivinho]

How about Lukas Jutkiewicz? Read in a paper over the weekend that Trap is checking out the parentage of a striker playing in England. Wonder if it's Jutkiewicz?

We've got strikers coming out our ears!

Can you remember which newspaper it was?

[DannyInvincible]

How about Lukas Jutkiewicz? Read in a paper over the weekend that Trap is checking out the parentage of a striker playing in England.

Surely his parents would be too old for the first team. Trap should just check out the player instead. :p

In seriousness though, that could be anyone. The vast majority of strikers eligible and good enough to play for us play in England. Doubt it's Jutkiewicz for some reason, or were there clues in the piece? Isn't his eligibility well known? And I believe it's through his Irish grandmother he qualifies. Besides, he's no better than the string of capable players we already have fighting for the limited number of places up front. Whose place would he take in the pecking order?

[TrapAPony]

Surely his parents would be too old for the first team. Trap should just check out the player instead. :p

In seriousness though, that could be anyone. The vast majority of strikers eligible and good enough to play for us play in England. Doubt it's Jutkiewicz for some reason, or were there clues in the piece? Isn't his eligibility well known? And I believe it's through his Irish grandmother he qualifies. Besides, he's no better than the string of capable players we already have fighting for the limited number of places up front. Whose place would he take in the pecking order?
Hmmm.....Fraizer Campbell?? Whoever it is I hope it's not another Paul Green type discovery.

[Olé Olé]

You'd be hoping it's Frazier Campbell anyway ( rather than a championship striker) but maybe that's just paper talk sparked by Meyler's over-active Twitter account.

Campbell's ability to play on the wing and up front could muscle Andy Keogh out of the squad.

It's odd to think that with all the talk about Wilson, McCarthy, Gibson and Best being in the Irish squad for the Euro's that, injury permitting, Trap's loyalty could see Keogh travel to the championships.

[Sullivinho]

It's odd to think that with all the talk about Wilson, McCarthy, Gibson and Best being in the Irish squad for the Euro's that, injury permitting, Trap's loyalty could see Keogh travel to the championships.

I have no doubt he's a great lad, always turns up etc. but I'd be hoping Trap keeps a photo of Andy in his wallet instead and gives the place to someone more effective tbh.

[the bear]

I have no doubt he's a great lad, always turns up etc. but I'd be hoping Trap keeps a photo of Andy in his wallet instead and gives the place to someone more effective tbh.

completly agree, at least 6 better strikers than him, of which walter,long, doyle could all be considered better backup wingers than him.

don't know where he picked up this tag as a back up winger every time he's played wide for us he has looked like a fish outta water, better off bringing the likes of coleman or treacy for a back up winger in my opinion

i'd be shocked if trap picks him in the 23

[rebelmusic]

Being realistic:

Guaranteed
GK
Given
Westwood

Def
Dunne
O'Shea
Sledge
Ward
Kelly
O'Dea

MF
Whelan
Andrews
Duff
McGeady
Hunt
Fahey

Strikers
Keane
Doyle

Remaining spaces = 7

1 guaranteed spot for a 3rd Goalkeeper
Options = Forde, Randolph, Murphy

2 spots for Defense
Options = McShane, Kilbane, Foley, Cunningham,

4 spots for MF/Strikers
Options = Long, Cox, Walters, Best, Keogh, Lawrence, Coleman, McCarthy, Gibson, Green

Probably missing a few.

I think Trap will take 5 strikers as he will view Long and Walters as optional backups to the wingers. If he goes with this, then the remaining choice realistically has to be a CM, so Green, McCarthy or Gibson.

For Coleman or Lawrence to go, one of the strikers needs to be dropped (ideally Cox imo).

[drummerboy]

Long and Walters are nailed on to go. Forde, though Henderson at Portsmouth is getting good reviews. Then Foley, Coleman McCarty and Gibson

[gustavo]

Yea I would have had Long in my definite list too.

Hard to see Walters and Cox not going either at this stage.

[ifk101]

I'm somewhat doubtful to Long's inclusion in the squad.

Keane and Doyle are given in the squad. Walters will be included as Doyle's direct replacement while Cox seems to be held in regard as Keane's direct replacement. I get the impression that Trapattoni does not have full confidence in Long performing the Keane role or the Doyle role in the team.

[Deckydee]

http://www.joe.ie/football/international-football/fraizer-campbells-ireland-possibilities-0017736-1

[Murfinator]

How about Lukas Jutkiewicz? Read in a paper over the weekend that Trap is checking out the parentage of a striker playing in England. Wonder if it's Jutkiewicz?

Doubt its anyone with the Euros in mind, Trap may be investigating some youngsters with future campaigns in mind. Really don't think there's going to be any surprises or players emerging out of the blue for the Euros.

[jbyrne]

three Norwich players in with a chance apparently...

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/1124/ireland_norwich.html

[Crosby87]

Tets needs to update his depth charts. Thats really what we should be looking at here.

[Sullivinho]

I'm somewhat doubtful to Long's inclusion in the squad.

Keane and Doyle are given in the squad. Walters will be included as Doyle's direct replacement while Cox seems to be held in regard as Keane's direct replacement. I get the impression that Trapattoni does not have full confidence in Long performing the Keane role or the Doyle role in the team.

I can definitely see the logic in that statement as regards trying to interpret Trap's mind but I would seriously hope that the heaviest onus/greatest doubt at this point in time is on Simon Cox. Should Long continue his impressive season and Cox continue to be an irregular sub at the same club, the latter being preferred to the former would be a hard one to swallow for the supporter nevermind the player himself.

[SkStu]

i just cannot see Long being left at home at all, despite any logic to support it.

[Stuttgart88]

Absolutely. Long is nailed on. He'll take 5 forwards including Cox, I'm sure of it.

[geysir]

As it stands now, I'd be 80% confident that he'd take the 5 forwards.
All players being fit, it depends to a large extent on players like Coleman or McCarthy making a strong enough case for inclusion over the next months.

[Charlie Darwin]

I think Trap's shown a clear preference for keeping 5 strikers in his final squads, even when it gets pared down to 22/23, so my gut tells me he will bring 5 strikers. And I think it'll be Best and Cox competing for the last jersey, the other 4 being already decided, injury permitting.

[tetsujin1979]

Tets needs to update his depth charts. Thats really what we should be looking at here.
Laptop currently under repair
Charts will return (fingers crossed)

[Murfinator]

three Norwich players in with a chance apparently...

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/1124/ireland_norwich.html

This is the default reply from the duo when they're asked on the prospects of anybody. They're looking at them, they consider everyone if they play well etc etc.

[Diarmo]

Hello all, I've been reading the forum for a long time, but rarely post. Anyway, for my two cents:

I think Trap should call up a training squad of 40 (like he did the first time in Portugal) for the Friendly in February. Then hold an A and a B international, that way everyone should get a decent chance to impress. Also, it'll stop the media from moaning about the lack of squad development etc.
I reckon he should call up:

Goalkeepers: Given, Westwood, Forde, Kenny, Randolph

Defenders: Ward, Wilson, Kelly, Foley, O'Shea, Dunne, St. Ledger, O'Dea, Clark, McShane, Kilbane, Coleman, Tierney

Midfielders: Hunt, McGeady, Duff, Lawrence, Andrews, Whelan, McCarthy, Fahey, Meyler, Hoolahan, Gibson, Pilkington, Brady

Strikers: Keane, Doyle, Long, Cox, Walters, Best, Stokes, Keogh

and then whittle it down from there. I frankly hope, and don't expect there to be any massive changes for the final 23, but I do hope that McCarthy, Coleman and Wilson get a spot on the plane. They'll have big roles to play in upcoming qualifying campaigns, so I think the experience of going to the Euros will really spur them on in their later careers.

[gustavo]

On the plane ( up for grabs)

Given , Westwood ( Final place between Forde , Randolph Brian Murphy and Joe Murphy - Forde in control at the moment)

O'Shea , Dunne , Ward , St Ledger , Kelly ( 2 places from O'Dea Kilbane McShane Clark Foley and Delaney - Can see O'Dea and Kilbane getting the nod)

Whelan Andrews Hunt McGeady Duff Fahey ( 3 places between Gibson McCarthy Lawrence Coleman Hoolahan and Meyler - can see Gibson Hoolahan and Meyler missing out )

Keane Doyle Long ( 2 places for Walters Cox Best Stokes and Noel Hunt - Walters and Cox winning out here)

[lionelhutz]

In relation to Long, I was at the QPR West Brom game last Saturday cause I was visiting a friend in London and Long really impressed me. They played him up front on his own and his work rate was excellent. He won the aerial battle against Ferdinand and his hold up play was top notch.

He wasn't receiving much support and QPR were dominating the game until Odemwinge was introduced yet he was still so sharp. His pace surprised me as well - although his goal was an easy finish he anticipated the cross (which deflected into his path) and skint the defender for pace. Throughout the game he showed great pace off the mark.

At the moment, I think he should be the front runner to partner Keane at the euros.

[Ghost2hammers]

Would really like to see Hoolahan given a chance but dont think it will happen......does anyone know the last time he was actually in the squad?

[Charlie Darwin]

Colombia in 2008?

[ChrisRed]

On current form Long has to be in the first team, his off the ball play is excellent, his goal at the weekend was quite fortuitous but like all good stickers he was in the right place at the right time.

Really can’t see any major shocks in Traps final 23. Only surprises will be due to injuries, the 3 lads at Norwich will only get a chance if someone else pulls out.

The likes of Forde, O’Dea, Coleman, Walters, Cox will all be included.

GK: Given, Westwood, Forde

Def: O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward, Kelly, O'Dea, Wilson/Foley/Lawrance

Mid: McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, Duff, Hunt, Fahey, Coleman, McCarthy/Gibson

For: Keane, Doyle, Long, Walters, Cox

Think there is only 2 places up for grabs, think if Traps take Coleman as a defender then Lawrance will go instead of Wilson/Foley, which I think is unlikely.
Is Trap takes Coleman as a midfielder then Wilson or Foley will go.

I think it is likely that Trap will opt for an additional full back as cover he has 4 players that can play at centre back in the squad (O’Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, O’Dea)

The final place will be between McCarthy and Gibson. Think it will come down to how much game time Gibson gets between now and the end of the season, unless Fergie spends in January, then Gibson should get at least 10/15 games between now and then given United’s injury problems in centre midfield. Think that will hand Gibson the chance to make the 23.

Normally get 5 players put on stand by think that will be Randolph, Foley, McShane, Lawrance, McCarthy, Best.

Think beyond that it’s unlikely that anyone really stakes a last minute claim, Trap is very loyal and if he is happy with the way the squad are with each other then its unlikely he is going to want to upset the applecart just before such a big tournament.

[geysir]

On the plane ( up for grabs)

Given , Westwood ( Final place between Forde , Randolph Brian Murphy and Joe Murphy - Forde in control at the moment)

O'Shea , Dunne , Ward , St Ledger , Kelly ( 2 places from O'Dea Kilbane McShane Clark Foley and Delaney - Can see O'Dea and Kilbane getting the nod)

Whelan Andrews Hunt McGeady Duff Fahey ( 3 places between Gibson McCarthy Lawrence Coleman Hoolahan and Meyler - can see Gibson Hoolahan and Meyler missing out )

Keane Doyle Long ( 2 places for Walters Cox Best Stokes and Noel Hunt - Walters and Cox winning out here)

That's a 3-7-9-5 squad formation.
I see a problem.

[Charlie Darwin]

No worries. Once Gibson goes missing we'll be down to 23.

[geysir]

If we are to have 5 forwards then probably the line to lose out is the back line. We can mange there with just having 7 and have all positions covered for back up.

[Diarmo]

If we are to have 5 forwards then probably the line to lose out is the back line. We can mange there with just having 7 and have all positions covered for back up.

True. it's also worth remembering that Walters can play on the right wing, and that Trap sees Coleman as a right midfielder as opposed to a right back. I do think Wilson, Coleman and McCarthy should make it though. They'll be important players for future Euros so even if they don't get playing time, the experience would be essential for future campaigns.

I'd guess that:

Definites (Barring Injury): Given, Westwood, Kelly, O'Shea, Dunne, St. Ledger, Ward, Whelan, Andrews, Fahey, Hunt, McGeady, Duff, Keane, Doyle,

Probables: Forde, O'Dea, Walters, Long, Cox, Gibson/McCarthy

Maybes: Foley, Coleman, Wilson, Gibson/McCarthy, Lawrence,

The likes of Hoolahan, Meyler, Tierney etc. would have to do something superhuman to make it in at this stage.

[Ghost2hammers]

Whats happened to Villa centre back/full back Ciaran Clarke???? is he out injured at the mo :(

[drummerboy]

Whats happened to Villa centre back/full back Ciaran Clarke???? is he out injured at the mo :(

He hasn't figured much since McLeish took over Villa. Guess he doesn't feel the kid is good enough yet.

[Ghost2hammers]

He hasn't figured much since McLeish took over Villa. Guess he doesn't feel the kid is good enough yet.

Thats a pity...he was looking good....and played well against wales in the carling nations cup.

[Olé Olé]

Thats a pity...he was looking good....and played well against wales in the carling nations cup.

That he did. Plus, he scored two goals against United last season. Form or confidence must be the issue.

Although, I'm not quite sure what McLeish's record with young players was like at Birmingham City. I'm struggling to think of young players who thrived under him. A quick look at the squad doesn't show much of a legacy anyways.

[Charlie Darwin]

That was Arsenal he got 2 against, wasn't it?

[SwanVsDalton]

Yeah was Arsenal. He hasn't had a look-in simply because Villa have had a very settled back four with no injuries. Collins and Dunne have locked him out of centre half, although I wouldn't be alone in suggesting McLeish drop Collins for just about anyone never mind Clark (he's been very poor).

Not sure what McLeish's record is but it's getting to the point Clark could get a run.