Euro 2012 Squad Discussion

[backstothewall]

Best squad possible in terrible circumstances. But if we can get those 3 players to Poland fit and healthy I'm fairly optimistic about our chances

[theworm2345]

Besides the inexplicable omission of Connolly I can't really complain.

[Drumcondra 69er]

Happy with the squad, sorry for Coleman but who would you leave out for him. Sorry for Lawrence as well, always did well for us, was in the starting 11 at the start of the
campaign and now not even on standby....

Get well soon Mr McCarthy, sad news for James.

[seanfhear]

Best wishs to James Dad And to all of the McCarthy family.

[Razors left peg]

Happy with the Squad. Would have wanted McCarthy there but understandable reasons for him not going. When I seen the squad first and he wasnt even on standby I had a little hissy fit!

Im still not convinced that McClean is as good as the hype, hes done very well but we've seen lots of young player over the years do it for a few months and fade away.Thornton was brill in Premiership for a short while and this time last year Coleman was the 2nd coming of Maradona. Coleman still a very good play but hasnt hit the same heights this season

[DannyInvincible]

Coleman's had niggling injuries all season, so hard to judge really.

[Razors left peg]

Coleman's had niggling injuries all season, so hard to judge really.
Fair point

[cestlavie]

Gutted about McCarthy I think he has been the best Irish player this year in the premiership by a mile.
Dont think Forde should be in the squad I would also have at least listed Clarke Hoolahan Pilkington and possibly Wilson in the stand by list Pity about Coleman too but the second part of season has been stop start and he has been unlucky.

[DannyInvincible]

Who you think should be in instead of Forde? It's the third-choice keeper slot, like. There's not a huge deal of difference between him and the other candidates; Randolph, Henderson, Murphy (who's back-up to Paddy Kenny at QPR)?

[elroy]

Happy with squad, like many would've liked to have seen McCarthy but alas not to be and sad news about his dad.

Interesting that trap said he would be in the squad - I assume that means Mcclean has benefited from mccarthy withdrawal.

Not nice thing to say but glad green didn't make squad.

Coleman injuries and poor form sees him miss out. With his exception, the replacements are very uninspiring. Hope the squad as named make it and there are no late injuries

[cestlavie]

I would have opted for Doyle from Birmingham Id say. I know he is not first choice but neither is Forde. Lets hope we dont require the use of the 3rd choice keeper as he dont do crosses. Why is ODea in the squad ahead of Clarke I know it was always on the cards as he appeared to favour ODea but Im not convinced. I would say Fahey although I like Fahey or Hunt would have lost out if McCarthy was in the squad not McClean. I suppose Wes Hoolahan is probably too skillful to be in this squad.

[elroy]

I would have opted for Doyle from Birmingham Id say. I know he is not first choice but neither is Forde. Lets hope we dont require the use of the 3rd choice keeper as he dont do crosses. Why is ODea in the squad ahead of Clarke I know it was always on the cards as he appeared to favour ODea but Im not convinced. I would say Fahey although I like Fahey or Hunt would have lost out if McCarthy was in the squad not McClean. I suppose Wes Hoolahan is probably too skillful to be in this squad.


Trap acknowledged that hoolahan is a good player but said he couldn't change system to accommodate him

[Murfinator]

http://www.european-championship.com/category/European-Championship-News/Duff-left-out-of-Rep-of-Ireland-squad-201205070003/

Like how they changed their story rather than leave the article up. Write a drivel piece about X being left out of the squad, if correct you're the first one that broke the news, if incorrect change the evidence so it never happened. Quality journalism.

[cestlavie]

Anyhow Im fully behind the boys Lets bring it on

[SwanVsDalton]

I would have opted for Doyle from Birmingham Id say. I know he is not first choice but neither is Forde. Lets hope we dont require the use of the 3rd choice keeper as he dont do crosses. Why is ODea in the squad ahead of Clarke I know it was always on the cards as he appeared to favour ODea but Im not convinced. I would say Fahey although I like Fahey or Hunt would have lost out if McCarthy was in the squad not McClean. I suppose Wes Hoolahan is probably too skillful to be in this squad.

Forde was the second best keeper in the 9th best team in the Championship last season, behind only Kenny. This season he's been messed by injuries and simply been undone by Taylor getting in on loan when he was crocked. It's hardly a big call, but Forde's proved himself more than capable.

[cestlavie]

Milwall fans have no faith in him. They always thought he was ok and a decent shot stopper but he he useless on corners and prone to blunders Millwall fans would rather get Taylor in for next season. I work with an ardent Milwall season ticker holder. Trust me he will have to find a new club if he wants first team football next year according to their fans.

I mean I do love seeing ex league of Ireland players in the Irish set up but I hope he wont be needed. I also hope that we dont have to call up Paul Green Good grief how he is in stand by is scary.

[backstothewall]

Milwall fans have no faith in him. They always thought he was ok and a decent shot stopper but he he useless on corners and prone to blunders

Shouldn't be a problem in Poland. It's not like any of the teams we will be playings with be hanging lots of crosses into the box.

[SwanVsDalton]

Milwall fans have no faith in him. They always thought he was ok and a decent shot stopper but he he useless on corners and prone to blunders Millwall fans would rather get Taylor in for next season. I work with an ardent Milwall season ticker holder. Trust me he will have to find a new club if he wants first team football next year according to their fans.

I know a couple of season ticket holders who feel differently - acknowledge his weaknesses while remembering his performances for the last few seasons have been very consistent in getting Millwall to where they are now. Bearing in mind it's third choice keeper we're talking about (a dirt-tracking, water carrying role if ever there was one) it's good to have experience and the right attitude in the role. Forde has both.

[geysir]

I'm glad Gibson decided to postpone his summer holidays, it was close there for a while.
Desperately sad family situation for McCarthy and from a football situation it appears Trap would have named in the squad.

Full steam ahead now.

[DannyInvincible]

Interesting that trap said he would be in the squad - I assume that means Mcclean has benefited from mccarthy withdrawal.

Was wondering that myself. Has McClean only made it due to McCarthy's withdrawal or would McCarthy have otherwise been selected in the place of either Gibson or Fahey with McClean also in the squad?

[DannyInvincible]

http://www.european-championship.com/category/European-Championship-News/Duff-left-out-of-Rep-of-Ireland-squad-201205070003/

Like how they changed their story rather than leave the article up. Write a drivel piece about X being left out of the squad, if correct you're the first one that broke the news, if incorrect change the evidence so it never happened. Quality journalism.

Enjoyed this comment:


Good call on Damian Duff pulling out. A bright and glittering future cleaning the gutters at The Sun lies ahead, where your corroborating skills will be celebrated.

[Charlie Darwin]

Milwall fans have no faith in him. They always thought he was ok and a decent shot stopper but he he useless on corners and prone to blunders Millwall fans would rather get Taylor in for next season. I work with an ardent Milwall season ticker holder. Trust me he will have to find a new club if he wants first team football next year according to their fans.

I mean I do love seeing ex league of Ireland players in the Irish set up but I hope he wont be needed. I also hope that we dont have to call up Paul Green Good grief how he is in stand by is scary.
Who cares what Milwall fans think?

[Carrigaline]

Is anyone unhappy with the squad then?

Personally, I am pretty pleased. The inclusion of McClean shows that if you play out of your skin, you won't be ignored. Hoolahan seems to be the exception to this rule, but at least Trap has explained way he was left out and it is encouraging that he is leaving the door open to him and Stephen Ireland for the World Cup.

[elroy]

Enjoyed this comment:

I particularly like the fact that the link still reads that Duff is out of the squad:

http://www.european-championship.com/category/European-Championship-News/Duff-left-out-of-Rep-of-Ireland-squad-201205070003/

[geysir]

Is anyone unhappy with the squad then?
I'm happy enough. I'm relieved that Gibson and Walters and all the other senior players are there. Sad for James, but from a football perspective I don't know if he would have seen much game time anyway.

[Charlie Darwin]

With Foley's hamstring injury, I have now upgraded the chances of Paul McShane making the final squad to 20%.

[Stuttgart88]

No complaints with the squad. Hoolahan is good enough to travel but at least it's been flagged and explained. McClean's inclusion satisfies everyone and McCarthy's sad circumstances deprive the usual naysayers of a good whinging opportunity - though Trap did say he'd ahve been picked, Irish Times saying at Fahey's expense. The loyal good eggs get rewarded and the united good ship Ireland sets sail for the euros. Bring it on.

I'd like to think the autumn will see Pearce, Clark, Wilson, McClean, McCarthy, Henderson / Randolph, Hoolahan and even Ireland starting to move up a rung or two on the ladder. Unless O'Dea and a few others get good moves their places will be under threat. Still, they'll have their medals to keep them happy.

[drummerboy]

Really think Henderson should have gone instead of Forde. If not Henderson, then Doyle, who has looked really accomplished lately.

[backstothewall]

Really think Henderson should have gone instead of Forde. If not Henderson, then Doyle, who has looked really accomplished lately.

I would have gone with Randolph but if the biggest complaint with the squad is the 3rd goalie then surely Trap's done pretty damn well.

[geysir]

McCarthy's sad circumstances deprive the usual naysayers of a good whinging opportunity - though Trap did say he'd ahve been picked, Irish Times saying at Fahey's expense.
That IT guess might be so but then that means Trap was going to pick McClean and McCarthy originally. I think with McCarthy pulling out, Trap moves Fahey to the centre and drafts McClean in as a wide midfielder.

[Junior]

Just watching Blackburn v Wigan here and if I can just side step the excitement of Poland for just one minute. McCarthy is going to be a fcuking massive player for us in the WC14 campaign. A fabulous second half of the season he's had in particular. I can just see him strutting his stuff in green for years to come, easily carrying out Traps instructions. Best of luck to him, his da and the family.

[tricky_colour]

If Hoolahan had banged in half a dozen own goals in his last few games I feel he might have made the squad.

[brine3]

Yeah, you can see by McCarthy's runs and his awareness that he is too good for that Wigan team.

[cestlavie]

Only a matter of time before McCarthy signs for really big club Still cant believe he is not going Surely this would be a very proud time for his father to see his son at a major championship Hope for a full recovery for his dad and I hope he will be an ever present after the euros for the boys in green as long as Trap gives him a fair crack at the whip

[Charlie Darwin]

That IT guess might be so but then that means Trap was going to pick McClean and McCarthy originally. I think with McCarthy pulling out, Trap moves Fahey to the centre and drafts McClean in as a wide midfielder.
I really don't see how Fahey ever would have been excluded. I think it was between Hunt and McClean.


Only a matter of time before McCarthy signs for really big club Still cant believe he is not going Surely this would be a very proud time for his father to see his son at a major championship Hope for a full recovery for his dad and I hope he will be an ever present after the euros for the boys in green as long as Trap gives him a fair crack at the whip
His dad has cancer. It would be one thing if this was during a season, but the Euros requires you to be away from home for 4 weeks+ without seeing family. McCarthy made totally the right decision. This is an example of the 'personalitee' that Trap is always looking for. I think he will be a starting midfielder in the autumn, his father's health permitting.

[cestlavie]

I really don't see how Fahey ever would have been excluded. I think it was between Hunt and McClean.


His dad has cancer. It would be one thing if this was during a season, but the Euros requires you to be away from home for 4 weeks+ without seeing family. McCarthy made totally the right decision. This is an example of the 'personalitee' that Trap is always looking for. I think he will be a starting midfielder in the autumn, his father's health permitting.

I certainly hope so and I hope this is after a successful ~Euros at that.

[Adrianovic]

The squad looks good as far as I'm concerned, although I wouldn't mind seeing the likes of Ciaran Clark, Wes Hoolahan and Anthony Pilkington be on the standby list.

I'm looking forward to the boys giving it a right good go now and seeing if we can do some damage. But I'm also very excited about what the future holds with some of the younger players we have coming through.

I wouldn't want to be telling James McCarthy what to do at all. Personally, I've not been in his position so I have no idea what he's going through. However, it's perfectly understandable he wouldn't want to be away from home for an extended period and if he says he's not up for it, then it's right for him to stay with his Dad.

[backstothewall]

I think this situation has been handled very well by all concerned in difficult circumstances. Dropping a hint about the story last week removed a lot of the hype today. Credit where it is due to Trap and the FAI.

I have to say I think the FAI have done an excellent job in recent years. 10 years on from Saipan and they give the impression of being a very well run association

[BonnieShels]

o say I think the FAI have done an excellent job in recent years. 10 years on from Saipan and they give the impression of being a very well run association


Remove your tongue from your cheek...

[backstothewall]

Remove your tongue from your cheek...

I didn't think I would ever say it either, but I'm serious. I know without Denis O'Brien we would probably be trying to find a replacement for John Sheridan after another disastrous campaign that saw us slip to 4th seeds for future qualifying campaigns, but whatever about how we got here. Here we stand.

[Crosby87]

All in all a good day other than James dad being sick.
Only thing is who will get hurt between now and Croatia?

[gastric]

Getting excited now, bring on Croatia! I love this for ingenuity, it's 'Joxer goes to Stuttgart' all over again. C'mon Ireland!



http://www.independent.ie/video/video-have-you-seen/man-makes-campervan-for-euro-2012-3100556.html

[theworm2345]

Have to say its a bit of a cruel irony for Keogh, was constantly in squads and indeed playing when he was doing **** all for his club and now he starts scoring and is on standby...not that I'm complaining about it.

[Deckydee]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dUh6t6_X2k

[elroy]

I think this situation has been handled very well by all concerned in difficult circumstances. Dropping a hint about the story last week removed a lot of the hype today. Credit where it is due to Trap and the FAI.

I have to say I think the FAI have done an excellent job in recent years. 10 years on from Saipan and they give the impression of being a very well run association

To an extent I agree with you, but the whole corporate and general admission ticketing in LR has been a shambles. Even the Season ticket launched yesterday appears to offer little incentive to purchase i.e. no discount - particularly in this age where picking up tickets for Ireland games is easy compared to what it was like for some games in the old LR.

I think McCarthy may have considered staying with the squad IF he was more than likely to see alot of game time. In reality, he probably, injuries aside, would be lucky to see 10 mins game time each time. While we all feel like we'd give our heart and our soul to play for Ireland - if you consider the circumstances where you are away in camp for at least a month and your dad is hundreds of miles away receiving cancer treatment - it is a very difficult scenario to deal with.

[Crosby87]

Interesting long article on Trap and the squad.

http://www.espnfc.com/uk/en/news/1065219/trap-quick-draw.html

[cavan_fan]

I know this isnt going to be a popular view but the McCarthy situation surprises me. Professional football is a bit of an odd profession, it requires you to fit your life around a fixed schedule. We all know the not their for the birth of their child type stories etc. Therefore we sort of expect that players will put things aside for their career.

My starter question would be: If this had happened in February would McCarthy have taken 4 weeks off from his Wigan career. Equally would any of us take 4 weeks off work because our father had cancer? It feels to me that Wigan is his job and playing for Ireland is an add on that he will do if he can. I'm not criticising him for that or for his decision but equally there are players who would have gone in this situation.

The only alternative scenario is that he explained the situation to Trap who decided that he would be largely sat on the bench for 4 weeks and it would buy him player good will for the future if he said 'Take the summer off' rather than having a future key player getting annoyed that he was making a personal sacrifice to sit on the bench.

As I say Im not saying I wouldn't have done what he did but rightly or wrongly we expect a level of devotion to the team from our players which is perhaps unrealistic. Also, Im surprised there has been no murmur of criticism. Wonder what the reaction would have been if it was McGeady?

[Polster]

I know this isnt going to be a popular view but the McCarthy situation surprises me. Professional football is a bit of an odd profession, it requires you to fit your life around a fixed schedule. We all know the not their for the birth of their child type stories etc. Therefore we sort of expect that players will put things aside for their career.

My starter question would be: If this had happened in February would McCarthy have taken 4 weeks off from his Wigan career. Equally would any of us take 4 weeks off work because our father had cancer? It feels to me that Wigan is his job and playing for Ireland is an add on that he will do if he can. I'm not criticising him for that or for his decision but equally there are players who would have gone in this situation.

The only alternative scenario is that he explained the situation to Trap who decided that he would be largely sat on the bench for 4 weeks and it would buy him player good will for the future if he said 'Take the summer off' rather than having a future key player getting annoyed that he was making a personal sacrifice to sit on the bench.

As I say Im not saying I wouldn't have done what he did but rightly or wrongly we expect a level of devotion to the team from our players which is perhaps unrealistic. Also, Im surprised there has been no murmur of criticism. Wonder what the reaction would have been if it was McGeady?

If it was McGeady, Keane, Given or anyone, it should be the same, family first, end of, but also remember this is a very young guy.

I am guessing you have never experienced or been close to such a situation. I have seen work colleagues do exactly the same because of the stress, depression and general pressure of a very ill parent. My own wife felt the need to take time off when her mother had terminal cancer. You said it wouldn't be a popular view, and I agree. As for the question of whether he would have done it in Feruary with Wigan etc, well like it or not, Wigan are his employer, not Ireland. Saying that, I am sure if he still felt he needed time off at that stage, he would have done it, but he has decided he will take a break in the Summer, which must be the right decision for him. People are effected in different ways by different situations, so it is very harsh to generalise or suggest how people should handle a specific emotive scenario. I wish him and his family all the best.

[Murfinator]

I know this isnt going to be a popular view but the McCarthy situation surprises me. Professional football is a bit of an odd profession, it requires you to fit your life around a fixed schedule. We all know the not their for the birth of their child type stories etc. Therefore we sort of expect that players will put things aside for their career.

My starter question would be: If this had happened in February would McCarthy have taken 4 weeks off from his Wigan career. Equally would any of us take 4 weeks off work because our father had cancer? It feels to me that Wigan is his job and playing for Ireland is an add on that he will do if he can. I'm not criticising him for that or for his decision but equally there are players who would have gone in this situation.

The only alternative scenario is that he explained the situation to Trap who decided that he would be largely sat on the bench for 4 weeks and it would buy him player good will for the future if he said 'Take the summer off' rather than having a future key player getting annoyed that he was making a personal sacrifice to sit on the bench.

As I say Im not saying I wouldn't have done what he did but rightly or wrongly we expect a level of devotion to the team from our players which is perhaps unrealistic. Also, Im surprised there has been no murmur of criticism. Wonder what the reaction would have been if it was McGeady?

Fair comments although a very sensitive issue that naturally most are wanting to stay well clear of. I would say many of us in the back of our mind have doubts about McCarthy's commitment and this is the latest in a long line of incidents that would raise question marks on the subject. The fact that in his statement he was advised to re-assert his commitment to Ireland in the future suggests that the FAI are aware of the possible doubts.
A question was asked by a journalist during the conference to Trap if alternative arrangements were explored to help facilitate McCarthy playing, Trap replied saying it was the players choice and it was a definitive rejection.

There may be additional significance to all this like wanting to spend a possibly last summer with his father, I wouldn't cast any judgments on a man in his difficult position on this issue. Ultimately he'll have a long career ahead of him and we'll find out in the coming years if he has the dedication and passion for Ireland that is required, I wouldn't place any definitive stock in this.

[cavan_fan]

If it was McGeady, Keane, Given or anyone, it should be the same, family first, end of, but also remember this is a very young guy.

I am guessing you have never experienced or been close to such a situation. I have seen work colleagues do exactly the same because of the stress, depression and general pressure of a very ill parent. My own wife felt the need to take time off when her mother had terminal cancer. You said it wouldn't be a popular view, and I agree. As for the question of whether he would have done it in Feruary with Wigan etc, well like it or not, Wigan are his employer, not Ireland. Saying that, I am sure if he still felt he needed time off at that stage, he would have done it, but he has decided he will take a break in the Summer, which must be the right decision for him. People are effected in different ways by different situations, so it is very harsh to generalise or suggest how people should handle a specific emotive scenario. I wish him and his family all the best.


I have been in a very similar situation and the key is everyone reacts differently of course.

Im not criticizing McCarthy. Its his decision to make and it is an understandable one. However it is clear not all players would do this. It also felt a bit odd that he was playing last night and will presumably play at the weekend v Wolves. I think there is a logical conclusion that playing for Ireland means less to him than playing for Wigan. Again, he's probably not the only player for whom this was or is true but as an Ireland fan I'd rather it was the other way around.