Ireland U21 Squad Named (v Denmark 28th May & Italy 4th Jun)

[Predator]

Noel King has named his squad for the upcoming games in Tallaght (against Denmark) and The Showgrounds (against Italy).

http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3942/ireland/2012/05/16/3106679/ireland-under-21-squad-named-for-denmark-and-italy-matches


Ian McLoughlin - MK Dons
Aaron McCarey - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Mark Connolly - Unattached
Shane Duffy - Everton
Greg Cunningham - Manchester City
Niall Canavan - Scunthorpe United
Lanre Oyebanjo - York City
John Egan - Sunderland
Jeff Hendrick - Derby County
Eunan O’Kane - Torquay United
Richie Towell - Hibernian - on loan from Celtic
Aidan White - Leeds United
Conor Clifford - Chelsea
Samir Carruthers - Aston Villa
Conor Hourihane - Plymouth Argyle
Sean Murray - Watford
James Collins - Shrewsbury Town
Rhys Murphy - Arsenal
Aaron Doran - Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Robbie Brady - Manchester United

Unfortunately, captain Rob Kiernan looks set to miss out as he's recovering from an ankle op. Also heard it mentioned that Forrester and Matt Doherty are on standby.

Surprised that Joe Mason isn't in there, or Daniel Kearns and Gav Gunning.

[AlaskaFox]

Great to see O'Kane in the squad. I'll say no more for fear of turning this into the eligibility thread. ;)

[drummerboy]

Matt Doherty was interviewed in the Irish Times yesterday and alluded to the fact he was not selected but that was on standby. He is not a happy camper and said at first he would be booking a holiday but then backtracked somewhat. I suppose the fact that clubmate Richie Towel, who he is keeping out of the Hibs team in selected is a little annoying to him.

Having said all that it is a strong squad. I was surprised that Forde of Wolves is not involved. I'm not surprised Gunning is left out, don't think he made a good impression when last in the squad.

[Charlie Darwin]

Forde is in Doolin's U19 squad if I remember correctly. Forrester should possibly be in ahead of Rhys Murphy but that is a very strong midfield selection.

Does this mean it's confirmed Mark Connolly has left Bolton?

[Dodge]

Cork's Gearoid Morrissey is on standby too.

Disappointed Forrester sin't involved (for purely tribal reasons)

[tetsujin1979]

It was probably a long shot, but I'd like to have seen Conor Henderson in there as well. He's not long back in training at Arsenal, and has completed a few games for the reserves.

[tetsujin1979]

Does this mean it's confirmed Mark Connolly has left Bolton?
It's not official yet, but he posted this on twitter yesterday:
https://twitter.com/#!/Mark5Connolly/status/202359655752663040

I'd like to thank everyone at bolton wanderers football club for the past 3 years.. Great bunch of players there that ill miss, wanna wish
from https://twitter.com/#!/Mark5Connolly/status/202359843783323648

Them all the best for next season and I'm sure ill be seeing yous next year ☺
from https://twitter.com/#!/Mark5Connolly/status/202360117725892608

Also a massive thank you to the fans for there support over the last few years, it has meant a lot

[DannyInvincible]

Great to see O'Kane in the squad. I'll say no more for fear of turning this into the eligibility thread. ;)

Just on that... :p

Is Rhys Murphy committed to us then? He played competitively for England at under-19 level and has already featured in a competitive game for us at under-21 level. My previous understanding was that it would mean he's effected his solitary switch, but possibly he can still opt to switch back. Things were left a bit up in the air on that in the eligibility thread and I recall 'Not Brazil' was awaiting an email back from FIFA in order to confirm what exactly effected a switch; was it any competitive game or merely a senior competitive game?


It was probably a long shot, but I'd like to have seen Conor Henderson in there as well. He's not long back in training at Arsenal, and has completed a few games for the reserves.

Any idea how he's looked since his return?

[Junior]

I know these lads have their own threads but anyone got a quick update on Conor Clifford and Greg Cunningham - post injuries/loan spells? Not read anything on them for a while.

[Not Brazil]

I recall 'Not Brazil' was awaiting an email back from FIFA in order to confirm what exactly effected a switch; was it any competitive game or merely a senior competitive game?


Letter sent to FIFA dated 26th March 2012 - no response to date.

[IsMiseSean]

Anyone have details on tickets for the game in Sligo? Might make the trip to warm up for Euro2012...

[tetsujin1979]

Any idea how he's looked since his return?
There's only been two reserve games since he came back, Everton and Newcastle, he started the Newcastle game - http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3424639/reserves/newcastle-res-v-arsenal-res?tab=report - but didn't feature at all against Everton - http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3509878/reserves/arsenal-res-v-everton-res?tab=report
He did complete 90 minutes in a friendly in April VS an Oman selection: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/friendly-arsenal-xi-1-oman-0-match-report but that's the last of any first team action I can find for him

Short interview with him after the Newcastle game: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/henderson-i-felt-no-fear-on-comeback
Wegner on Henderson's return: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-it-s-fantastic-to-see-henderson-back

Been pretty quiet on twitter recently too: https://twitter.com/#!/Henderson_91 (https://twitter.com/#%21/Henderson_91)

[Olé Olé]

http://www.lionofviennasuite.com/2012/5/15/3021489/bye-bye-baby-mark-connolly-leaves-bolton
Article there on a Bolton blog in which the author states her disappointment on Connolly's exit. That £1million they paid to Wolves can certainly be deemed a sunk cost. Hopefully a decent clubs picks him up.

Interesting to see Rhys Murphy in there ahead of somebody like Joe Mason, given that Murphy was unable to register a goal for Preston in League One, whilst Mason finished off the season quite well with Cardiff. King must be keeping faith with Murphy on the back of his scoring debut.

Fantastic to see Murray and Carruthers make the step up with both having impressed many quarter in the second half of this season. McLeish held a lot of faith in Carruthers so hopefully that faith will be bestowed upon the incumbent manager at Villa, whoever that may be.

All the best to young John Egan, a month on after his father passing away.

[nigel-harps1954]

Kinda scratching my head as to why Joe Mason isn't selected.

[Predator]

Kiernan suggested to Duffy via Twitter yesterday that he probably wouldn't be fit until the game at home to Turkey. He said something like "Don't let me down. Get the Italian Job Done!" :o

Matt Doherty was interviewed in the Irish Times yesterday and alluded to the fact he was not selected but that was on standby. He is not a happy camper and said at first he would be booking a holiday but then backtracked somewhat. I suppose the fact that clubmate Richie Towel, who he is keeping out of the Hibs team in selected is a little annoying to him.

Having said all that it is a strong squad. I was surprised that Forde of Wolves is not involved. I'm not surprised Gunning is left out, don't think he made a good impression when last in the squad.Doherty's comments might not endear him to King too much. He might see that as an undesirable attitude problem.

What did you hear about Gunning? He was playing well enough at left back before Cunningham regained his fitness.

[tetsujin1979]

Carlisle's Paddy Madden called into the U21 squad: https://twitter.com/#!/Paddymadden/statuses/204861453780516865

Called into Ireland 21s squad for the game vs denmark #buzzing (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23buzzing)

[Dodge]

Strange one. He's been released by Carlisle and his agent/brother has been shopping him around LOI clubs.

He's 22 too. From memory he was 1/2 caps from the 2009 season

Nothing from the FAI?

[Charlie Darwin]

He hasn't been released. Where are you getting that from?

[Dodge]

He hasn't been released. Where are you getting that from?

His contract is up, isn't it?

Just what the rumour mill was saying. Apologies if wrong

[Charlie Darwin]

Nope, he has a year to run. There's a little piece about his call-up on the club's website:


"We're all delighted for Paddy," United manager Greg Abbott said.

"He had to battle back from his injury last season and playing games at this level will do him the world of good. Hopefully he'll perform well and he'll come back to us on a real high so that he is ready to go again for next season."

http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10361~2784973,00.html

[Dodge]

Thanks for that.

[Olé Olé]

Madden called up and still no Joe Mason? Something up there. Maybe he's in the same boat as Connor Smith was refusing the under 19 call up, citing fatigue.

[tetsujin1979]

FAI confirm Madden's call up, along with Ronan Murray: http://www.fai.ie/international/under-21/102538.html
Cian Bolger and Kevin Long are going to train with the squad until Sean Murray and Samir Carruthers join up after completing their U19 duties

[Predator]

How do you mean "until" the others join up? Will they leave then, or what?

It's an interesting choice. I think Bolger and Long are both centre backs, while Carruthers and Murray are midfielders. Other players in the squad who can play CB are: Connolly, Oyebanjo (both mainly used at RB), Canavan, Duffy, Egan (used at LB when Duffy & McGinty were 1st choice CBs for Doolin). I suppose it can do no harm to have competition.

I'm very surprised that no LOI players have been included.

[ifk101]

How do you mean "until" the others join up? Will they leave then, or what?

It's an interesting choice. I think Bolger and Long are both centre backs, while Carruthers and Murray are midfielders. Other players in the squad who can play CB are: Connolly, Oyebanjo (both mainly used at RB), Canavan, Duffy, Egan (used at LB when Duffy & McGinty were 1st choice CBs for Doolin). I suppose it can do no harm to have competition.

I'm very surprised that no LOI players have been included.


Not sure about Bolger but Kevin Long is a centre half.

Lots of young talent in the LOI so yes somewhat surprising nobody from the league is included. But in saying that, the selected squad does look quite strong on paper (attack wise at least).

[tetsujin1979]

How do you mean "until" the others join up? Will they leave then, or what?
dunno, it's from the FAI press release: http://www.fai.ie/international/under-21/102538.html
King has also invited Cian Bolger (Leicester City) and Kevin Long (Burnley) to train with the squad prior to the Denmark game as Sean Murray and Samir Carruthers will still be involved in Ireland under-19 duty.

[Dodge]

How do you mean "until" the others join up? Will they leave then, or what?

I'm very surprised that no LOI players have been included.

The two things are related. Only lads who were back in Ireland and doing nothing else were called up as 'extras'. They're not really in the squad but ing is having a look at them.

Some LOI players were on standby but they've been allowed stay with their clusb (who all have games this weekend) rather than just be called up for training

[Predator]

Cheers Dodge.

[Dodge]

Jamie McGlynn, 17 year old left full who layed with Pats u19 side last year (and has yet to play with first team) is training with the u21s too

https://twitter.com/JMcG_3/status/205966276617703424

[Predator]

Unfortunately I won't make this game in Tallaght tonight. Is anyone going? 7:30pm kick off, pay at the gate.
Also, according to the Independent, Michael O'Neill is going to be at the game...

[tetsujin1979]

Yeah, I'm going. Looking forward to it too, should be a good build up to the Italy game for the team

[theworm2345]

Ian McLoughlin, Kevin Long, John Egan, Shane Duffy, Greg Cunningham, Niall Canavan, Richard Towell, Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady, Aidan White, Eunan O'Kane, Rhys Murphy

Subs: Ronan Murray, Aaron McCarey, Paddy Madden, Conor Hourihane, Robbie Gibbons, Mark Connolly, James Collins, Conor Clifford

http://www.extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18339/1/

Disappointed there is no TV or radio coverage.

[Olé Olé]

Ian McLoughlin, Kevin Long, John Egan, Shane Duffy, Greg Cunningham, Niall Canavan, Richard Towell, Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady, Aidan White, Eunan O'Kane, Rhys Murphy

Subs: Ronan Murray, Aaron McCarey, Paddy Madden, Conor Hourihane, Robbie Gibbons, Mark Connolly, James Collins, Conor Clifford

http://www.extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/18339/1/

Disappointed there is no TV or radio coverage.

Very strong line-up by Ireland, considering it has 12 players!

They got it wrong in the panel down the side but right on the matchtracker; Kevin Long doesn't start.

[SkStu]

be interesting to see how these lads fare, especially the prospects Duffy, Cunningham, Hendrick, Brady and Aidan White. Very strong team though overall.

Very surprising that Mason isnt there, maybe he is tired after a long season? Wonder why he was excluded...

[gastric]

Disappointing result.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2012/0528/322739-republic-of-ireland-under-21s-lose-in-dublin/

[tetsujin1979]

Was at the game last night. I thought the teams were well matched, very little between them. The two central midfielders, Towell and Hendrick formed a defensive shield in front of the defence, with very little coming through the middle to trouble the centre half pairing of Duffy and Canavan
Greg Cunningham captained the side from left full, it's the first time I've seen him play for Ireland since the friendly loss against Norway at home, and he's definitely put on some muscle since then! He linked well with Aidan White in front of him, and overlapped well to get into the last third of the pitch.
On the other side, Brady pushed forward from the right wing to support Eunan O'Kane and Rhys Murphy in attack, but I felt he left John Egan at right full exposed quite a bit and the majority of the Danish chances in the were coming from there. Brady did have the ball in the net in the first half, a long shot taking a wicked deflection off Murphy but it was unfortunately ruled out for offside against the Arsenal frontman.
Brady opened the scoring with an excellent free kick, drilling home from outside the area after Murphy had been fouled. Unfortuantely, the Danes equalised almost immediately. Cunningham conceded a free kick on the left side, and the subsequent free kick took a deflection off the wall, wrong footing McLoughlin and into the far corner of the goal.
Brady was again involved in the final goal of the night, conceding a soft penalty after contesting a ball in the air.
A rash of substitutions saw the game peter out, but not before a claim for a penalty for the home side when Aiden White was fouled, but a throw in was the result.
Of the introduced players, James Collins made the biggest impression, offering movement and ability in the air that was missing with Murphy playing alone up front.

[gastric]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/burnley-defender-long-gets-first-ireland-under21-callup-3124825.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/burnley-defender-long-gets-first-ireland-under21-callup-3124825.html)

[Predator]

I'm unable to make this game either. Huge game though.

Tets, based on what you saw in the Denmark game do you think King knows his team? He's played pretty much the same group for most of the games of his tenure.

It was also interesting to hear Egan play at right back. It just shows that he is capable of playing anywhere along the back.

[tetsujin1979]

I'm unable to make this game either. Huge game though.

Tets, based on what you saw in the Denmark game do you think King knows his team? He's played pretty much the same group for most of the games of his tenure.

It was also interesting to hear Egan play at right back. It just shows that he is capable of playing anywhere along the back.
I'd say Rhys Murphy will be dropped for Collins, and possibly Egan won't start, but other than that it'll be the same XI that started against Denmark.

[Closed Account]

Big game today, in Sligo v Italy. A win will set them up nicely. They don't get the attention they deserve, partly because they massively undrrform, and partly because Don Givens was such a goon.

Tets, in the last game, Denmark, did they play a system similar the seniors, i.e two centre mids sitting.

[tetsujin1979]

Big game today, in Sligo v Italy. A win will set them up nicely. They don't get the attention they deserve, partly because they massively undrrform, and partly because Don Givens was such a goon.There's some streams available online for it as well


Tets, in the last game, Denmark, did they play a system similar the seniors, i.e two centre mids sitting.They didn't push forward alright. Most of the penetration came from Brady on the right, or Cunningham overlapping with White on the left. O'Kane played in the hole behind Murphy, which is where the creativity from the middle of the park should have come from, but he was poor. Hourihane came on from him in the second half, and was much better. Collins was up front at that point, and Hourihane was breaking and feeding off knock downs from him, rather than playing through the middle.

[strangeirish]

http://www.bliner-nightwishtarja.tk/p/blinertv.html

1 down from an o.g.

[Real ale Madrid]

Any Radio coverage for us poor misfortunates at work ?

[EastTerracer]

Looks like Shane Duffy has had a shaky start based on the live text updates on http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2013/matches/live/day=29/session=1/match=2006922/matchcenterlight/index.html




http://www.uefa.com/imgml/icons/event/goals_O.gif 3 Duffy (Republic of Ireland) scores an own goal.
3 Florenzi (Italy) takes the free-kick.
http://www.uefa.com/imgml/icons/event/yells.gif 3 Duffy (Republic of Ireland) is booked.
2 Duffy (Republic of Ireland) gives away a free-kick for a challenge on Immobile (Italy).

[BonnieShels]

Based on that he could easily be the new Richard Dunne.

[the bear]

http://www.vipbox.tv/watch/54962/1/ireland-u21-vs-italy-u21-live-stream-online.html

[Predator]

Just saw the replay of the foul and own goal. Poor enough. As the half went on he's settled a bit though. Went close enough with a header before the break.

[Real ale Madrid]

Ireland have come from 2-0 down to be level 2-2 with about 15 left - even a draw would be a decent result. Brady Pen and Cunningham with the goals.

Edit - Full time 2-2. A win at home to Turkey in August secures 2nd place in the group before the trips to Hungary and Italy. Best 4 second placed teams from 8 groups get into playoffs for the finals, - maybe we are finally seeing a bit of progress at this level. Well done to them,

[Stuttgart88]

Over, 2-2.

And to think Kingdom wanted Duffy called up for the Euros :)

[swinfordfc]

Over, 2-2.

And to think Kingdom wanted Duffy called up for the Euros :)

If they finish 2nd in group .... do they go into a playoff?