Rep. of Ireland v eircom League XI???

[Peadar]

As far as I know Wednesday November 17th is an International date.
We don't seem to have any fixture lined up for that date.
Wouldn't it be good for Irish football if Brian Kerr's side took on an eL XI?
This could become a regular thing if it was a success.
The eL side would be managed by the manager of the current eL champions. He would have his choice of eL manager as his assistant.
No more than 3 players from any one club.
We'd certainly giver Kerr's side a good workout if nothing else.
Ok, so it may not sell out Lansdowne Road but neither would the Czech Rep. or Romania if those games weren't packaged with Brazil.
It's something to consider anyway.

[Plastic Paddy]

As far as I know Wednesday November 17th is an International date.
We don't seem to have any fixture lined up for that date.
Wouldn't it be good for Irish football if Brian Kerr's side took on an eL XI?
This could become a regular thing if it was a success.
The eL side would be managed by the manager of the current eL champions. He would have his choice of eL manager as his assistant.
No more than 3 players from any one club.
We'd certainly giver Kerr's side a good workout if nothing else.
Ok, so it may not sell out Lansdowne Road but neither would the Czech Rep. or Romania if those games weren't packaged with Brazil.
It's something to consider anyway.

I think we'd be setting both camps up as hostages to fortune. If the national team thrashed the eL out of sight (as many people, led by the media, would expect them to do) then it would give plenty of ammunition to those who wish to marginalise the domestic competition. If the eL put up a good showing in such a game, it could seriously undermine Kerr's credibility with the media, the fans and, most importantly with his employers at the FAI.

That said, it's an interesting idea alright. I'd be quite happy to see such a match played out under the guise of a testimonial, say.

:) PP

[Peadar]

I'd be quite happy to see such a match played out under the guise of a testimonial, say.

:) PP

No because Testimonials are not "competitive" and therefore any result could be undermined by people anyway.
You're going to have different sections taking a different view of the result regardless of the guise under which the fixture is played.

Brian Kerr's boys have never "thrashed" anyone and wont do it to the eL boys either :)

[Plastic Paddy]

Brian Kerr's boys have never "thrashed" anyone and wont do it to the eL boys either :)

You have great faith Peadar. I'm afraid I don't share it. It would be at least 4-0 to the national team.

:) PP

[Peadar]

It would be at least 4-0 to the national team.

:) PP


Not on your Nelly!

See, there's a bit of a buzz about this fixture already :D
Ireland "fans" v Proper Ireland Fans!!! :p :D

[Plastic Paddy]

Ireland "fans" v Proper Ireland Fans!!!

Care to clarify what that means, Peadar? :confused: Which camp do I fall into? ;)

:ball: PP

[Peadar]

Can you clarify what that means?
:ball: PP

You've been around this site long enough now PP to know that eL fans are "real" and everyone else is a barstooler :D


Which camp do I fall into? :)
:ball: PP

You're the West Upper Stand type who wont stand for the Mexican Wave.
Suits and Plastics :D

[Plastic Paddy]

You've been around this site long enough now PP to know that eL fans are "real" and everyone else is a barstooler :D

Oh yes, silly me. :o


You're the West Upper Stand type who wont stand for the Mexican Wave.
Suits and Plastics :D

Outed. I'll get me coat. Better still, me Celtic top... ;)

:D PP

[Peadar]

Outed. I'll get me coat. Better still, me Celtic top... ;)

:D PP

1-0 to the eL already :D

BRING IT ON!

[drinkfeckarse]

4-0 would be about accurate I'd say. Couldn't see the Eircom League getting close at all. Pointless debate anyway because it won't happen anytime soon.

Can just see Fergie and the likes releasing O' Shea, Miller, Keane etc to play a "meaningless" pretend competitive ;) match against an Eircom League XI and risk them getting injured for important games. :eek:

[Peadar]

Can just see Fergie and the likes releasing O' Shea, Miller, Keane etc to play a "meaningless" pretend competitive ;) match

Fergie can go stick his fat head back up his own arse!
I'm sure Brian Kerr could put out a very strong side without either of those players.

[thejollyrodger]

ireland were meant to play italy on that date but they have some commitment in asia to see to. I think some crappy teams were mentioned like slovekia, solvenia and places like that

[Peadar]

I think some crappy teams were mentioned like slovekia, solvenia and places like that

Wonderful, that will really keep the buzz alive after the Faroe's a month earlier! :rolleyes:

[drinkfeckarse]

Fergie can go stick his fat head back up his own arse!


Couldn't agree more :D

[Greenbod]

Ireland "fans" v Proper Ireland Fans!!! :p :D


At least the Ireland fans will be supporting a team all of which can prove their Irish nationality. Same would not necessarily be true of an "Eircom" team.

The "Proper Ireland Fans" will support any old mercenary who'll just play for the highest bidding club. :D

[Greenbod]

Wonderful, that will really keep the buzz alive after the Faroe's a month earlier! :rolleyes:


At least Slovakia or Slovenia would provide a decent workout, unlike what's being suggested here :)

[Peadar]

At least Slovakia or Slovenia would provide a decent workout, unlike what's being suggested here :)

I had never intended that any St. Pat's players would be involved so don't worry about Ireland not getting a workout. :p

[green goblin]

I'm sure Brian Kerr could put out a very strong side without either of those players.

Hey, it's only 9 months until the pulse pounding pressure packed party that is the Unity Cup 2005! An' ting.

[Greenbod]

I had never intended that any St. Pat's players would be involved so don't worry about Ireland not getting a workout. :p

:eek: Bitch!

Now you're suggesting Ireland vs a severely weakened Eircom XI!! ;)

[Sheridan]

Never, ever happen. There's no way Kerr would sanction it, as he knows we'd probably win and make him look stupid. Most recent relevant results:

"Ireland" B 1-1 eL

"Ireland" B 4-3 eL

Interestingly, three of Ireland B's five goals were scored by players who might just sneak into the eL squad nowadays (Fenn and Foley.)

[thejollyrodger]

what about ireland B team vs Eircom league XI. Kerr has to set out his first 11 and then pick a second 11. I think it would be a lot more benefical for both sides.

[gustavo]

any1 think the b team would go something like this

murphy
clarke
thompson
mccarthy
tierney
partridge
mcgeady
carsley
delap
macken
heffernan

[Peadar]

Interestingly, three of Ireland B's five goals were scored by players who might just sneak into the eL squad nowadays (Fenn and Foley.)

No chance! ;)
Foley who? :D

[Bald Student]

Sure it would be an unfair contest as Brian Kerr could just pick the best five eL players for the Ireland squad and then not play them. Thus weakening the opposition.

[green goblin]

any1 think the b team would go something like this


"Number 1 is Gary Breen, Number 2 is Gary Breen,
Number 3 is Gary Breen, Number 4 is Gary Breen.
We all dream of a team of Gary Breen's, a team of Gary Breen's ..."
Repeat to fade.

[Peadar]

Sure it would be an unfair contest.

You're assuming that these players would accept being called up to the Ireland squad solely for this fixture. Surely if you were trying to impress Brian Kerr you'd take your chances against one of his teams rather than sitting on the bench?

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

Peadar and Sheridan, ye are talking absolute rubbish. A full strength Irish team would walk all over an EL selection and I'm an EL fan. It just shows how weak the league is when Alan Moore who could barely make an impact at Burnley is one of the league's star players. EL players are just not up to international standard. Mick McCarthy knew that. Brian Kerr knows that. In fact, every Tom, Dick and Harry knows that. Those of you who think otherwise are suffering from acute paranoia. Nobody is out to attack the league. Brian Kerr is simply picking the best Irish squad. Surely he is in a better position than you people to understand the strength of the domestic game.

[1MickCollins]

I would say that the Ireland team doesn't thrash anyone, personally I thought the 3-0 scoreline over Cyprus was _very_ flattering against a team who didn't come to play football, we gifted them 2 great chances and we really didn't create much ourselves. Of course we always play better when under the cosh rather then having the ball for 80% of the time.

The real problem though with this proposal would be that an eL selection would not be a cohesive team, it might be better to play Shelbourne for instance as then at least you are playing a real team and not a quickly assembled group managed by who?

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

I would say that the Ireland team doesn't thrash anyone, personally I thought the 3-0 scoreline over Cyprus was _very_ flattering against a team who didn't come to play football, we gifted them 2 great chances and we really didn't create much ourselves. Of course we always play better when under the cosh rather then having the ball for 80% of the time.

The real problem though with this proposal would be that an eL selection would not be a cohesive team, it might be better to play Shelbourne for instance as then at least you are playing a real team and not a quickly assembled group managed by who?

From what I can remember, Ireland created plenty of chances. Clinton Morrison could have had a hatrick.

[1MickCollins]

Watch the game again and you see just how dire it was. What was I saying?we had 90% of the possession and created about 5 chances. Duff was taken down when he didn't have to be, Reid's cracker was not a 'chance' just brilliance. Yeah Clinton could have had a hat-trick and O'Shea might have had one and that is about it against absolute ****e opposition.

[Slash/ED]

It just shows how weak the league is when Alan Moore who could barely make an impact at Burnley is one of the league's star players.


Alan Moore was a star in the making in England at one stage, he played in two cup finals and has won around ten caps. The only reasoin it went wrong for him was a combination of injuryes and being accused of being lazy, nobody in England ever said Moore didn't have the talent to make it over there. Since moving back here he's been working his a*se off and has been pretty injury free, hence why he's been back to his best.

And if EL players can't hack it at international level then why did Cameroon, a side of similar stature to Ireland, call up Ndo for not one but two world cups and cap him around 30 times?

Results in Europe have proven at this stage that the EL is on the same level as the non old firm section of the SPL, that's proven. Bohs beat Aberdeen, Shels would have beaten Killie if they were full time and results against other opposition show it too. Shels knock out the Icelandic champions the same season an SPL side, Dunfermline I think, are beaten easily by a side who finished below the side Shels beat. Yet EL players aren't upto international level and people like Alan Maybury are? Sorry, that's just wrong. People like Heary should be in ahead of someone like Maybury, who isn't even a top player in the SPL. Hearys done it eight times this season against international opposition including being MOTM marking a spanish international against a team of stars. Maybury looked woeful against a team like Poland. the standard argument holds no water in this case, he's done it against some of the best.

[eirebhoy]

Yet EL players aren't upto international level and people like Alan Maybury are? Sorry, that's just wrong. People like Heary should be in ahead of someone like Maybury, who isn't even a top player in the SPL. Hearys done it eight times this season against international opposition including being MOTM marking a spanish international against a team of stars. Maybury looked woeful against a team like Poland. the standard argument holds no water in this case, he's done it against some of the best.
Mybury is in competition with O'Shea, Clarke and Harte for left back. Heary is in competition with Finnan and Carr for right back. If Heary was to get into the Ireland squad it would not be at the expense of Maybury.

[Slash/ED]

Mybury is in competition with O'Shea, Clarke and Harte for left back. Heary is in competition with Finnan and Carr for right back. If Heary was to get into the Ireland squad it would not be at the expense of Maybury.

Maybury has won a few of his caps under Kerr at right back, and Heary is at least worth a run in a friendly as if Carr gets injured and he wants to play Finnan in mid field, or both are out, we've nobody then.

[Bald Student]

You're assuming that these players would accept being called up to the Ireland squad

Sounds like a classic club Vs country debate. Would they all have to pretend to be injured?

[Superhoops]

ireland were meant to play italy on that date .... I think some crappy teams were mentioned like slovekia, solvenia and places like that

Rumours around that it is Slovenia at home but it will be played on Tuesday 16th not Wednesday 17th. :ball:

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

Rumours around that it is Slovenia at home but it will be played on Tuesday 16th not Wednesday 17th. :ball:

No doubt Sky Sports are behind that decision.

[Plastic Paddy]

Alan Moore was a star in the making in England at one stage, he played in two cup finals and has won around ten caps. The only reasoin it went wrong for him was a combination of injuryes and being accused of being lazy

A star in the making for Middlesbrough? No, don't think so. He was fringe at best in his time with them. Plenty of players have returned from injury to top-level football whilst young; Moore just wasn't good enough.


Results in Europe have proven at this stage that the EL is on the same level as the non old firm section of the SPL, that's proven. Bohs beat Aberdeen, Shels would have beaten Killie if they were full time and results against other opposition show it too. Shels knock out the Icelandic champions the same season an SPL side, Dunfermline I think, are beaten easily by a side who finished below the side Shels beat.

Sorry Slash, I normally respect your judgement even if I don't agree with you, but your line of thinking is far too tenuous in this case to merit further thought. Sure Shels would have beaten Kilmarnock if they had the entire Brazil squad playing for them, but hypothetics just don't cut it here, I'm afraid. The fact of the matter is that Shels didn't beat Kilmarnock. No ifs or ands. The eL just isn't (yet?) up to the standard you pitch it at. Two very ordinary SPL sides in Hearts and Rangers (snigger) managed to qualify for this season's UEFA Cup group stage, something which still seems quite a way off for even one eL side. That's the difference.

:ball: PP

[Slash/ED]

A star in the making for Middlesbrough? No, don't think so. He was fringe at best in his time with them. Plenty of players have returned from injury to top-level football whilst young; Moore just wasn't good enough.

He was an international player and I remember people calling him the new Ryan Giggs. It didn't work out, but he clearly always had talent. Injuries also played their part, as did people questioning his attitude which hasn't been a problem so far back at home.

Either way, Alan Moore has suprisingly enough been quite poor in the league for Shels, his best performances have all come in Europe. I think tiredness has a lot to do with that to be fair, but it's not like he's been dominating matches over here, it's been quite the opposiate really.


Sorry Slash, I normally respect your judgement even if I don't agree with you, but your line of thinking is far too tenuous in this case to merit further thought. Sure Shels would have beaten Kilmarnock if they had the entire Brazil squad playing for them, but hypothetics just don't cut it here, I'm afraid. The fact of the matter is that Shels didn't beat Kilmarnock. No ifs or ands. The eL just isn't (yet?) up to the standard you pitch it at. Two very ordinary SPL sides in Hearts and Rangers (snigger) managed to qualify for this season's UEFA Cup group stage, something which still seems quite a way off for even one eL side. That's the difference.

:ball: PP

Well Shels outclassed Killie, they were the better team. The only thing that worked against us was fitness, Killie got an undeserved late winner having being dominated in Scotland, that was down to being part time. Yes it's ifs and buts, but the next one wasn't. Since going full time, Bohs did beat Aberdeen and knocked them out of the UEFA cup. Those very ordinary SPL sides benefitted majorly from being seeded (Thanks almost soley to the performance of Celtic, and nothing to do with their own ability, espically in Hearts case). Neither would have beaten Lille, Bordeux beat Hearts last season and Bordeux are not even at the same level as Lille in the French league this season. The unseeded teams in the UEFA cup were about the same or worse than Hajduk Split, who Shels did beat and beat well earlier this summer. If the EL sides could benefit from the co-efficent of one side absolutley head and shoulders above the rest dragging their seeding up they'd probably be in the UEFA cup group stages themselves.

Again, lets not forget this summer Shels knocked out the Icelandic champions and Dunfermline were beaten easily by a side that finished below them last year.

[1MickCollins]

Maybe Alan Moore could have been the next Ryan Giggs if he had pushed himself. He got comfy at 'boro and didn't develop. Then when he moved to Burnley and had to win a contract to save his career he worked his socks off and got the contract and then got comfy. Next stop eL. He has the ability but people rightly questioned his attitude, and attitude is linked directly to injuries as well. If you are careless/not motivated you get injured.

Scottish non-old Firm is pathetic. I think Shels could avoid relegation if nothing more.

[thejollyrodger]

Sure it would be an unfair contest as Brian Kerr could just pick the best five eL players for the Ireland squad and then not play them. Thus weakening the opposition

No I meant the Ireland B Team vs the best of the Eircom XI.

Take out the best irish 11 and then pick another 11. It would still be a very formidable team. Pick out the best 11 in the E.L and you would have a excellent example of some of the quality in the E.L. (That maybe should be in the ireland squad)

[thejollyrodger]

The Eircom league has improved. Well Shels have anyway. Lille are currently leading the French league after another win, thats ahead of teams like Monaco etc who are in the Champions league. My money is on lille to win the french league.

[NY Hoop]

Forget this idea. These games are a waste of time and dont prove anything. We are owed trips to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Bulgaria after playing them at home recently.

Hopefully away in november as away friendlies are the best with less of the barstoolers there. Finland and Poland were excellent.

KOH