Squad announced for Croatia

[eirebhoy]

Harte was suffering a confidence crisis during the World Cup, before that he was loved by most. The way he's talking about getting back into the team I'm sure his confidence is well sorted.

I've said this a few times but I really believe it to be true. I honestly believe Harte has got hypnosis to help his confidence. I'm 100% sure hypnosis works as I've had it before. We could all see how afraid Harte was on the ball during the world cup. He never used to give interviews. Now he's in every newsapaper telling how shocked he is at been left out of the squad.

I can always tell when a player is low in confidence as I suffered it myself. I am a much better footballer when drunk because I don't worry about making mistakes. I'm pretty positive Harte's bad spell for Ireland was down to confidence.

Levente are on Sky Sports this weekend so I'd advise all to watch him, I haven't seen him play for Levante yet.

Its all well and good trying to forget about Maybury but O'Shea is living on his 1st season rep.

[Slash/ED]

His second and third seasons were still FAR better than anything Maybury has ever produced. Maybury is a shockingly bad player, it's embarassing we have to rely on him. As for Harte, even with confidence like he had in his early days he was defencively weak due to having no pace and poor positional sense. People expected that side of his game to develop, but sadly it hasn't. Confidence or no, if he can't defend he's no use as a defender and even at his best Harte can't defend imo, second choice left back for me, O'Shea until someone better comes along.

[Slash/ED]

Kerr on Delap...

“I considered Rory but the players who have played in the last four games are all available now. I’ve selected him in plenty of squads and for one reason or another, mostly due to injury, he hasn’t been available to play. We’ve a 25-man squad there and you can’t include everyone that you’d like to.”

Sorry but I think that's complete and utter non sense. The man in possesion thing Kerr has is absolutley stupid, espically for a bloody friendly. When other mid fielders in the squad includes someone who struggles to make the bench at feckin Coventry, a rubbish first division club, it's a joke really.

[eirebhoy]

When other mid fielders in the squad includes someone who struggles to make the bench at feckin Coventry, a rubbish first division club, it's a joke really.
I agree that Delap should be in the squad but it wouldn't be at the expense of Barrett as they both play in different positions. Holland would probably be first for the chop if I had my way.

[Slash/ED]

I agree that Delap should be in the squad but it wouldn't be at the expense of Barrett as they both play in different positions. Holland would probably be first for the chop if I had my way.

Well Delap can and has done a job on the right and a better one than Barrett but yeah, I'd have him in ahead of Holland if I had to pick between them anyway.

[1MickCollins]

Kerr on Delap...

“I considered Rory but the players who have played in the last four games are all available now. I’ve selected him in plenty of squads and for one reason or another, mostly due to injury, he hasn’t been available to play. We’ve a 25-man squad there and you can’t include everyone that you’d like to.”

Sorry but I think that's complete and utter non sense. The man in possesion thing Kerr has is absolutley stupid, espically for a bloody friendly. When other mid fielders in the squad includes someone who struggles to make the bench at feckin Coventry, a rubbish first division club, it's a joke really.

Great manager you would make! drop the players who have come in and do a good job for a guy who is always injured come international game time, friendlies are the only real opportunity for Quinn or Barrett. Please show me one game where Delap was outstanding for Ireland?

I think Quinn is a decent one-dimensional player and Barrett is not turning out the be the players he thought he would be - but I think Kerr has made the right choice in calling them up. I have never understood this Delapmania.

[dr_peepee]

Alan Quinn deserves his place in the squad without a shadow of a doubt.

But the Delapmania amongst the fans you talk about I think is more a case of barretmania amongst Irish selectors. MaCarthy was the same. Calling Barrett up while he was an Arsenal reserve or on loan at Brighton the there were far more deserving/qualified options overlooked.

If Kerr had named just a 22 man squad excluiding the likes of Harte, Delap.... Who could justifiably complain given the performances of those that have come in.

But it's the notion the Colgan warrants a place over Stack, Maybury over Harte and Barret over Delap (or arguably Steven Reid given that he's just back from injury) that I can't get my head around in any way.

[1MickCollins]

I agree obviously on Alan Quinn.

On paper - Stack a Millwall regular who has played well versus Colgan a Stockport County bench warmer - it's a no contest. As Stack was called up last season while at Arsenal I can only imagine it is the potentially very embarrassing legal proceedings that that he may become involved in that is the reason behind his not being called up, so perhaps a sensible decision, who needs the bad publicity if things go south?

Maybury over Harte? Even Solomon might pause on that one. My feeling is that Harte is not as bad as we sometimes say but jeez he plays football like he is on a pub team. I have seen very little of Clive Clarke but he sounds a better prospect that Maybury.

I would take Steven Reid over Barrett or Delap, I was hoping Barrett would do the business this season but....not. Reid has huge potential and I have not been impressed by Delap wearing the green. What exactly does Delap offer other than being a guy who can play in multiple positions?

[dr_peepee]

I gave up on Barrett some time ago. Even after his goal against finland Liam Brady was reluctant to say anything more than the 'Good lad' shpeel, and he'd know him better than anybody. It was the same for him last year at Coventry as it is this year. We've better options.

The delap thing for me is as much about thinking beyeond Roy Keane as it is about who to play with him. In Holland, Carsley??, Kilbane, Quinn and Kavanagh we have a bunch of hard working men who are at best average to good top flight midfeilders. For us to funciton properly as a team we have to find the best combination from an average bunch, and the only way to truly judge is through exposure.

Who here see's Kilbane in the middle long term? Who frets over Kilbanes erratic form? Who has been truly convinced by Holland (though as it stand i think he's our best option beside Keane)?. Who has seen much of Quinn and Kavanagh? Who worries over the status of Quinn and Kavanagh as first division player?

Now an objective, non irish, premiership fan would categories Delap in a bracket with these lads, some may argue even better. So by excluding him out of a misplaced sense of loyalty is only limiting our options down the line. We have to think beyond the next 90 minutes, especially in Friendlies.

[Kevin77]

Im really getting p!ssed off with Kerr and his favouritism. Left-back is a problem position for us. We have a left-back playing out of his skin with the team that is coming third in the best league in the world. Harte has played every game this season for Levante. Also, Rory Delap has arguably been the form Irish player over the past month. He could add so much to our squad. As Don Vito pointed out, if he was uncapped, we'd be mad to have him playing.
Nick Colgan is on the bench at Barnsley. Its not like we dont have alternatives. Graham Stack is possibly our second best goalkeeper. As someone pointed out already, Barrett doesnt always get his game at Coventry. Kerr will bring about his own downfall if he continues to bear grudges. At least Richard Dunne's form is so immense that he is forced to include him.
This sort of over-reaction is what scares me about message boards. The hysterical cries for Ian Harte to be dropped (some would have said shot) a few years ago were over the top. Now the commotion for him to be included is almost as deafening. The fact he’s playing for a third placed team in the in the best (arguably) league in the world means very little. In the past (when everyone was clamouring for his ommision) he was playing for a team placed third in the best (arguably) league in the world (remember when Leeds were up there?). Incidentally, I do think he should be in the squad. It would be folly to assume that Levante are the third best team in the league and based on that assume that Harte is now a must pick on the basis of that. Levante may end up in the mid-table. The manager of Levante (Bernd Schuster I think), may get to the transfer window and a better left back becomes available. Next thing you know Harte is at a mid table Spanish side in the reserves. Let’s get things in perspective. Harte is a reasonable left back, fantastic dead ball specialist, bit too slow and has ordinary postional sense. Also all those that say Duff has learnt to defend, so Harte might not be as exposed. Do you have short memories? For most of McCarthy’s tenure, the defensively sound Kilbane played in front of Harte.

Rory Delap arguably the form Irish player this month! What??? Based on what? The two goals against Arsenal? He is an honest hardworking player that probably deserves a squad place. He is not even the best player in a struggling Southampton side. As for the form player of the month? Surely Richard Dunne (not just based on Utd match…he’s been in solid – great form all season), Robbie Keane, Kenny Cunningham all have greater claims?

Probably agree with you about Stack, although I’d have Kenny ahead of him still based on experience. Not sure about Colgan. Would be my fourth choice.

Barrett seems to be a bit erratic, so would agree there too.

[Stuttgart88]

I think there’s a lot of sense in the suggestion that Stack may not be included due to his legal situation.

I still fail to see what all the fuss is about over O’Shea’s performances. I think he’s been fine defensively, a bit careless with his passing maybe, so talk of who backs him up is kind of academic.

Remember that Finnan can play pretty well at left full too.

From what I’ve seen of Clarke on TV and at the Unity Cup he looks like a proper natural attacking left-back and I’m surprised he’s not involved.

[Cowboy]

I think there’s a lot of sense in the suggestion that Stack may not be included due to his legal situation.



I obviously missed something, can anyone tell me what is Stacks "legal situation" ?

[Stuttgart88]

http://www.eleven-a-side.com/search/story.asp?newsid=13439

[Slash/ED]

Great manager you would make! drop the players who have come in and do a good job for a guy who is always injured come international game time, friendlies are the only real opportunity for Quinn or Barrett. Please show me one game where Delap was outstanding for Ireland?

I think Quinn is a decent one-dimensional player and Barrett is not turning out the be the players he thought he would be - but I think Kerr has made the right choice in calling them up. I have never understood this Delapmania.

So the fact he's done well in a few friendlys negates the fact he can't make the Coventry bench. We're better than picking players like that, this is a friendly, if ti was a competitive match past performances might come into play but it's not, it's about trying new players for the competitive games and I'd feel far happier about Delap, a premiership regular, as one of our back up players in case of injury than someone who's deemed not good enough to be back up for a shambles of a first division side.

[Lionel Ritchie]

Delap should be in the squad ahead of Quinn and Barrett.

absolutley. BKs thing about players having "come in and done well" is a nonsense. Where's the impetus to play for your place if once you're in -you're in and can only be ousted by injuring yourself? That just doesn't hold water. A premiership player kept out by two (or more) from a lower division just doesn't add up.
you go for the guy with the CV ffs.

[Cowboy]

http://www.eleven-a-side.com/search/story.asp?newsid=13439
Thanks info

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

So the fact he's done well in a few friendlys negates the fact he can't make the Coventry bench. We're better than picking players like that, this is a friendly, if ti was a competitive match past performances might come into play but it's not, it's about trying new players for the competitive games and I'd feel far happier about Delap, a premiership regular, as one of our back up players in case of injury than someone who's deemed not good enough to be back up for a shambles of a first division side.

I agree with you Slash/ED. Kerr is taking things too far. Its like he's weakening the team just to prove a point. I think all players should give 100% for friendly matches and try their best to be involved. Im sure this is Kerr's thinking too. But how hypocritical is it that Kerr chooses to leave out Roy Keane for friendlies. If Roy Keane isnt obliged to do friendlies, then why should any other player. We have 3/4 players in very good form at the moment who have been left out for what I would call journeymen.

[Slash/ED]

I agree with you Slash/ED. Kerr is taking things too far. Its like he's weakening the team just to prove a point. I think all players should give 100% for friendly matches and try their best to be involved. Im sure this is Kerr's thinking too. But how hypocritical is it that Kerr chooses to leave out Roy Keane for friendlies. If Roy Keane isnt obliged to do friendlies, then why should any other player. We have 3/4 players in very good form at the moment who have been left out for what I would call journeymen.

Yeah, what if Alan Quinn plays a stormer in the friendly in central mid field? By Kerrs logic, must we now leave Keane out of each and every squad until Alan Quinn gets injured? I can think of one or two posters on here who would be quite happy if that was the case mind you ;)

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

Yeah, what if Alan Quinn plays a stormer in the friendly in central mid field? By Kerrs logic, must we now leave Keane out of each and every squad until Alan Quinn gets injured? I can think of one or two posters on here who would be quite happy if that was the case mind you ;)

Its hard to fathom Kerr's thinking. There's little logic behind it. I just hope we don't suffer as a result. Touch wood, we won't arrive at a stage in this campaign where we have an injury crisis and are forced to call upon the likes of Nick Colgan, Alan Maybury, Alan Quinn, and Graham Barrett. I dread to think of the consequences.

[Donal81]

Its hard to fathom Kerr's thinking. There's little logic behind it. I just hope we don't suffer as a result. Touch wood, we won't arrive at a stage in this campaign where we have an injury crisis and are forced to call upon the likes of Nick Colgan, Alan Maybury, Alan Quinn, and Graham Barrett. I dread to think of the consequences.

In fairness lads, while I appreciate that Delap is playing regularly in the Premier League, it's not as if Kerr has let us down yet. In our poor performances, it's players playing terribly that has done us in, not their selection. Against Switzerland away and against the Faroe Islands, the lack of ideas in attack from normally creative players was the problem, not Kerr's selection policy.

The one decision that Kerr made that really puzzled me was picking Lee Carsley against Georgia at home when he was the least fit and least talented right-sided midfielder. Carsley played rubbish and was taken off fairly sharpish, having stunted any attack we had that day.

Apart from that, when have his decisions let us down? What player has he constantly selected or ignored to the detriment of the team? Fair enough, Delap can justifiably be upset but he's been called up plenty of times before - Kerr obviously has his reasons.

I will never place a blanket of trust in any manager's decisions but until his selections become clearly misguided, I don't see what all the fuss is about.

[skbio_toronto]

I'm surprised this thread has continued onto 4 pages, to be honest.

The fact whether Delap gets a place on an Irish squad, in the larger scale of things, is largely irrelevant. Lets consider him a contender for the oft-debated right wing slot, which most of us would agree no one has really made their own. Correct me if I'm wrong, but these five players would be ahead of Delap in the pecking order.

Steve Finnan - After a solid performance in the Stade de France

Andy Reid - Well we're not about to shunt Duff off the left wing now are we

Steven Reid - His display against Scotland was very encouraging lest we forget. Shocking aginst Russia at Lansdowne. Potential is undoubted. Will Mark Hughes light the 'Spark' to reinvigorate his career

Liam Miller - Neat n' tidy, plays for United.

Graham Barret - Pardon my candour, but f&ck Coventry. This guy acquitted himself well in the Amstardam Arena. And c'mon he's flipping 5th choice / 6th choice (Depends on your opinion) ! Get over it!

I reiterate, yes, I do feel sorry for Delap. His injuries have always seemed to coincide with Ireland matches. But c'mon lads let the topic die.

SKBIO-TOR

[Slash/ED]

Graham Barret - Pardon my candour, but f&ck Coventry. This guy acquitted himself well in the Amstardam Arena. And c'mon he's flipping 5th choice / 6th choice (Depends on your opinion) ! Get over it!


He's not good enough, and when we have injury crises, and we will, I find it embarassing we'll have to rely on someone who can't make the Coventry bench because of Kerrs short-sightedness.

[Donal81]

He's not good enough, and when we have injury crises, and we will, I find it embarassing we'll have to rely on someone who can't make the Coventry bench because of Kerrs short-sightedness.

Since when has Kerr become short-sighted? I'm not defending the man blindly but I don't really see your point here. He picked some players over others. Some have been there for a while and have done ok when given their chance. Others, such as Delap, have been injured constantly. There are only so many spaces in the squad. Barrett got the nod. Delap might get it the next time. Two average/decent players, one getting his game, the other isn't. The one on the bench gets the nod. It's not that unfathomable that Kerr might have his reasons? End of story, no?

[Slash/ED]

Since when has Kerr become short-sighted? I'm not defending the man blindly but I don't really see your point here. He picked some players over others. Some have been there for a while and have done ok when given their chance. Others, such as Delap, have been injured constantly. There are only so many spaces in the squad. Barrett got the nod. Delap might get it the next time. Two average/decent players, one getting his game, the other isn't. The one on the bench gets the nod. It's not that unfathomable that Kerr might have his reasons? End of story, no?

It's not that he is short-sighted, but he's being short-sighted over this. They're not average/decent players, Barrett is not that, he is poor. He's not on the bench, he struggles to even make the bench at Coventry. We can't rely on players like that it's bloody stupid, he's not good enough for the starting 16 at a shambles of a division one side! The point is if there's an injury crisis we'll have to rely on this and it's embarassing as much as anything else that we're even considering someone who can't make the bench of an awful division one side.

[onenilgameover]

Gary Breen is the second highest goal scorer in that with 7 only kept out of the top spot by Robbie keane on 23. what does that say about our midfield?

[eirebhoy]

Slash/Ed, the reason Barrett hasn't made the bench in the last 5 matches is because he has been out with an ankle injury. :D ;) He played in all of the previous 16 games and scored in his last game.

Also, read a few Soton message boards. Delap is not one of their favourites. I still think he should be in the squad as I haven't seen Holland play well in so long.

[onenilgameover]

Wilo Flood? could be the time and the place...I don't reckon its too early..he is flowin with confidence at the momment why not?

[Stuttgart88]

Anyone see McGeady's footwork in the Old Firm game last night? Pity about the final ball but the trickery was pleasing on the eye.

[inexile]

was just about to post the exact same stuttgart, think this lad could be very special cos he seems to have the pace to go with it, towards the very end when he left the 3 rangers defenders standing i was on my feet shouting what the f.....k, still dont have a clue what he did but it worked, i dont think ireland has every had anyone who could do something like that

[eirebhoy]

There's a link floating about with a flick McGeady did that left an Aberdeen player for dirt. He did the exact same thing last night against 2 Rangers players. It is harder to do than it looks especially when you haven't got much time to think.

Oh, here:
http://www.daviebhoy67.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/McGeadyTrick.mpg

Inexile, that link shows the exact trick he did against the 2 or 3 Rangers players.

[inexile]

yeah i had seen it before eirebhoy but when your watchin it live and not expecting it its something else altogether

[eirebhoy]

yeah i had seen it before eirebhoy but when your watchin it live and not expecting it its something else altogether
Aye, it certainly is. What made it look more bizzare was that the camera barely caught him doing it as it was so fast.

[inexile]

to be honest i think o neill is playing him dead right, it would be very easy to put him in the team every week but o neill seems to want to keep him fresh and look after him which can only be good news for celtic and ireland in the long term

[Stuttgart88]

That's true about watching it live. I saw him cornered by 3 big Rangers defenders and thought he was ****ed. A blink of an eye later and he was gone. I couldn't for the life of me see how he did it.

But then he put in a crap cross!

I think O'Neill is playing him really well too.

[eirebhoy]

But then he put in a crap cross!
Individually his crossing and skills are phenomenal but after he does an amazing bit of skill I think it just goes to his head and he doesn't concentrate on the final ball. A bit of experience should sort that out.

I think he should start for against Croatia. Reid and Duff should be rested.

[tetsujin1979]

That's true about watching it live. I saw him cornered by 3 big Rangers defenders and thought he was ****ed. A blink of an eye later and he was gone. I couldn't for the life of me see how he did it.

But then he put in a crap cross!

I think O'Neill is playing him really well too.

my thoughts exactly, seeing him do it in the clip in plenty of space with a chasing defender is one thing, seeing him do it with 2 rangers defenders breathing down his neck is something else, I was thinking "oh, he'll lose possession ther....what the fcuk was that??" Some lovely footwork.

O'Neill is trying to treat him the same way Moyes did rooney when he broke through, not playing in every game, but letting him off the leash now and again so he's ready and able for regular first team football when the time comes

[inexile]

its funny i was in the pub on my own at the time all my mates were out smoking so there was me on my own roaring what the fcuk was that!!! especially as there wasnt too many people watching in the old mans pub that is my local

[eirebhoy]

McGeady's flick:

right click > save target as:

http://members.boards.ie/eirebhoy/mcgeady%20trick%20v%20Rangers.avi

[Cowboy]

McGeady's flick:

right click > save target as:

http://members.boards.ie/eirebhoy/mcgeady%20trick%20v%20Rangers.avi

Playing this in media player just gives audio, anything I can do to correct this?

[eirebhoy]

Playing this in media player just gives audio, anything I can do to correct this?
Try downloading divX if you don't already have it.

http://www.divx.com/download

[Cowboy]

Try downloading divX if you don't already have it.

http://www.divx.com/download

worked a treat thanks

[tricky_colour]

Thanks for the video clip, however unfortunately the video
switches camera, from a wide to a close up shot, 'mid-trick'
so to speak, so it is quite hard to see what happened!!!
Still it looked a neat trick whatever he did.