Cyrus Christie D Hull b.1992

[DannyInvincible]

There's been a bit of discussion on him already, but it looks pretty certain now that Christie will be brought into the squad at some point over the coming days/weeks/months, so might as well give him a thread of his own...

I'd been wondering how he qualified, but Dan McDonnell confirmed that he's O'Neill's first "granny rule" recruit (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/euro-2016-diary-keanes-culture-club-lightens-the-mood-30653003.html), so I guess that means he qualifies by virtue of an Irish grandparent.

[liamoo11]

know absolutely nothing about him is he better than matt doherty?

[gastric]

know absolutely nothing about him is he better than matt doherty?

He's possibly more attacking minded and faster than Doherty. Taller too. Both are potential back up to Coleman which increases our options. Good work by O'Neill.

[liamoo11]

He's possibly more attacking minded and faster than Doherty. Taller too. Both are potential back up to Coleman which increases our options. Good work by O'Neill.

any chance he left footed playing out of position on the right?!

[Deckydee]

Some news...

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/oneill-ready-for-return-to-paradise-291540.html

...How his players coped against the world champions on Tuesday in the absence of two such key men was a source of satisfaction for O’Neill who, incidentally, has confirmed that Derby full-back Cyrus Christie is now firmly on course to declare for Ireland.....

[Philly]

Martin O'Neill said in his interview on TalkSport yesterday that we didn't have backup for Coleman, something he hopes to rectify in the next couple of weeks. So I guess we can expect Cyprus to be in the next squad. It's a bit of a surprise they didn't have a look at Matt Doherty but there you go.

[TrapAPony]

Cyrus Christie is flattered to be linked with a possible call-up for the Republic of Ireland but the Derby County (http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/derbycounty) defender says he is just concentrating on his club form.

The 22-year-old right-back is eligible to play for Ireland through his nan, who was born in Dublin.

“They (Ireland) have been in touch and said they have been watching me since the start of the season,” said Christie.

“It would be an honour to play for the Republic of Ireland but I am just concentrating on what I am doing for Derby. Anything else that comes along is a bonus.

“Somebody spoke to me about the possibility last year while I was at Coventry City but I never heard back.”

http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/DERBY-COUNTY-Cyrus-Christie-focused-Rams/story-23277248-detail/story.html

[DeLorean]

Christie one of the early season bargains (http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/DERBY-COUNTY-Rams-defender-named-best-value/story-23392480-detail/story.html#ixzz3GzDhvzz4)

[Crosby87]

Call him up Trap!

[Deckydee]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/lambert-warns-of-dangers-in-rushing-grealish-into-bigtime-30701288.html

Injuries to Glenn Whelan and Wes Hoolahan have weakened O'Neill's hand for Glasgow. But that will not stop him from naming a large squad today that will be cut down closer to the time. Derby's Cyrus Christie, a childhood friend of Grealish, is ready to declare for Ireland and is another prospective option for the US test.

[DannyInvincible]

I was hoping we might see Christie feature in the US game at least, but I can only imagine he's not quite yet got his papers in order, as they say. It's also taking David McGoldrick quite a bit of time, isn't it? It's not as if either player is switching from one association to another, so there shouldn't be any FIFA administration holding up matters.

(Why is the Scotland game thread locked, by the way?)

[DannyInvincible]

Seems to have played pretty well today. Some comments on his performance against Wolves from Derby's forum via YBIG (http://www.ybig.ie/forum/cyrus-christie-rumour_topic50033_post1564901.html#1564901):


Christie - 8 - Now, you've got to remember that Wolves had one dangerous player on that pitch - Sako - and Christie bettered him every time. In fact, as the game went on Sako came deep for the ball and decided to go through the middle because he knew Christie had the beating of him.

IMO this game was maybe the most mature (or is it maturest?) game form Christie. Tactically spot on, made Sako's life pretty hard. It was great to see their biggest attacking threat tussling near their own corner flag. Just great. Later Sako was frustrated and roamed around and doing things without purpose.

Christie 7 - solid links well with JR.

Christie 7 - energetic overlapping

and for some balance :
I thought Christie was poor. Dawkins was only ok. 5-0 flattered us.

[Dermotron]

In the squad for Scotland game

[Wangball]

Just saw on twitter he got a congratulatory tweet from Derrick Williams of Bristol City and as of now it has been favourited twice, once by Cyrus himself & another time by a player whose name I dare not mention for fear of banishment, lets just say it rhymes with Smack Breelfish.

What does it mean? Who knows. Why have I shared it? Why not....!

[Kingdom]

Derrick Williams has a big 18 months ahead of him - when Bristol get promoted they have to scope to keep on an upward trajectory and he'll need to stay in their first XI to push himself on.

[DannyInvincible]

Just saw on twitter he got a congratulatory tweet from Derrick Williams of Bristol City and as of now it has been favourited twice, once by Cyrus himself & another time by a player whose name I dare not mention for fear of banishment, lets just say it rhymes with Smack Breelfish.

What does it mean? Who knows. Why have I shared it? Why not....!

Indeed, the sentiment expressed by Williams (https://twitter.com/DSWilliams_/status/531812722963660800), and favourited by Christie's friend at Villa, was as follows:


@cyruschristie (https://twitter.com/cyruschristie) choose ireland yeah? Love that geez

[Wangball]

Big time, he has all the potential in the world and seemingly a good attitude to go with it (leaving Villa to chase 1st team football despite the offer of a contract extension).

I hope he makes the grade and pushes onwards, his versatility across the back 4 would be a big asset

[DeLorean]

Cyrus Christie...

-Linked with an Irish call up
-Actually included in an Irish squad

All within his first page on foot.ie.... now that's something!

[DannyInvincible]

Everything we need to know about Christie is in here, I'm told: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ireland-newbies-cyrus-christie-and-david-mcgoldrick-30732828.html


Name: Cyrus Christie

Club: Derby County

Age: 22 (Born September 30, 1992)

Weight: 12st 4lb (78kg)

Height: 6ft 2in (1.88m)

The right-back has made 18 appearances for Derby County since his summer move from Coventry City and has already become a fans favourite for his attacking displays.

He joined the Coventry academy setup at eight years of age and left the club in the summer having made his debut as a 17-year-old in August 2010, making 116 appearances.

He was brought to the Rams to replace Andre Wisdom who was on loan at County last season.

His availability is a big plus for Martin O'Neill who has become reliant on David Meyler to provide right-back cover as Seamus Coleman battled through his injury woes.

He qualifies to play for Ireland through his Dublin-born grandmother.

He has been central to Derby's promotion push and they currently sit on top of the Championship table having convincingly beaten Wolves 5-0 at the weekend.

[DeLorean]

It's a pretty big commitment from Christie. He obviously knows that injury or an unlikely positional switch aside, it's going to be near impossible to oust Coleman. At just 22, who knows where the next few years might take him? He looks like being a Premier League right back next year as things stand. I don't think England have any right backs at the moment that look likely to be as indispensable as Coleman.

[Fixer82]

I'd never even heard of him.
Surrised Matt Doherty wasn't given a go but saw him wearing gloves in a match the other day so maybe O'Neill/Keane thought 'I just can't trust a man who wears gloves'

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Everyone knows my stance on Granny rule players, i thought we were already relatively covered with Coleman, O'Brien and Doherty at RB and there are 4 or 5 better forwards than McGoldrick already in the squad but they are committed and hungry and that's all you can ask for! Nobody even knew Christie was eligible 2 months ago and now here he is after turning down England U-21 honors - no ifs, buts and maybes; In the USA squad and the Scotland squad.

It's not Kane, Naughton or Bamford but always good to have options i suppose!

[OwlsFan]

Everyone knows my stance on Granny rule players!

You flatter yourself.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

You flatter yourself.

http://thescore.thejournal.ie/cyrus-christie-republic-of-ireland-1774306-Nov2014/

"The England U21s were in touch as well but for me the Republic of Ireland was the better option. They’ve not got many right-backs here so that was the main thing but the manager getting in touch with me – that’s always a pleasing aspect. There are more opportunities and they’ve got a good team here and the manager getting in touch with me – that was more of a selling point as well.”"

“I’ve seen Seamus Coleman numerous times. He’s a terrific player – it’s tough competition but I think I can learn a lot from him. He was in the Team of the Year last year and I think he’s been one of the best full-backs in the Premier League for the last few years. It’ll be good to be alongside him and learn from him. It’s pleasing to see that there’s not too many people ahead of me – that you’re going to be given an opportunity. I think that’s what’s good about playing for Ireland.”

[Charlie Darwin]

At least he's honest I suppose.

[Stuttgart88]

I've no problem with that. We know there are "career oriented" players out there. He made his mind up promptly and credit for that.

[Fixer82]

http://thescore.thejournal.ie/cyrus-christie-republic-of-ireland-1774306-Nov2014/

"The England U21s were in touch as well but for me the Republic of Ireland was the better option. They’ve not got many right-backs here so that was the main thing but the manager getting in touch with me – that’s always a pleasing aspect. There are more opportunities and they’ve got a good team here and the manager getting in touch with me – that was more of a selling point as well.”"

“I’ve seen Seamus Coleman numerous times. He’s a terrific player – it’s tough competition but I think I can learn a lot from him. He was in the Team of the Year last year and I think he’s been one of the best full-backs in the Premier League for the last few years. It’ll be good to be alongside him and learn from him. It’s pleasing to see that there’s not too many people ahead of me – that you’re going to be given an opportunity. I think that’s what’s good about playing for Ireland.”


Jesus who does his PR?
Metion the word pride at least once will ya Cyrus? We'll all sleep a bit easier

[Deckydee]

Picture of the new boys in training

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/other/mccarthy-sits-out-training-as-oneill-views-new-recruits-650609.html

[Stuttgart88]

Caption competition. I'll start with a very poor effort.

CC: "Farking freezing mate innit? Is it too late to defect to England?"

DMcG: "At least I didn't declare for Scotland when they wanted me. If it's cold here it'll be way worse there"

[dr_peepee]

"Where's that b****x Grealish... This was all his idea!!!"

[DannyInvincible]

I've no problem with that. We know there are "career oriented" players out there. He made his mind up promptly and credit for that.

Definitely. He has been quick to dismiss the England interest and has declared for us early in the day, which is to his credit. As a dual national, he was more than entitled to weigh up his options. Why wouldn't he? Many England-born players who've declared for us haven't had the burden of such an option to weigh up. And just because he's career-oriented doesn't mean he can't feel a sentimental attachment to Ireland or pride in representing the land of his grandmother either. He's an Irishman in law now and I'm sure that pride is something that will only further develop the more he immerses himself in the squad and explores/finds that side of his identity.

[Kingdom]

"Fack me Cyrus, not a poppy in sight, where's the facking respect, 'innit"

[Stuttgart88]

"Jesus, this is some culture shock. The real Irish lads were talking about some bloke in an Irish soap opera. I've never even heard of him"

"That's Miley, Cyrus".

[Kingdom]

I was wondering were they going to give him a nickname like Billy (as in Billy Ray Cyrus) or Browner (as in Christy Brown) but then thought of Miley (as in Miley Cyrus, and Miley from Glenroe)

Looks like I'm not alone there Stuttgart

[Deckydee]

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/ireland-made-winning-pitch-for-cyrus-christie-when-interest-was-growing-1.1996956

[paul_oshea]

They werent speaking to eachother lads so those captions are just whatever ye felt the order of the day was.

Its more like Cyrus the Virus realised they had made a mistake following the drills, he informs McGoldy who promptly and slyly does a quick turn in the hope no one notices. None of ye have obviously been involved in drills or got them wrong :P

[paul_oshea]

I've been secretly hoping for this, great to read:

“Yeah, I’ve played at left back,” he says, agreeably. “I played left back when I was first in the Championship, played there quite a few times so I’m capable of playing there, it’s just the same as right back really, there’s not much difference. I don’t mind playing off my left foot.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

The natural question is, if Cyrus falls out of favour, how would he feel about being called up to preliminary squads and left out of the final squads? And how would he feel if he was left out of squads?

Would that be a good thing about playing for Ireland?

[Olé Olé]

I've been secretly hoping for this, great to read:

“Yeah, I’ve played at left back,” he says, agreeably. “I played left back when I was first in the Championship, played there quite a few times so I’m capable of playing there, it’s just the same as right back really, there’s not much difference. I don’t mind playing off my left foot.

Christ. It's not hard to see his trail of thought on that one. It follows on from his praise of Coleman really.."Coleman's class.. but that Ward lad...."

[BonnieShels]

Who cares? Why preempt something not remotely on the table at present.

If he resents his initial call up then fine. But that's his prerogative. Kevin Foley did similarly after the Euro squad announcement and he's from Ireland. Is he immune to criticism or is the criticism covering your own xenophobic beliefs about "impure" Irishmen

Edit- always thought he was from Palmerstown. Turns out Luton. Anyway I think your concerns at Christie's motivation are OTT.

[Stuttgart88]

The natural question is, if Cyrus falls out of favour, how would he feel about being called up to preliminary squads and left out of the final squads? And how would he feel if he was left out of squads?

Would that be a good thing about playing for Ireland?why don't you ask him via Twitter and come back to us if you don't like his answer? In the meantime just accept it for what it is.

[DeLorean]

The awkward moment when Cyrus Christie realises Seamie Coleman is shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or and Jon Flanagan is England's new right back.

[DannyInvincible]

Who cares? Why preempt something not remotely on the table at present.

If he resents his initial call up then fine. But that's his prerogative. Kevin Foley did similarly after the Euro squad announcement and he's from Ireland. Is he immune to criticism or is the criticism covering your own xenophobic beliefs about "impure" Irishmen

Edit- always thought he was from Palmerstown. Turns out Luton. Anyway I think your concerns at Christie's motivation are OTT.

Even the likes of Simon Cox and Paul Green - in a similar boat eligibility-wise and ignorantly maligned by some in terms of their commitment - have never once huffed or thrown their toys out of the pram when they've missed out on the post-preliminary squad refinement. They are always available for (re-)selection, whether they've made earlier squads or not. Why someone's first reaction would be to rhetorically assume with suggestive "questioning" that the case might be any different with Christie, I don't know. So, nothing natural or inevitable about such a question at all; just more silly suspicion and thinly-veiled hostility in order to stir some sh*te...

[gastric]

You have come up with a whole new angle to aggravate people. Christie has gone and organised a passport to represent us. He is an Irish player now. Our gain, someone's else's loss IMO. if you are implying that he is somehow a mercenary, he is our mercenary and that is good enough for me.

[BonnieShels]

He passes the Gastric Band. Which shows that the band isn't effective mind and that a doctor should be summoned.

[gastric]

He passes the Gastric Band. Which shows that the band isn't effective mind and that a doctor should be summoned.

Yes, it is for TOWK and should be summoned straight away!

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Even the likes of Simon Cox and Paul Green - in a similar boat eligibility-wise and ignorantly maligned by some in terms of their commitment - have never once huffed or thrown their toys out of the pram when they've missed out on the post-preliminary squad refinement. They are always available for (re-)selection, whether they've made earlier squads or not. Why someone's first reaction would be to rhetorically assume with suggestive "questioning" that the case might be any different with Christie, I don't know. So, nothing natural or inevitable about such a question at all; just more silly suspicion and thinly-veiled hostility in order to stir some sh*te...

There we go with the belligerence again.

Christie said a major part of his reasoning to declare for Ireland was that there wasn't many players ahead of him in the pecking order, he had a great chance of game time and he has been fast tracked into a competitive squad. He emphasised this, not me. Simon Cox and Paul Green didn't emphasise this when they were selected so I have no clue why you are bringing them up other than to "stir some ****e" as you eloquently put it.

It seemed a valid hypothesis on my part.

[Deckydee]

Just found this:

http://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/cyrus-christie-exclusive-interview-with-fai-tv

[DannyInvincible]

Just found this:

http://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/cyrus-christie-exclusive-interview-with-fai-tv

If he was originally struggling with the pronunciations of Kildare, Clontarf and North Wall, I wouldn't like to hear his stab at Muckanaghederdauhaulia!

[tricky_colour]

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/2013/09/miley_cyrus_wrecking_ball.jpg

He seems a fit looking lad but he needs to learn to lace his boots up properly.
Also he needs some new kit he seems to have out grown that one.