Euro 2016 - now we've qualified

[OwlsFan]

So we're there.

Lots of interesting questions now for the squad:

a) If Given is fit should he return?
b) Is there a place for Robbie Keane in the squad?
c) Arter and Judge - should they be given a chance to show what they've got in the pre-tournament friendlies.
d) What is the solution at left back ?
e) Should Walters be the No. 9 ?
f) What role for McGeady ?
g) Who are the two central defenders?
h) You name more.....

The team for the opening game against Georgia was Forde (GK); Coleman, O'Shea, Wilson, Ward; Walters, Whelan, McCarthy (Meyler 90), Quinn (Brady 76), McGeady; Keane (C) (Long 76)

Only 4 of that team started against Bosnia - a team in transition.

[pineapple stu]

An extension of (d) is - where should Robbie Brady play? Wing or full back? Generally used at full-back in this campaign - but got a go on the wing in Bosnia and scored a lovely goal.

That'd then leave left-back just between Wilson and Ward I think? Keeping O'Shea in the centre alongside either Keogh or Clark.

[Yard of Pace]

h) Can we get a psychologist in to explain why Brady can deliver absolutely lethal balls week in week out for Hull and now Norwich but has done so just once that I can think of for Ireland, against USA.

[pineapple stu]

Apparently, Brady has more unsuccessful crosses than anyone else in the Premiership this season. So a mate was saying last night watching yet another ball fail to clear the first man. 22% success rate.

Can't find that online - but maybe last night wasn't an aberration as such.

And technically, he did still get an assist from a set-piece.

[tetsujin1979]

Apparently, Brady has more unsuccessful crosses than anyone else in the Premiership this season. So a mate was saying last night watching yet another ball fail to clear the first man. 22% success rate.

Can't find that online - but maybe last night wasn't an aberration as such.

And technically, he did still get an assist from a set-piece.

it was on football365 yesterday: http://www.football365.com/news/alexis-sanchez-features-on-negative-stats-tables

Most inaccurate crosses (total):
Robbie Brady – Norwich (86 – 78% of crosses attempted)
Marc Albrighton – Leicester City (79 – 79%)
Dimitri Payet – West Ham (75 – 74%)
Matt Ritchie – Bournemouth (71 – 77%)
Dusan Tadic – Southampton (69 – 71%)

[Stuttgart88]

a) Given. No, squad at best. The 3 keepers in yesterday’s squad are the 3 I think should be brought to France. Edit: forgot about Westwood
b) Robbie. Yes, squad player
c) Arter & Judge yes. Keane mentioned Judge in his post-match interview last night
d) Left back: I’d also like to see Cunningham tried. Brady is better there than he is left midfield. Looks the best option at the moment based on last night.
e) McGeady: still a candidate if he’s getting game time. A substitute at worst, respectable chance of starting
f) Walters is essential to this team
g) CBs: Keogh and Clark deserve to stay for now
h) Gibson & Meyler still have something to play for
i) Hoolahan much less effective wide than centrally
j) McClean is exasperating. If people think McGeady is frustrating this guy is worse. Daft fouls in daft places at daft times. I still kind of like him though.
k) Whelan: the debate continues. Should he start in France?
l) McCarthy: getting better?
m) Hendrick: one of the big winners of this campaign.

[backstothewall]

a) To the squad - Yes. To the team - No.
b) Yes
c) Yes
d) I'd like to see Cunningham get a go
e) Stick with the status quo. If it ain't broke.
f) On the bench
g) Honestly not sure

[Yard of Pace]

Apparently, Brady has more unsuccessful crosses than anyone else in the Premiership this season. So a mate was saying last night watching yet another ball fail to clear the first man. 22% success rate.

Can't find that online - but maybe last night wasn't an aberration as such.

And technically, he did still get an assist from a set-piece.

He did, but blow me down, his set pieces were dire. We'd a free kick in the second half I thought he might score from. I don't think it cleared the wall.
And I wouldn't quite read into the failed crosses thing. He's lethal from set-pieces and we need him showing that for Ireland. It worries me!

[Olé Olé]

a) If Given is fit should he return?

No. He'll be another year older and rustier, I'm afraid. Let Westwood, Randolph and Henderson fight it out. Randolph getting a good move away would be a positive.

b) Is there a place for Robbie Keane in the squad?

I think so. Long, Walters, Murphy and Keane are the four. Would be difficult for someone like McGoldrick to justify moving into that four. A young player like Mason might put his hand up like Sadlier in 2002. It must have been tough having not been involved in either leg. He looked a little subdued post-match on the pitch. He still has something to offer in the dressing room and maybe on the pitch too.

c) Arter and Judge - should they be given a chance to show what they've got in the pre-tournament friendlies.

Definitely. Flexible midfield players who look to have quality. Can't ever have enough of those, in case of injury and suspension. They have a few campaigns in them and have improved sharply in the past few years. Hoolahan, Whelan, McCarthy and Hendrick are fairly concrete starters for now, I must say.

Jack Byrne could start to push on too and maybe a few more surprises: https://twitter.com/Jackb_8/status/666374723941621760

d) What is the solution at left back ?

I prefer Brady further forward but he was excellent last night. Maybe Cunningham can push on.

e) Should Walters be the No. 9 ?

Yes. We have goals with him and a 5 man midfield, it appears. Maybe try our hardest to get a partnership to blossom with Long? Or play the same shape as last night with Long replacing Murphy.

f) What role for McGeady ?

None.

g) Who are the two central defenders?

Clark and O'Shea.

[shakermaker1982]

ts of interesting questions now for the squad:

a) If Given is fit should he return?

Happy for him to be the third choice Gk. His experience around the squad would help.

b) Is there a place for Robbie Keane in the squad?

Yes. If we are chasing a goal and going for it then bring him on.

c) Arter and Judge - should they be given a chance to show what they've got in the pre-tournament friendlies.

Yes. Arter can replace Whelan.

d) What is the solution at left back ?

For now keep Brady there.

e) Should Walters be the No. 9 ?

No, keep him where he is. Shane Long is our number 9

f) What role for McGeady ? He needs to play games for his club.

g) Who are the two central defenders?
Clark and Keogh. Stick with em.

h) You name more.....

[geysir]

Brady was there or thereabouts as a starter at the beginning of this campaign, Hendricks has emerged from the rest of the pack of available midfielders and both have become firm first team starters and take the plaudits.

In a context that we have Wes fully fit and match sharp (dare I say - well rested) then Brady can do the wing back at LB. With Wes off the pitch we have a crucial technical deficiency in the middle if Brady is still at LB.
Mo'N will say holding onto the ball is an issue but won't replace Wes with a player who can hold onto the ball. Brady is a more potent player for us in the middle or drifting into the middle. His wide midfield play loses a lot with his poor distribution.

[tetsujin1979]

Now we've qualified there's definitely going to be a qualification retrospective on RTE over Christmas!

[NeverFeltBetter]

[QUOTE=OwlsFan;1849020]So we're there.

Lots of interesting questions now for the squad:

a) If Given is fit should he return?

No way. Time to cut the cord there, would be best for both parties. Given's last tournament display was bad enough, and four years have passed.

b) Is there a place for Robbie Keane in the squad?

Sure, but no guaranteed starts.

c) Arter and Judge - should they be given a chance to show what they've got in the pre-tournament friendlies.

Sure, no problem with that.

d) What is the solution at left back ?

Brady for me, I like the attacking option he provides.

e) Should Walters be the No. 9 ?

Hell yes. As of right now, he has earned it.

f) What role for McGeady ?

Bench. Deal with it.

g) Who are the two central defenders?

A fit O'Shea and Clark.

[Olé Olé]

Brady was there or thereabouts as a starter at the beginning of this campaign, Hendricks has emerged from the rest of the pack of available midfielders and both have become firm first team starters and take the plaudits.

In a context that we have Wes fully fit and match sharp (dare I say - well rested) then Brady can do the wing back at LB. With Wes off the pitch we have a crucial technical deficiency in the middle if Brady is still at LB.
Mo'N will say holding onto the ball is an issue but won't replace Wes with a player who can hold onto the ball. Brady is a more potent player for us in the middle or drifting into the middle. His wide midfield play loses a lot with his poor distribution.

I think a real positive, even if we hadn't qualified, coming out of this campaign is the fact that Brady and Hendrick were bedded into the side and given the chances to make themselves mainstays, which they have been in 2015. They look like players who will be around for a long time as they marry technical ability with so much passion that international football really suits their skillsets.

And that's a positive going into the next campaign where, you have to admit, the opposition is lesser (even though less sides go through). It's re-assuring to see how positive O'Neill has been about Hendrick and Brady and how they've justified his faith. Who knows who could emerge in 2016. There are players like Richie Towell, Chris Forrester, Jack Byrne, Daniel Cleary, Greg Cunningham, Joe Mason, Josh Cullen, Alan Browne, Bradley Garmston, John Egan, Derrick Williams... The list could go on but all those lads have a chance and hopefully some can play themselves into the plans for 2016 and 2017.

[backstothewall]

Upon further reflection I probably wouldn't take Given. It would be letting the heart rule the head. It should probably be Randolph, Elliott & Westwood.

[gastric]

I think a real positive, even if we hadn't qualified, coming out of this campaign is the fact that Brady and Hendrick were bedded into the side and given the chances to make themselves mainstays, which they have been in 2015. They look like players who will be around for a long time as they marry technical ability with so much passion that international football really suits their skillsets.

And that's a positive going into the next campaign where, you have to admit, the opposition is lesser (even though less sides go through). It's re-assuring to see how positive O'Neill has been about Hendrick and Brady and how they've justified his faith. Who knows who could emerge in 2016. There are players like Richie Towell, Chris Forrester, Jack Byrne, Daniel Cleary, Greg Cunningham, Joe Mason, Josh Cullen, Alan Browne, Bradley Garmston, John Egan, Derrick Williams... The list could go on but all those lads have a chance and hopefully some can play themselves into the plans for 2016 and 2017.

Two who could be added to the list would be Duffy and Hoban. While it may sound like heresy, I would rather see McGoldrick go than Robbie, more with an eye on the future than any other reason.

[backstothewall]

I sat down tonight with pen and paper to try to come up with an rough idea of a potential squad (barring injuries etc). Came up with this.

Randolph
Elliott
Westwood

Coleman
Christie
O'Shea
Keogh
Clark
Wilson
Brady
Ward/Cunningham

Whelan
McCarthy
Hendrick
-
McClean
McGeady
Hoolahan
-

Walters
Long
Murphy
Keane

I have 2 open spots. For an regular squad the first would have been Gibson, but with his injury record I think the risk of him picking up something in training and bringing us down to 22 isn't worth taking at a tournament. It's tough on him but there you have it. The place could go to any one of O'Kane, Quinn or Meyler, or the flexibility of Wilson to play in midfield could allow Duffy or Pearce in as an extra defender.

The other spot would have been Jack Grealish if he hadn't gone with England. As it is I'm looking for someone to cover Hoolahan. Arter, Judge and Byrne are the main candidates, but I'm leaning towards giving Byrne a chance in friendlies to claim the spot.

[tricky_colour]

We have seen the stats on Brady's crosses however he has made the 7th highest number of tackles (3.7 per game) in the Premiership.

[DannyInvincible]

a) If Given is fit should he return?
I'd favour Westwood, Randolph and Elliot, in that order. Shay would be third-choice at best (if lucky enough to make the squad ahead of Forde too) and might be good for adding experience/morale-boosting, but we might as well include Kevin Kilbane if we're giving out places based on those criteria. Shay would be a liability if playing, so overall not worth the spot as a result. It's not as if he's playing regularly and he certainly isn't getting any more mobile. His distribution is laboured and he's very injury-prone now too. Great servant and an all-time legend, but t's time we moved on for good, I think. Wildcard mention for Ryan Meara; what's he doing nowadays?

b) Is there a place for Robbie Keane in the squad?
Squad place for Robbie but not starting. I'd rather Robbie in the squad than Shay, as I think Robbie still has something to add beyond mere experience/leadership. Importantly though, Martin has shown there are goals in this team without Robbie. A possible post-Robbie goal drought is something we've been terrified about for years now as Robbie has entered the twilight period of a great career. Pity Walters is the wrong side of 30 too, mind. It's a 23-man squad for the finals, so that'd mean the likes of Doyle and McGoldrick probably missing out, if we take four strikers and Murphy is favoured (along with Long and Walters, obviously). Cox, Rooney and Stokes are other players who have been around preliminary squads of late. Any other options? Would the prospect of playing at the Euros encourage Bamford to commit to Ireland? (Nathan Redmond maybe another who would consider it very seriously? Although the idea of a "johnny-come-lately" coming in mightn't sit well with fans and players alike.)

c) Arter and Judge - should they be given a chance to show what they've got in the pre-tournament friendlies?
Strong yes. It would be criminal not to give these guys game-time to see their worth and bed them in. They're creative and technically-able. These are things we will badly need. Wes will be 34 and we'll have three exceptionally tough games (at the very least) within the space of nine days. Give Richie Towell a chance as well, while we're at it. By the way, when will the friendlies be and how many will we have? There aren't any scheduled yet, unless I'm mistaken...

d) What is the solution at left back?
It's a difficult one. It's long been a problem-area, but Brady has done well there (bar one poor performance, if I recall correctly) and adds an attacking threat. We should give Christie a try there in at least one friendly just to see how he manages as he has played there before. Let's see what Cunningham can offer too. Derrick Williams has also played left-back, although he's stronger centrally. Worth a selection for a friendly squad? Kyle Naughton can play left-back, although throwing another carrot his way would probably be contentious, even if we were desperate. He's 27 now and, as far as I know, has turned down the opportunity to play for us before.

e) Should Walters be the No. 9?
Aye, why not? He's had a great campaign and has been pivotal to our success. He made the difference last night.

f) What role for McGeady?
He badly needs to find a new club and regain full match fitness/sharpness, but he's too talented a player to simply discard. He's invaluable when his confidence is high. We even looked better when he came on in Warsaw towards the end of the game. He made a mess of one cross, but what would we have been saying had Keogh stuck his late header in one of the corners of the net rather than directing it straight at Fabianski? We shouldn't forget the moment of magic in Georgia either. He always has the potential to pull something like that out of nowhere. He's a great lad with great passion for the jersey too - which is part of why I really like him - but I admit they aren't selection-criteria priorities.

g) Who are the two central defenders?
Clark and Keogh have done very well. I had no real fears or concerns and felt secure with them there - exceeded all expectations - although would maybe go with O'Shea over Keogh, just for the elder man's leadership and experience. (Keogh was over the moon last night in celebration and in the post-match interview, by the way; great to see.) We've been tight at the back all campaign though. Dunne's retirement had been a real worry, but we've coped well. Wilson, Pearce and Duffy are other options there. Has Shane O'Neill's development stalled? He's playing in Cyprus now.

[Kingdom]

a) If Given is fit should he return?

no. Randolph is in situ, and deservedly. Westwood would be back-up, with Elliot or perhaps Lawlor 3rd with an eye to the future. If however come June Randolph has kicked little to nothing in anger for his club, Westwood should be a serious contender to start.

b) Is there a place for Robbie Keane in the squad?
I don't see why not. Personally speaking, Walters and Long are our two striking options. After that, it's thin on the ground. Murphy, Doyle, Stokes and McGoldrick are the current strikers while Mason and Rooney, with possibly Madden and ginger Doyle there or thereabouts. It depends on the make-up of the 23 really.

c) Arter and Judge - should they be given a chance to show what they've got in the pre-tournament friendlies.

Absolutely. We're one injury away from catastrophe (no different to many others). Judge is definitely a potential bolter for the Euro's, while Arter could be Hoolahan's replacement either during games, or in the long-run.

d) What is the solution at left back ?
There is two ways to answer that - what isn't and what is....
What isn't is Marc Wilson, Ciaran Clarke or John O'Shea.
What is, can be answered a few ways:

A) Persist with Ward: very open to abuse
B) Persist with Brady: still cagey defensively, but changes the dynamic of the team playing from deep. Natural attacking instincts means the team is not as lop-sided with Coleman pushing on the right.
C) Develop Greg Cunningham.Accept his level, and work on him.
D) Change system to 3-3-3-1. Employ three cb's (any from O'Shea, Keogh, Clark, Wilson, Duffy), employ Brady & Coleman as wb's and then work from there.



e) Should Walters be the No. 9 ?
Yes, without a doubt. We've said for a while we didn't have a lone striker who can score goals. we do.
f) What role for McGeady ?
He has a role, and as possibly his biggest fan here, it upsets me to see his current plight. Still he is the single player in the squad who can take on players run with the ball and create a bit of magic. Needs out of Everton, and I'd suggest abroad. He could do wonders at the Euro's, but he could just as easily not see a minute. if he starts getting game time, it would strengthen the squad. His lack of realistic selection has probably forced O'Neill's hand in terms of team shape, which has allowed Hendrick Whelan & McCarthy to form that midfield trio.
g) Who are the two central defenders?
The old adage of never changing a winning team, or picking your best players? Keogh to me never looks too far away from a calamity, but he's been good the past two months for us. I'm a big fan of Clark. I think both have been central to us not hoofing the ball away blindly as much, with both looking to involve full backs and midfielders as their preferred first option. I don't think leadership is as much of a problem with this squad, hence O'Shea not needing to come back immediately.
I really would like to see Duffy given some game time in the friendlies.
h) You name more.....
I'd like to see him really overhaul the fringe elements of his enlargened provisional squad before the Euro's. The reason for this is due to the WC group we're in. It's a huge opportunity for us to get to two tournaments in a row, or 3 out of 4. A point in Belgrade, the double-header against the communist states, and a point in Vienna sets us up very nicely for the visit of Wales in March 2017. It's relevant because there are precious little friendly dates left for trying out these players. We've the Swiss in march - surely one more game will be added there. Then possibly another two in the run up to the Euro's, followed by one just before the Serbia game in September. Not too much time.

The likes of Duffy, Cunningham, Arter, Judge, mccarey, Henderson, Egan possibly, Doherty, Carruthers, Forrester all merit a look in the next while. Dare I mention Bamford?

I don't see why he should include the likes of McShane, Pilkington, Cox, etc when we have other options that are untested.

[Charlie Darwin]

d) What is the solution at left back ?
There is two ways to answer that - what isn't and what is....
What isn't is Marc Wilson, Ciaran Clarke or John O'Shea.
What is, can be answered a few ways:

A) Persist with Ward: very open to abuse
B) Persist with Brady: still cagey defensively, but changes the dynamic of the team playing from deep. Natural attacking instincts means the team is not as lop-sided with Coleman pushing on the right.
C) Develop Greg Cunningham.Accept his level, and work on him.
D) Change system to 3-3-3-1. Employ three cb's (any from O'Shea, Keogh, Clark, Wilson, Duffy), employ Brady & Coleman as wb's and then work from there.


I think a huge factor in the left-back conundrum is the fact O'Neill has decided on more or less his best midfield and it doesn't feature any wingers. In that light, you need either Brady or Ward at left-back because, as you mentioned, it gives balance when you've got little other natural width. Like them as LBs or not, they're both quick and naturally athletic, like Coleman, where Wilson or Clark aren't really.

[Olé Olé]

The old adage of never changing a winning team, or picking your best players? Keogh to me never looks too far away from a calamity, but he's been good the past two months for us. I'm a big fan of Clark. I think both have been central to us not hoofing the ball away blindly as much, with both looking to involve full backs and midfielders as their preferred first option. I don't think leadership is as much of a problem with this squad, hence O'Shea not needing to come back immediately.
I really would like to see Duffy given some game time in the friendlies.
h) You name more.....
I'd like to see him really overhaul the fringe elements of his enlargened provisional squad before the Euro's. The reason for this is due to the WC group we're in. It's a huge opportunity for us to get to two tournaments in a row, or 3 out of 4. A point in Belgrade, the double-header against the communist states, and a point in Vienna sets us up very nicely for the visit of Wales in March 2017. It's relevant because there are precious little friendly dates left for trying out these players. We've the Swiss in march - surely one more game will be added there. Then possibly another two in the run up to the Euro's, followed by one just before the Serbia game in September. Not too much time.

The likes of Duffy, Cunningham, Arter, Judge, mccarey, Henderson, Egan possibly, Doherty, Carruthers, Forrester all merit a look in the next while. Dare I mention Bamford?

I don't see why he should include the likes of McShane, Pilkington, Cox, etc when we have other options that are untested.

Excellent point and represents my biggest gripe with our management team at present. In general, the team selection has been pragmatic and effective. I'm not Murphy's biggest fan but he serves a purpose. Furthermore, the substitutions are quite positive and McClean and Long are really suited to being brought in as early impact players.

So, while the team is being developed, I don't think the squad is being developed and there is a hesitance to involve young players in the squad. This is in spite of the fact that MON has really bedded in Brady and Hendrick as nailed-on starters this year. All the names above are probably relevant and I've named a few more myself who could do with being involved. An example on this front would be- why do we persist with Adam Rooney in extended squads when he's never going to be involved and Joe Mason sits at home on his hands?

Also, now that we've qualified, who could do with a move in January?
1. If Randolph doesn't get more games at West Ham then maybe his agent could make the most of his improved profile resulting from the last few matches. Given that he was doing well in the Championship, it's hard to see where his next move could be for. Abroad?
2. Not exactly paramount that Judge moves in January as we've selected Championship players enough of times but if he gets regular PL games in the second half of the season then he'll really put himself in contention.
3. McGeady, goes without saying. Anywhere. Championship wouldn't suit him so any top division anywhere.
4. What of Robbie Keane going on one last loan to try and put himself in the picture before the Euros? Stranger things have happened. Proving himself in the PL again on a short-term loan would go a long way. Remember his loan to Villa in 2012? He was hardly dropped for 3 years after. Unlikely though.
5. Josh Cullen to the Championship on loan? Pre-season progress has stalled at West Ham. Difficult to see how a 6 month impact would push him into the plans but he seems to be almost standout for the under 21's of late.

There are a few players that moving to the PL might make a big difference for and some who getting into the first team frame might make a difference for but these are big ifs. They would have to be McClean-style bolters for 2012 but who knows? That wasn't expected either. Richie Towell moving to the Championship or PL and blazing a trail like McClean and Doyle looks most obvious for me.

[pineapple stu]

Not altogether seeing what Elliot has done to merit a place in as many people's squads as he has done. Granted, we don't great choice in keepers with Randolph (has done well - but has gone from a regular the last five seasons to a bench-warmer this season), Westwood (performing very well for Wednesday by all accounts, but not getting a look in at all for country), Given (hasn't really let us down since his return, but not getting his game at club level is an obvious concern), Elliot (4/5 games a season not enough to prepare for a major finals) and Forde (not getting his game in the third flight)

Worth noting Keane is actually having his best season for the LA Galaxy (25 goals in 27 games). The MLS isn't a great standard, but I think there's no question but that Keane is worth his place in the squad.

[Straightstory]

Ireland have hugely benefited from this being a 24 team tournament in France. Apart from the fact that they would have been eliminated already under the old system where just two teams qualify, the group stages in next summer's tournament will eliminate just eight teams from twenty four. And, as we all know, in the knockout stages 'anything can happen'. I think we were incredibly fortunate to qualify, but I think the pressure is off now, and we might actually do quite well. O'Neill might even begin to trust his players to play a bit of football. I don't think we'll repeat the failing of four years ago.
There's quite a while to go until next summer - some new players may emerge to state their case for inclusion. Great servants though they've been, sentimental reasons would be the only criteria to bring Keane and Given to France.

[jbyrne]

I think we were incredibly fortunate to qualify

really? we finished 3 pts ahead of next placed Scotland in our group taking 4 pts off the world champions along the way. we came within a late Richard Keogh header of qualifying automatically. we then well beat the highest ranked team in the play-offs. we were also the only non seeded team to come through the play-offs. some great fortune there ok!

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, agree with that.

We were looking highly unlikely to qualify at the mid-way stage, but we did come through the group with (effectively) a game to spare. But that's not incredibly fortunate; that's just football.

Yes, there were some last-minute goals in there, Georgia beating Scotland was a huge lift (neither of which was incredibly fortunate), and we scored goals against Scotland at home, Poland away and Bosnia at home which were either offside/handball or never penalties, which was the only part which was incredibly fortunate.

[OwlsFan]

really? we finished 3 pts ahead of next placed Scotland in our group taking 4 pts off the world champions along the way. we came within a late Richard Keogh header of qualifying automatically. we then well beat the highest ranked team in the play-offs. we were also the only non seeded team to come through the play-offs. some great fortune there ok!

I agree with you which is why it annoys me when people say Jack's team was fortunate to qualify for Euro 88 when Scotland won in Bulgaria. The fact is that Bulgaria were not good enough to beat Scotland and thus finished with less points than us. Scotland were not good enough to beat Georgia this time and finished with less points than us. That's football as pineapple stu says.

[tetsujin1979]

Lot of people saying we wouldn't have gotten through if it wasn't a 24 team tournament - which is true - but if it was a case of only the top two going through, would the Poland game have been different? We went into that game with a play off spot guaranteed, so there wasn't the same pressure. Had we needed a win, or a draw, to stay involved, it would have been a very different game.

Few mentioned of Towell, Byrne, etc being late additions to the squad. Just remember - Andy Reid is due back in a few weeks!

[backstothewall]

Not altogether seeing what Elliot has done to merit a place in as many people's squads as he has done. Granted, we don't great choice in keepers with Randolph (has done well - but has gone from a regular the last five seasons to a bench-warmer this season), Westwood (performing very well for Wednesday by all accounts, but not getting a look in at all for country), Given (hasn't really let us down since his return, but not getting his game at club level is an obvious concern), Elliot (4/5 games a season not enough to prepare for a major finals) and Forde (not getting his game in the third flight)

For a tournament I don't know how important it is to be playing games. There will be a break after the season with plenty of friendlies. By the time the 1st game comes around I don't think having been 1st choice for ones club offers any significant advantage. But even at that Elliott is likely to play 30 Premier League games between now and then with Tim Krul out for the rest of the season.

[pineapple stu]

Thing will Elliot is he's 29 and has only played 150 games in his career. In the past five years, it's just 24 games. I just don't see that he's that great an option for us. And I know there's no real stand-out option at present.

Didn't realise Krul was out for the season; that might change things alright. Unless Newcastle get a replacement in on loan - or start Darlow, the other sub keeper, when he comes back from injury.

[backstothewall]

Elliott had a worldie the other day against Bournemouth, so he should be safe enough for now. If you can find them it would be worth having a look at the highlights. He mad a string of top class saves.

http://www.espnfc.com/club/afc-bournemouth/349/blog/post/2703420/elliot-denies-bournemouth-as-howe-and-cherries-lose-again

[pineapple stu]

Highlights here -

n1BL0qKzcHY

A couple of good saves alright!

[Stuttgart88]

Kingdom, isn't Wales also a communist state? That bird with the lovely accent REALLY hates the Tories. I suppose you could be a moderate fascist and hate the Tories though.

[DannyInvincible]

Just remember - Andy Reid is due back in a few weeks!

He completely slipped my mind. Hopefully, he can play himself back into contention.

Roy Keane said Arter and Juge will be given opportunities to impress, whilst players like McGeady, Gibson and Pearce need to think about getting more game-time at either their present clubs or new clubs: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/o-neill-spoiled-for-choice-as-he-narrows-down-the-squad-1.2433826

[Fixer82]

He completely slipped my mind. Hopefully, he can play himself back into contention.

Roy Keane said Arter and Juge will be given opportunities to impress, whilst players like McGeady, Gibson and Pearce need to think about getting more game-time at either their present clubs or new clubs: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/o-neill-spoiled-for-choice-as-he-narrows-down-the-squad-1.2433826

I think Andy Reid's days in an Ireland jersey are over. I could be wrong and hope i am because I'm a big fan but surely it's too late for him

[DannyInvincible]

It's relevant because there are precious little friendly dates left for trying out these players. We've the Swiss in march - surely one more game will be added there. Then possibly another two in the run up to the Euro's, followed by one just before the Serbia game in September. Not too much time.

Is the Switzerland game on March 25th the only scheduled friendly at present? It's not actually on the FAI website's fixture list, nor is it mentioned on Sky or the BBC.

Any worth in a 'B' friendly to have a better look at peripheral players?

[Kingdom]

It's on FIFA's calendar!

It absolutely is worth having a B Friendly. I'd have a few of them myself to be honest.

Westwood
Christie Duffy Pearce Cunningham

Arter Gibson Byrne

Bamford Mason Judge

[Charlie Darwin]

Hard to see what you'd learn about Gibson, Westwood or Christie from a B game. Surely you'd use it to identify alternatives rather than confirm what you know. Might as well throw McGeady in as Gibson.

[Kingdom]

You wouldn't learn much about Westwood, but you would have started a relationship between the should-be starting keeper, and possibly starting centre-back for the next campaign. The reason I'd put Gibson in the middle of the pitch, would be as glue for the other newbies to keep some order.

Systems and partnerships, that's all.

[Straightstory]

Yes, there were some last-minute goals in there, Georgia beating Scotland was a huge lift (neither of which was incredibly fortunate), and we scored goals against Scotland at home, Poland away and Bosnia at home which were either offside/handball or never penalties, which was the only part which was incredibly fortunate.

That's quite a LARGE part, though. As someone who remembers the incredible bad luck Ireland used to have in the 70s and early 80s, this sudden good fortune feels very odd.

[SwanVsDalton]

Don't much like B games to be honest - interesting for people like us, but ultimately tells us nothing. Guy has a shocker - he's dead in the water. Guy has a stormer - it's just a B game. Players and coaches don't seem to like them either, since they barely exist anymore.

When preparing for a major tournament, my view is the focus should be on a core set of players who will make the squad - 23 plus a handful with a realistic chance of going/chance to develop. Say 28-30 players. Settling our system, partnerships and tactics for group games should take precedence over preparing for the World Cup, albeit having an eye on September is always worth while. There's balence to found there.

There isn't much room in that thinking for proper, true-blue bolters. Not when Arter has only one cap, Judge has none, Shane Duffy can barely get a look in etc. These are the guys I'd focus on before parachuting in extras. It's much, much better to get quality work out of players than a quantity of people exposed to the squad - 25 people coached intensely is preferable to 35 with less focus.

Not ruling out someone who goes on a red-hot streak between now and June of course - if someone responds to the incentive of the Euros with superb performances, we should all take notice. But it's up to the players foremost, not the management.

There'll be at least probably four, maybe even five friendlies before the finals next year. Most likely won't be finalised until after the draw.

[Stuttgart88]

Yeah, agree with that.

We were looking highly unlikely to qualify at the mid-way stage, but we did come through the group with (effectively) a game to spare. But that's not incredibly fortunate; that's just football.

Yes, there were some last-minute goals in there, Georgia beating Scotland was a huge lift (neither of which was incredibly fortunate), and we scored goals against Scotland at home, Poland away and Bosnia at home which were either offside/handball or never penalties, which was the only part which was incredibly fortunate.Don't forget that Walters should have been penalised for a foul on Flappianski seconds before Long's equaliser.

[backstothewall]

But why call it a B international? The strongest side is rarely picked by any nation in friendlies these days. Just add as many friendlies as possible, and use one to play a team like above. Simples

[tetsujin1979]

Isn't it really great to have something positive to talk about in irish international football again, for possibly the first time since before Euro 2012 kicked off?

[Crosby87]

Do you chaps think this tourney is better than 80% to go on and not get cancelled for security reasons?

[jbyrne]

Don't forget that Walters should have been penalised for a foul on Flappianski seconds before Long's equaliser.

don't forget we hit the crossbar late on in Scotland and that in the same game Scotland should have been down to 10 men for an elbow on one of our defenders (Keogh?)

not convinced walters fouled on that occasion anyway

[SkStu]

We deserve to be there - end of. Nothing fortunate about it where we ended up and to dissect games looking for fouls that we committed before scoring is an endless circle-jerk of an argument. The "what if's" and "what about's" don't mean anything. Luck evens itself out over a campaign, luck also evens itself out over 90 minutes.

[backstothewall]

Do you chaps think this tourney is better than 80% to go on and not get cancelled for security reasons?

It would almost be worth it for the reaction of the NI fans

[Fergie's Son]

Last B game I remember (fondly) I think we beat England 4-1 in Cork?

Would love to see McGeady get some playing time. His goal against Georgia was indeed crucial. Randolph too. Any indication that his status might improve at West Ham?

[Stuttgart88]

We deserve to be there - end of. Nothing fortunate about it where we ended up and to dissect games looking for fouls that we committed before scoring is an endless circle-jerk of an argument. The "what if's" and "what about's" don't mean anything. Luck evens itself out over a campaign, luck also evens itself out over 90 minutes.we do deserve to be there, but equally it's fair to point out just how fragile football fortunes can be. Fortunes don't even themselves out over 90 minutes, that's a lazy cliche. Luck is important. Any game of football is there to be won or lost regardless of the opposition. It's a capricious game. I think we deserved to qualify for multiple reasons, just as we did in 1987 when we wouldn't have qualified if a ref hadn't made an inspired advantage call in Sofia. It's this knowledge that makes analysing our success that bit more special.

And jbyrne, it was a foul all day long. There's no self loathing in pointing this out. Cheer up. We deserved the point, but got a bit lucky in how it was ultimately secured.