Andy Reid(b 1982)

[Crosby87]

Any particular reason for thinking that? Hope u are right though

I agree. Just a feeling. Trap has got his point across and he will put the best team on the field he can.
I would go as far as to say I would be shocked if he wasnt named.

The Roberto Baggio stuff from 8 years ago or whatever will have no correlation to the situation with Andy IMO.

IF Andy did tell Brady to take a hike he will get over it after Andy apologizes which I am sure he would.
And then they can all move on together to SA........

[Carrigaline]

His free kick today set up a Sunderland goal. He also launched a cross to Bent at the end of the game that he should have scored from.

The man is clearly lethal in the Premier League, yet we still consider Shane bleedin' Long over Andy Reid!

[Murfinator]

I actually think Trap will snub both Andy Reid and Steve Finnan in the upcoming squad. He knows what he wants and he's far too conservative to try something different at such a time.

If we do qualify for the world cup I think he'll call them all up to give them a fair chance but right now I don't see any surprises for the next squad.

[Razors left peg]

I actually think Trap will snub both Andy Reid and Steve Finnan in the upcoming squad. He knows what he wants and he's far too conservative to try something different at such a time.

If we do qualify for the world cup I think he'll call them all up to give them a fair chance but right now I don't see any surprises for the next squad.

I think u are right about Reid but Finnan might get the call

[Yard of Pace]

I actually think Trap will snub both Andy Reid and Steve Finnan in the upcoming squad. He knows what he wants and he's far too conservative to try something different at such a time.

If we do qualify for the world cup I think he'll call them all up to give them a fair chance but right now I don't see any surprises for the next squad.

How would Finnan be a surprise?? :confused:
When fit he's our best full-back.

[Colbert Report]

Three years ago maybe.....he's been injured ever since he left Liverpool for Espanyol.

[Murfinator]

Out for a long time, played no real part in the campaign to date, arguable commitment to the cause given that he retired already and in Trap's mind he would view Finnan as being potentially disruptive if he was called up and left on the bench.

There's a lot of reasons why he wouldn't call him up.

[elroy]

Out for a long time, played no real part in the campaign to date, arguable commitment to the cause given that he retired already and in Trap's mind he would view Finnan as being potentially disruptive if he was called up and left on the bench.

There's a lot of reasons why he wouldn't call him up.

Hes a played the full 90mins in the last 2 games for Pompey so id say good chance he'll make the play off squad. Outside JOSH, prob still our best option at RB.

[Colbert Report]

Hes a played the full 90mins in the last 2 games for Pompey so id say good chance he'll make the play off squad. Outside JOSH, prob still our best option at RB.

He didn't actually. Subbed off on 89 minutes!

[Colbert Report]

Whether or not Finnan comes into the team really depends on whether Trap thinks he'll be a better left back than Kilbane. I can't see him dropping St. Ledger at this point.

Kilbane has given his all for the whole campaign, it would be unfair to drop him at this stage.

[Morbo]

Kilbane has given his all for the whole campaign, it would be unfair to drop him at this stage.
I'm a big fan of Kilbane but Trap has gotta do whatever gives us the best chance of qualifying for SA. Whether or not Finnan would improve the team is debatable, I think his best days are behind him but he would probably be an improvement on Kilbane.

[tetsujin1979]

Whether or not Finnan comes into the team really depends on whether Trap thinks he'll be a better left back than Kilbane. I can't see him dropping St. Ledger at this point.

Kilbane has given his all for the whole campaign, it would be unfair to drop him at this stage.
think it has more to do with whether or not Trapattoni thinks a back four including Finnan is better than one without him VS France
Right now, it's four players from five (Dunne, St Ledger, O'Shea, Finnan, Kilbane) to populate the defence, and the whoever fills the left full back position is still going to be a round peg in a square hole

[Colbert Report]

think it has more to do with whether or not Trapattoni thinks a back four including Finnan is better than one without him VS France
Right now, it's four players from five (Dunne, St Ledger, O'Shea, Finnan, Kilbane) to populate the defence, and the whoever fills the left full back position is still going to be a round peg in a square hole

I couldn't agree more. I think we'd all agree that Finnan is most likely a better player than Kilbane. The question is, is it worth disrupting the team chemistry for what is likely only a small upgrade over Kilbane? I don't think so. Trapattoni has shown already (with his constant selection of Liam Miller) that he is a loyal manager.

Barring injury, the starting team for both legs against the French will be:

Given
O'Shea-St.Ledger-Dunne-Kilbane
Duff-Whelan-Andrews-Hunt
Doyle-Keane

[drummerboy]

I reckon he will play Hunt away and McGeady at home

[seanfhear]

Utmost respect for Kevin Kilbane but If I was sure (and I am pretty sure) that a fit Finnan at right back and J O'Shea at left back would give us a better chance of qualifiying then I would go for it. Kevin would be a sub and would be most likely to come on in the event of injury for almost any of the back four with Kevin coming on at left fullback and the rest of the defence playing in the best variation possible under the circumstances.

[Morbo]

I couldn't agree more. I think we'd all agree that Finnan is most likely a better player than Kilbane. The question is, is it worth disrupting the team chemistry for what is likely only a small upgrade over Kilbane? I don't think so. Trapattoni has shown already (with his constant selection of Liam Miller) that he is a loyal manager.

Barring injury, the starting team for both legs against the French will be:

Given
O'Shea-St.Ledger-Dunne-Kilbane
Duff-Whelan-Andrews-Hunt
Doyle-Keane

I think he will probably go with Lawrence instead of Hunt, Lawrence had a good game against Italy and tracked back well which I think will impress Trap, he is also more likely to be able to exploit Evra's lack of height.

[Junior]

I think he will probably go with Lawrence instead of Hunt, Lawrence had a good game against Italy and tracked back well which I think will impress Trap, he is also more likely to be able to exploit Evra's lack of height.

You're probably right with this one. Id still say McGeady would be ahead of Hunt in Traps mind regardless of the Lawrence decision.

[macdermesser]

I wonder has the thought crossed Traps mind to play Kilbane on the left of a five man midfield for the game in Paris .. with Finnan slotting in at right back and O Shea on the left. Keane playing deep. It would be an ultra defensive move .. I guess it would hinge on us getting a result in Dublin. It would be a bit of a similar move as to when Mc Carthy used to slot in Finnan onto the right of midfield. Or Charlton sticking Staunton and Mc Grath into the middle.

[foureyes]

I wonder has the thought crossed Traps mind to play Kilbane on the left of a five man midfield for the game in Paris .. with Finnan slotting in at right back and O Shea on the left. Keane playing deep. It would be an ultra defensive move .. I guess it would hinge on us getting a result in Dublin. It would be a bit of a similar move as to when Mc Carthy used to slot in Finnan onto the right of midfield. Or Charlton sticking Staunton and Mc Grath into the middle.

i can't imagine anything other than a 4-4-2 in both legs, unless we won maybe 2-0 at home. even then in the away game i think it would still be a nominal 4-4-2 with keane dropping back or doyle going wide. i just don't see him tinkering with the system now.

[Den Perry]

Who picks the team, Trap or Andy Reid?

Like I said, if he wants to play for Ireland bad enough, whether he was in the right or wrong, just say sorry, if that's what needs to be done, even if he did no wrong.

Otherwise it seems clear Trap won't pick him.

If he says sorry and Trap still doesn't pick him, it's clear Reid doesn't fit into Trap's plans.

There can be only one manager.

Why is it people who haven't managed an U10 soccer team think they know more about football than Trap who has 23 major trophies under his belt?

Trap is not a fool, I wish people would get that through their heads.

I agree, Trap is not a fool.However you are one

[Crosby87]

Kilbane has given his all for the whole campaign, it would be unfair to drop him at this stage.

And there is no chance Trap would drop him.

[lionelhutz]

I'm a big fan of Kilbane but Trap has gotta do whatever gives us the best chance of qualifying for SA. Whether or not Finnan would improve the team is debatable, I think his best days are behind him but he would probably be an improvement on Kilbane.

Probably an improvement on Kilbane??!! Are you serious? Liam Miller at left full would be an improvement on Kilbane. Lets be honest here, Kilbane is a nice guy and all but he's an awful footballer. Steve Finnan was, and still is, a class act at full back. There's no question in my mind that Finnan should start at RB and O'Shea at LB.

Finnan has been back for three games for Portsmouth and they've kept two clansheets and have got their only 4 points this season. Thats no coincidence.

[Junior]

out of interest has anyone got Finnans player marks in those 3 games?

[Scram]

Probably an improvement on Kilbane??!! Are you serious? Liam Miller at left full would be an improvement on Kilbane. Lets be honest here, Kilbane is a nice guy and all but he's an awful footballer. Steve Finnan was, and still is, a class act at full back. There's no question in my mind that Finnan should start at RB and O'Shea at LB.

Finnan has been back for three games for Portsmouth and they've kept two clansheets and have got their only 4 points this season. Thats no coincidence.

Agree that.

[Morbo]

Probably an improvement on Kilbane??!! Are you serious? Liam Miller at left full would be an improvement on Kilbane. Lets be honest here, Kilbane is a nice guy and all but he's an awful footballer. Steve Finnan was, and still is, a class act at full back. There's no question in my mind that Finnan should start at RB and O'Shea at LB.

Finnan has been back for three games for Portsmouth and they've kept two clansheets and have got their only 4 points this season. Thats no coincidence.
Yes I'm serious, I think you are exaggerating how bad Kilbane is, yes he has made a couple of blunders this campaign but in fairness to him LB isn't his natural position. I think O'Shea is competent at LB but he is better at RB or CB so you are losing something from O'Shea by moving him, Trap also has to take into account the effect of breaking up a settled back four would have at this stage. I personally probably would start Finnan but I don't think its as clear cut as you make out.

[Colbert Report]

Finnan used to get stuck playing LB to accomodate O'Shea at RB.

[irishfan86]

Finnan used to get stuck playing LB to accomodate O'Shea at RB.

Not trying to be pedantic, but Finnan played left-back or right-mid to accommodate Carr playing at right-back, not O'Shea. When O'Shea emerged as an Irish international, he played for us predominantly at left-full, and then in centre-midfield.

[Colbert Report]

No, I'm sorry, you're mistaken. I'll get the match reports up on here. Finnan definitely had to play left back to make room for O'Shea at RB one many occasions, I'm sure of it.

[irishfan86]

No, I'm sorry, you're mistaken. I'll get the match reports up on here. Finnan definitely had to play left back to make room for O'Shea at RB one many occasions, I'm sure of it.

O'Shea broke through at Man United as a left-full during the Kerr era, and that's where he played for us primarily as well. He played central midfield, centre-half, and left-full during Stan's reign.

As far as I'm aware, Trap is the first Ireland manager to use O'Shea as a right-full.

You're right that Finnan had to play left-full, but that was so Carr could play at right-full (during Mick/Kerr era), not O'Shea.

[richieos]

O'Shea broke through at Man United as a left-full during the Kerr era, and that's where he played for us primarily as well. He played central midfield, centre-half, and left-full during Stan's reign.

As far as I'm aware, Trap is the first Ireland manager to use O'Shea as a right-full.

You're right that Finnan had to play left-full, but that was so Carr could play at right-full (during Mick/Kerr era), not O'Shea.

It happened with O'Shea at right full under stan as well.

[Razors left peg]

O'Shea broke through at Man United as a left-full during the Kerr era, and that's where he played for us primarily as well. He played central midfield, centre-half, and left-full during Stan's reign.

As far as I'm aware, Trap is the first Ireland manager to use O'Shea as a right-full.

You're right that Finnan had to play left-full, but that was so Carr could play at right-full (during Mick/Kerr era), not O'Shea.

OShea was definately at right back under Staunton in Slovakia when we conceeded the late goal. As far as I can remember Finnan was at left back in that game. Im 99% certain that happened a few times under Staunton

[irishfan86]

Hmm, maybe I was wrong now that I think about it. My bad colbert.

[Colbert Report]

Hmm, maybe I was wrong now that I think about it. My bad colbert.

No worries, it didn't make any sense at the time for me as O'Shea was playing left back for Man U as you say. Finnan always got a raw deal, from being dropped in favour of the far inferior Carr to being played out of position to accomodate O'Shea, who played like a donkey his first few years in the green jersey.

[Morbo]

I remeber Finnan playing LB against Wales as well infact I think Stan played him at LB most of the time.

[Drumcondra 69er]

I remeber Finnan playing LB against Wales as well infact I think Stan played him at LB most of the time.

Yeah, the game against Wales everyone thought it was because Bellamy was playing on the right for them and Giggs on the left so Stan in his wisdom was putting their team mates up against them. Onoy problem was he then persisted with it the rest of the campaign pretty much.

[SuperDave]

Andy Reid missed the first penalty tonight in a shoot out. Robbie Keane (with the rebound so it wouldn't have counted in a shoot out) and Steven Reid scored theirs.

[tetsujin1979]

man, I'd have had Reid as a nailed on certainty to score a penalty

[irishfan86]

man, I'd have had Reid as a nailed on certainty to score a penalty

Looks like Trap has been right all along! ;)

[elroy]

Just scored (apparently) a great free kick. Theres no doubt this guy should be in the squad whatever about the XI

[Carrigaline]

Just scored (apparently) a great free kick. Theres no doubt this guy should be in the squad whatever about the XIQuality free alright.

[SuperDave]

Wait.... you're recommending we have Reid in the squad for his free kicks.... do you want me to remind you how we scored the second v Italy last month? We have plenty of players who can take free kicks and we are enough of a threat from them already to avoid having to bring back a proven disruptive influence.

[Scram]

Wait.... you're recommending we have Reid in the squad for his free kicks.... do you want me to remind you how we scored the second v Italy last month? We have plenty of players who can take free kicks and we are enough of a threat from them already to avoid having to bring back a proven disruptive influence.

Reid's free kick, I assume was DIRECT in to the goal, a bit different don't you think?

There are many reasons he should be in the squad, not least of all, the calibre of some who are in the squad.

[dr_peepee]

Only seen the highlights on MOTD, but he looked quality again tonight. And wasn't confined to the left again either...

If Keane was ever out for any reason I'd want Reid playing behind Doyle without a shadow of a doubt...

[joema]

He's some quality player.

Anyone who says otherwise does not know football.

[Noelys Guitar]

Watched the whole match (shown this evening on Fox)and in the first half very much like last week Reid was average. In the second half he was the best player on the pitch (just ahead of Gordon). He turned the game for Sunderland. How he is not in the squad is?. It was like watching Brady in his prime.

[FarBeag]

It’s getting beyond a joke now that he is not in the squad. He is currently playing better than any other Irish player bar none. I said it before but Andy Reid’s omission from the Irish squad will come back to haunt Trap. For whatever his rational is (which he has yet to clarify btw) he can’t afford to be ignoring someone of his ability

[Noelys Guitar]

It’s getting beyond a joke now that he is not in the squad. He is currently playing better than any other Irish player bar none. I said it before but Andy Reid’s omission from the Irish squad will come back to haunt Trap. For whatever his rational is (which he has yet to clarify btw) he can’t afford to be ignoring someone of his ability

He was unplayable in the second half. He switched wings contantly. I counted 5 (yes 5) through balls that should have been converted. He created Sunderland's second goal with the perfect ball out to the right wing. A pure joy to watch an Irish player play football the way it should be played.

[tetsujin1979]

I messed about a bit with the ChalkBoard on the Guardian's site, and came up with this

Reid Crosses that lead to shots on target (including his goal)
http://tetsujin1979.googlepages.com/reidPassesToShotsOnTarget.jpg
1 shot from a corner

Reid Crosses that lead to shots off target
http://tetsujin1979.googlepages.com/reidPassesToShotsOffTarget.jpg
2 shots going wide

[third policeman]

I think its legitimate for a manager to make contraverial judgements / decisions about players, but when they are as seemingly perverse as this one, he must also be willing to explain and defend them. If we qualify without Reid he may be vindicated, but if we dont fans and the media will be right to question this decision. Trapp's problem is that even if there was a rational and footballing reason for Reid's exclusion he would not be able to articulate it due to his limited command of English. But it begs the question, what is Brady for? He does not seem able to influence or affect Trapp's decision-making, he is not able or willing to explain it. It's not as if he provides any informed contextual knowlege about our playersor or helps Trapp understand and manage the sensibilities of the Irish public and media. Brady was nothing more that a PR sop, a marginalised and irrelevant token Irishman who cannot even persuade Trapp to include a player he allegedly admires and whose undoubted talents would be a huge enhancement to a mediocre squad ahead of two crucially important games.

If Trapp believes that making a point about Reid is ore important than maximising our chances of qualification, then he should not be managing the team. If Brady cannot communicate that point to him then he is also taking money under false pretences.

[Noelys Guitar]

I messed about a bit with the ChalkBoard on the Guardian's site, and came up with this

Reid Crosses that lead to shots on target (including his goal)
http://tetsujin1979.googlepages.com/reidPassesToShotsOnTarget.jpg
1 shot from a corner

Reid Crosses that lead to shots off target
http://tetsujin1979.googlepages.com/reidPassesToShotsOffTarget.jpg
2 shots going wide

Leaving out the free kick and the pass that created the second goal Reid played three defense splitting passes on the left hand side (each time leaving a Sunderland player completely free to play the ball back across the box). He played a perfect ball to Bent through the middle which Bent screwed wide. And he played a defense splitting pass on the right hand side (again leaving a Sunderland player clear of the West ham defense). All in the second half of the game. It was as good a performance from any player of any nationality that you are likely to see this weekend in the Premiership. If Man United had Reid and Sunderland had Carrick the scores yesterday would have been 5 or 6 nil United. Sunderland would have lost 3 or 4 nil. Thats how good he was.