Serbia v Rep of Ireland - Rajko Mitić Stadium, Belgrade (WCQ) Monday, 5th Sept. 2016

[paul_oshea]

Do Dundalk get compensated for Togers if he misses a game?

[Charlie Darwin]

Do Dundalk get compensated for Togers if he misses a game?
Free pack of condoms.

[paul_oshea]

I didn't say get covered, I should have said covered. :D

Chaza as TD calls you, when is martinez going to spring mcgeady out, after managing his fitness correctly, for Belgium?

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd say he'll probably stick with Mirallas, Paul.

[paul_oshea]

Well he is consistent anyway.

So given might get a run out Wednesday too now? Feck sake. Will keane come back in the play-offs when long is going through his 1 in X goals run, and walters is injured, and murphy is just being murphy and not able score?

On another note, I've just got back from Ireland and am flying back in tomorrow morning. Rip Off dublin is alive and thriving, anywhere near the airport at a half decent price? I've stayed enough with friends the last while don't want to be annoying them again.

[Fixer82]

Well he is consistent anyway.

So given might get a run out Wednesday too now? Feck sake. Will keane come back in the play-offs when long is going through his 1 in X goals run, and walters is injured, and murphy is just being murphy and not able score?

On another note, I've just got back from Ireland and am flying back in tomorrow morning. Rip Off dublin is alive and thriving, anywhere near the airport at a half decent price? I've stayed enough with friends the last while don't want to be annoying them again.

Are you on AirBnB? The best way to go these days I find.

[SkStu]

Airbnb for sure. I had a seizure looking at the prices for hotel rooms in and around Dublin. Found a nice little place in Malahide for the upcoming trip.

[paul_oshea]

Interesting piece here from Randolph.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/0901/813496-randolph-wants-ireland-to-build-on-euro-2016/

One particular paragraph satisfies me.

[Fergie's Son]

What time is kick off? Labour Day here in the states on Monday so might actually be able to watch it!

[DeLorean]

19:45 Irish time.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

McClean, McGeady, O'Dowda, Walters, Long, Murphy.

6 players for 4 positions. 1 of whom is sorely lacking match practice in McGeady and another who hasn't played a competitive match in O'Dowda.

It's not a lot is it?

I know depending on the way he configures the team, Hendrick, Hoolahan or Quinn could take up a wide position.

It's still not a lot when you factor in McCarthy's injury.

Think he could have called up at least one more outfield player. And Henderson instead of Rogers.

[Stuttgart88]

It's terrible really. Scandalous even. Especially given how many clean sheets Henderson has kept already this season. As for McGeady, his lack of match fitness was evident in Lille. If he'd only have been fitter he'd have carried the ball 40 rather than 30 yards through the middle before finding Hoolahan. We're doomed. We've suddenly gone from being competitive at the Euros to being a clapped out bunch of geriatrics missing the most criticised player of the summer, McCarthy. Add to that the fact that an exciting youngster has been called up, something someone has been crying out for, well, that's it for me. My passion for the Boys in Green is over as of now.

[geysir]

I can't remember when I had passion.

[tetsujin1979]

I can't even spell pashun anymore

[geysir]

Against Oman, a couple of times the tv cameras picked out that bare chested fan. the green giant/hulk, at all times he was giving it welly, he had passion.

[paul_oshea]

Get in there. Get in there robbie.

There is a good photo of a belgique beauty pecking his right cheek online at eurl 2016

[tetsujin1979]

Ah, never mind

[Charlie Darwin]

I can't tell if I'm asleep or awake.

<MODEDIT>
Quote of deleted post removed

[jbyrne]

Against Oman, a couple of times the tv cameras picked out that bare chested fan. the green giant/hulk, at all times he was giving it welly, he had passion.

seems the cameras pick up on him every home game now. he made the papers too I think. brings his kid to the match also. gas man

[Stuttgart88]

Anyway, has Arter done enough to start in Serbia? Someone will have to replace McCarthy. I'd say yes.

[DeLorean]

Not sure, O'Neill seemed a bit jumpy when the same question was put to him after the game. His words were positive ("he's done his chances no harm" or something to that effect) but his body language suggested something else, to me at least. McCarthy wasn't fully ruled out at that stage either though I don't think. He lost possession and made a stone wall yellow card tackle in the first minute the last night also, only escaped because it was a friendly and probably so early. He'll need to use his brain a bit more if he's thrown into the side in Belgrade.

[Stuttgart88]

I missed the first minute. First two actually. that's how much interest I've lost sine the realisation we're not conforming to TOWK's standards.

[Olé Olé]

Any fella want to hazard a guess at the side? I'm hoping Coleman is fit but doubt McCarthy will be. I'm plucking for the following anyway:
Randolph
Coleman Keogh Clark Ward
Whelan
Hendrick Arter/Wes Brady
Walters Long

I think that's a fine side. There's always the chance he'll play Brady LB and McClean LM which isn't particularly devastating for me but I'd still like to see Brady in midfield after the Euros.

Hard to know who'll get the nod in midfield between Hoolahan and Arter. It's an away match so Arter being that bit more dynamic might stand to him. Two all-action midfielders beside eachother would be great to watch. I'd prefer Wes but I'd predict Arter.

Hard on Daryl Murphy who showed well at the Euros? Yes. But he doesn't offer a huge goal threat and this might be a fixture where we only get limited opportunities. Walters has scored in important games and will do some shift in in away match.

[CraftyToePoke]

I think that side is a decent shout Ole Ole. Wes would edge Arter for me to start.

[nr637]

I would be hopeful with that line up as well but....................................there is always a but..................isn't there,

Considering the injuries that are rumoured in the squad, I'd say Christie for Coleman if injured, Keogh only if O'Shea is out, Quinn is a possible starter ahead of Arter and it would not surprise many if Wes did not start!

[jbyrne]

Considering the injuries that are rumoured in the squad, I'd say Christie for Coleman if injured, Keogh only if O'Shea is out, Quinn is a possible starter ahead of Arter and it would not surprise many if Wes did not start!

its been reported that both coleman and oshea trained fully with the squad today

[geysir]

Not sure, O'Neill seemed a bit jumpy when the same question was put to him after the game. His words were positive ("he's done his chances no harm" or something to that effect) but his body language suggested something else, to me at least. McCarthy wasn't fully ruled out at that stage either though I don't think. He lost possession and made a stone wall yellow card tackle in the first minute the last night also, only escaped because it was a friendly and probably so early. He'll need to use his brain a bit more if he's thrown into the side in Belgrade.
I missed the first 20mins of the game, was harvesting my spuds.

I listened to Richie and machine gun Kenny natter away on rte highlights about the upcoming qualifier.
It was a good intelligent chat, easy on the ear.
Kenny thought the 433 formation was the most interesting thing, not the individuals who filled out the roles and probably O'Neill will persist with it, following on from 2nd half v Italy and v France.
He sees Arter as an attacking midfield player, but v Oman was placed in the Whelan defensive midfield role where he's not at home stepping on the toes of the back 4. Kenny sees him having much more impact 20m up the pitch.
Whatever folk may say about Glen, he's at home in front of the back four.
Kenny also said that the onus was on Harry to get forward, to the question of, "was Harry following orders?", therefore in Kenny's opinion Harry can do it but didn't discipline himself to do enough to make a convincing argument for his inclusion.

[pineapple stu]

I'm not fully sold on Christie as yet, especially for a game like this.

I just get the feeling he's great as an attacking full, but is defensively suspect. Think he even got caught out once or twice on Wednesday, but Oman weren't anywhere near good enough to take advantage, and he by and large had the time and space for some great runs down the channel to compensate.

[shakermaker1982]

Re Henderson. Forest fans say he is terrible.

Hopefully we keep Whelan away from the team and find space for Wes.

[geysir]

bumping thread :)

[DeLorean]

I missed the first 20mins of the game, was harvesting my spuds.

I listened to Richie and machine gun Kenny natter away on rte highlights about the upcoming qualifier.
It was a good intelligent chat, easy on the ear.
Kenny thought the 433 formation was the most interesting thing, not the individuals who filled out the roles and probably O'Neill will persist with it, following on from 2nd half v Italy and v France.
He sees Arter as an attacking midfield player, but v Oman was placed in the Whelan defensive midfield role where he's not at home stepping on the toes of the back 4. Kenny sees him having much more impact 20m up the pitch.
Whatever folk may say about Glen, he's at home in front of the back four.
Kenny also said that the onus was on Harry to get forward, to the question of, "was Harry following orders?", therefore in Kenny's opinion Harry can do it but didn't discipline himself to do enough to make a convincing argument for his inclusion.

Yeah, Johnny Giles was on Newstalk giving his normal James McCarthy speech but applying it to Arter instead - 'Good on the ball when he gets it but doesn't get on it enough and dictate play'. Maybe Arter was under instructions to play a less adventurous role though as I think he's usually quite proactive when it comes to receiving possession.

[Charlie Darwin]

bumping thread :)
Getting RSI from hitting unsubscribe here.

[geysir]

O'Shea is the last man standing from the golden generation. Although he didn't figure in the prime years for the senior team, sept 2000 to july 2002, nevertheless Josh has achieved salvation.
'He that endures to the end, shall be saved' Matthew Mark Luke or John

[OwlsFan]

Yeah, Johnny Giles was on Newstalk giving his normal James McCarthy speech but applying it to Arter instead - 'Good on the ball when he gets it but doesn't get on it enough and dictate play'. Maybe Arter was under instructions to play a less adventurous role though as I think he's usually quite proactive when it comes to receiving possession.

You have to be an extra special player these days to "dictate play". There aren't too many Gileses and Pirlos around in the current game where time and space are at a premium, especially playing for Bournmouth! Arter was looking for the ball a lot against Oman but was a bit careless on occasions. He does like to play a more forward game but I have hopes for him to mature in to a reasonably good international standard player for us.

[Olé Olé]

Not sure what to make of Keane's comments on O'Shea and Coleman: http://www.the42.ie/ireland-serbia-coleman-oshea-world-cup-qualifier-2960887-Sep2016/

Sheasy joined in today, it was a pretty light session,” said assistant boss Roy Keane. “Seamus joined in too but did a bit extra at the end.
However,
I think Sheasy will be fine but the big question mark will be over Seamus.

Maybe the bit extra Coleman did was to assess how his injury would react but I'd have thought doing the bit extra at the end would indicate that he's further along than, although older, O'Shea.

Keane being fairly positive so I wouldn't be surprised if both were okay to play but would you play two players in defence that weren't 100%? Hard to know.

Had a quick look at the Serbia squad and Mitrovic is their only striker it seems to me (the other pair have no goals for Serbia and few caps) and he was out for Newcastle's last game with a concussion. He's not exactly a world-beater so is there a need to risk O'Shea? Let Clark get stuck into his new teammate? I'd be more worried about Tadic and Tosic on the wings so I wouldn't mind Seamie marshalling one of them. Christie, as good as he is going forward, worries me a bit defensively. They're both good players too, assuming it's them that will play.

[backstothewall]

Random stat warning:

By my reckoning he is our last man standing who ever played in a team alongside a member of the Italia 90 squad

[pineapple stu]

O'Shea and Quinn?

Quinn was a member of the Euro 88 squad if that helps stretch it!

[backstothewall]

He was definitely on the field with Stan for 6 minutes on his debut in 2001

http://www.11v11.com/matches/republic-of-ireland-v-croatia-15-august-2001-247919/

[pineapple stu]

Could be it actually. Quinn didn't play that game, and O'Shea only played once in 2002, with Quinn retiring after the World Cup.

Shay Given, who of course has just retired, played alongside a player born in the 50s (Paul McGrath)

[Irish_Praha]

We also don't have any players left who actually played in a WC.

[pineapple stu]

Actually, on a similar note, Northern Ireland aren't far off having a player who played on the same pitch as a player born in the 40s. Roy Carroll signed for Wigan as first-choice keeper just three months after they played a Leyton Orient team with Peter Shilton in nets.

Anyways, back to Serbia. :)

[geysir]

If we lose without much of a whimper, then Robbie (the bard from Tallaght) will surely be the focus of some flak because of the narcissistic indulgence around his farewell game, which by it's nature relegated the importance of the manager's preparations to a distant 2nd place. :)

[SwanVsDalton]

Neil O'Riordan on Twitter (https://twitter.com/noriordan/status/772474176141660160) says 20-year-old Pedrag Rajkovic is set to make his competitive debut in goal for Serbia tomorrow.

[geysir]

The records say he currently plays in goals for Maccabi where he's taken over the first team duties from Serbia's nr 1 goalie who's departed to N Forest.
Maccabi paid (for them) a whopping Eur3m.for Pedrag. It appears that he's highly rated.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Randolph; Coleman, Keogh, O'Shea, Ward; Brady, Whelan, Hendrick, McClean; Arter; Long

Or stick to what worked very well against Italy, and for large periods against France, and play Murphy up top with Long.

TOWKnows best.

I think that those teams have good energy.

I would leave Walters and Hoolahan in reserve.

We played Whelan, Walters, Hoolahan and Murphy, four players in their mid-thirties, against Scotland in Dublin and we looked leggy.

I think Arter would add spark and we need Long's pace and running of the channels in a tough away game.

[backstothewall]

I think we're moving to a 4-5-1/4-3-3

Something like

Coleman O'Shea Keogh Brady
-- Arter McCarthy Hendrick --
--- Walters Long McClean ---

I could be totally wrong about this but it's just a hunch i have.

[swinfordfc]

I think we're moving to a 4-5-1/4-3-3

Something like

Coleman O'Shea Keogh Brady
-- Arter McCarthy Hendrick --
--- Walters Long McClean ---

I could be totally wrong about this but it's just a hunch i have.

That's the team but Whelan will be instead of McCarthy

[pineapple stu]

We'll probably play a goalkeeper as well.

Which may be one of the more interesting decisions, as Westwood went from not being in the Euros squad to starting against Oman. Will he keep his spot, or will Randolph be back in?

[backstothewall]

That's the team but Whelan will be instead of McCarthy

I was thinking more of the long term. The dropping of Whelan during the summer when it really should have been McCarthy and subsequent events are telling about their respective positions in O'Neill thoughts imho.

Whelan will be an able deputy while McCarthy is carrying an injury.

[Charlie Darwin]

We'll probably play a goalkeeper as well.

Which may be one of the more interesting decisions, as Westwood went from not being in the Euros squad to starting against Oman. Will he keep his spot, or will Randolph be back in?
Westwood wasn't in the Euros squad?