2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championships

[lambo123]

Want to bring 2 grandchildren to the U 21 Italy game. Problem is I dont have any tickets. Anyone out there who wont be using their tickets and I would be delighted to buy them. Many thanks

[nigel-harps1954]

Scales hasn’t done much at u21 level for Ireland, and remains at UCD bottom of the Eircom League. He’s 22 next year and will never have played outside of Ireland. I have been underwhelmed the times I’ve seen him. All things consider, it is highly unlikely Scales will make it to a high enough club level to be considered for senior team. It’s hard to justify his selection ahead of a player who has come through Inter Milan’s academy, captained their Primavera team, and is now playing regular first team football at a level clearly higher than Scales. It would be a huge boost for Nolan and the exposure could certainly help his future career progression. It’s a no brainer to me.

I'd love to know your thoughts on the bit in bold here. What makes Serie C 'a level clearly higher' than the Premier Division here?

Ryan McConnell was captain of Man United reserves only a few years ago and returned to Finn Harps and couldn't cut it at Premier Division level here. He's now playing Ulster Senior League football and not looking like making any step up again after a handful of appearances for Finn Harps and a year or two at Ballinamallard in the north.

What's to suggest that just because Nolan was captain of the same level of side at Inter Milan, and could only manage a move to a 3rd tier side in Italy is at a level clearly higher than Scales, who has 3 and a half years of senior football under his belt at 21 years of age? But Nolan playing 'regular first team football' is, what, 3 or 4 appearances?

The fact he's never played outside Ireland is enough to write Scales off in your estimation? Would he not boost from a similar exposure to help his future career progression?

This sort of nonsense infuriates me.

[Closed Account]

Interestingly whilst Darron Gibson was winning academy player of the year for a little club called Manchester United, a wee lad called Seamie Coleman was cutting his teeth for stellar Sligo Rovers.

I wonder which player we'd all have chosen back then.... (different positions aside)

[tommy_c12000]

The “clearly” was a bit antagonistic to the LOI folks, I apologize for that.

I’ve no doubt Nolan is far more likely to make it to an acceptable level in order to be considered for our senior team. He has had state of art training thus far, and is now getting first team experience at the age of 20 at centre back, a position where one typically has to drop down a level or 2 to acquire initial experience like goalkeeper.

The Moldovan national league is ranked higher than the LOI (ranked 42 in uefa) at the moment, any centre back who spends all his career in this environment by the age of 21 is very unlikely to make it to a international senior level. Let’s hope the new look FAI can improve this standard, but this is where things stand currently. There is far more precedence of 20 year old centre backs spending a season or 2 in serie C after coming through top academies before maturing to serie A or top serie B teams. Logic and history is in Nolan’s favor, and he should be ahead of Scales in case he matures into a senior international prospect. There’s no harm Kenny having a closer look at him at the very least, he’s only ever played one friendly game underage for Ireland. If he flops, so be it, but at least we have had a look at him and have no regrets. Making the Irish under 21 squad will increase Nolan’s exposure and increase his chances of moving up a level next season.

Ive personally not been impressed with Scales in games I’ve watched him, he appears to lack mobility and is somewhat sluggish. He is strong and good in the air but that isn’t enough for me. All things considered, that’s enough for me to write him off given where he is right now, and career thus far. I’ll be delighted if he proves me wrong of course. If Scales proves himself outside of LOI then the pendulum may swing in his favor, but I believe he shouldn’t be included ahead of Nolan at the current time.

[elatedscum]

Scales has trained and was on trial at Man City. He's not a typical league of Ireland footballer. And y'know there's plenty of lads who grew up in LOI who became serious players for the national team: Hoolahan, Coleman, Shane Long, Players are unique, there's no set path to guarantee success or failure. If you told me that one of Scales or Nolan or Dan Cleary played 40 times for Ireland during their career, I wouldn't be particularly surprised. If I had to guess which one, I'd probably go for Scales but I really think it's a dice roll

I thought Scales looked very good in the Toulon tournament against Mexico and Bahrain. Was probably our most impressive centre half in the tournament. I also liked what I saw of Nolan playing in the youth champions league last season and he's probably overdue a call-up somehow. There's also a host of other promising young centre backs currently at u21 level: Thomas O'Connor (also a left back and centre mid), Aaron O'Driscoll, Corrie Ndaba, Warren O'Hora, Darragh O'Connor (never seen play but have heard good things) and within LoI both Ciaran Kelly and James Finnerty looked very good when I saw them in person.

Honestly, golden era. Wave of attackers, wave of centre backs and keepers, plenty of midfielders. Comparatively speaking a little light at 21s for fullbacks but there's O'Connor at right back, and on the left you'd hope that one of Clarke, Leahy, Ledwidge and Wilson develops into a real player...

[pineapple stu]

Scales has trained and was on trial at Man City. He's not a typical league of Ireland footballer.
Actually, I think that makes him quite a typical LoI footballer! Lots will have had trials cross-channel.

The LoI's track record for producing players recently has been very poor; most who've gone to England in the past decade have failed to make it. Serie C is a complete unknown, but the average crowd 1.8k. There's 60 teams though, so it's very hard to compare it to the 10-team LoI. The top 10 teams pull in 5k average (Arezzo are just outside that), and there may be a TV deal in there as well, which is a huge issue for the LoI in terms of finances.

Obviously I hope Scalesy makes it, but I think at this stage there's not much point saying that one player will make it and one won't. Scales does need a full-time move in the next transfer window though.

[tommy_c12000]

Grant Hall is back for QPR tomorrow so Masterson will be again on the bench. He’s basically their 5th choice centre back, and QPR play with 3 centre backs. Not a good situation for a player in desperate need of first team football at a pivotal time in his career

[seanfhear]

Isn’t he very young for a Centre Back . Give him a chance . Maybe he will come good .

[Olé Olé]

Nope. Write him off. And Dara O'Shea with him. Not to mention Nathan Collins- that lad is out of the Stoke team so he's clearly not able for that level either.

[tommy_c12000]

Nope. Write him off. And Dara O'Shea with him. Not to mention Nathan Collins- that lad is out of the Stoke team so he's clearly not able for that level either.

That’s petty. He dropped down a level hoping to get first team football. So it’s disappointing he’s not having more of a look in, considering the average centre backs at QPR.

[tommy_c12000]

Anyone know when squad will be announced?

[tetsujin1979]

Anyone know when squad will be announced?
Questioned and answered
1179379378196754433
That is some forward selection

[tommy_c12000]

Amazingly talented squad. Selection as expected. Personally I would have Barrett and Connell (if fit) ahead of Taylor and Elbouzedi. It’s going to be a great occasion

[Closed Account]

Leahy(injured) will be a loss, I've been impressed by him every time I've watched him.

Will Ledwidge(18) go straight in or switch Lee O'Connor go to left back?

Interesting Ledwidge jumped ahead of Tyreke Wilson

[tommy_c12000]

Will Ledwidge(18) go straight in or switch Lee O'Connor go to left back?

Interesting Ledwidge jumped ahead of Tyreke Wilson

Kenny really feels RB is O’Connors best position. Can’t see him putting O’Connor in LB and brining Danny McNamara in RB. I think he’ll play a natural LB in Ledwidge. I’m looking forward to seeing Ledwidge. He has played 6 times for Southampton PL2 team this year and is still only 18. I was impressed with some of the things he did in Armenia, but not with other things including his distribution. Wilson is 20 this year, has only appeared twice for Man City PL2 side this year (and was subbed in 1), in his 3rd year at this level. Looks to be out of favor. I like Kenny’s choice.

[elatedscum]

Wilson really struggled in the one game he played at Toulon. Maybe he's not yet himself after two serious injuries. Hasn't played much for Man City U23s this season.

At left back, I believe McNamara can play there along with right back. Don't really see the point of moving Lee O'Connor across, just creates another hole on the right.

Trev Clarke is still injured, he was set to play against Luxembourg ahead of Leahy but suffered a minor injury during shooting practice the day before the game and then he's missed the last two squads with a knee injury. Surprised that someone like Thomas O'Connor wasn't called up. He's been playing week in, week out for Gillingham. He's 20 and probably a little ahead of Ledwidge at this stage. A good, tidy versatile footballer... Saying that Ledwidge handled himself well in Armenia

Josh Barrett probably the only lad who has a right to feel disappointed

[tommy_c12000]

Surprised that someone like Thomas O'Connor wasn't called up. He's been playing week in, week out for Gillingham. He's 20 and probably a little ahead of Ledwidge at this stage. A good, tidy versatile footballer... Saying that Ledwidge handled himself well in Armenia

Completely forgot about O’Connor, he should be the obvious choice considering he’s playing regular LB football at league one level

[tommy_c12000]

Interview with Kenny https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=_kob5IgWUEg

Discusses recent health scare, the return of Ronan, the big task ahead against an excellent Italy side and a good Iceland side, and comments on the sold out stadium for the Italy game

[tommy_c12000]

Molumby starts for Millwall vs Collins’ Luton town. Great to see. Knight on bench again, hopefully will see some more game time. Masterson on bench, however, Grant Hall isn’t even in squad, so not sure what their plan is, Ball may be the 3rd central defender or else they’re reverting to 442. Manning at left back/wing back

[Razors left peg]

A front 3 of Parrott, Connolly and Obafemi with Ronan playing in behind is top quality. Hopefully everyone stays fit and there are no withdrawals. Obafemi in particular is someone Id be very excited to see at this level.

[lambo123]

Looking for 1 adult and 2 children tickets for next Thurs U21 v Italy. My grandchildren will be very dissappointed if I cant bring them. Anyone unable to use their tickets ? Many thanks.......

[tommy_c12000]

Another full 90 minutes for Ronan today in a good 2-1 away win for FC DAC 1904 https://www.dac1904.sk/sk/clanek.asp?id=KONIEC-Trnava-DAC-1-2-0-1-4521

[mark12345]

A front 3 of Parrott, Connolly and Obafemi with Ronan playing in behind is top quality. Hopefully everyone stays fit and there are no withdrawals. Obafemi in particular is someone Id be very excited to see at this level.

Looks like you'll have to substitute the name of Adam Idah for Connolly at this point. Aaron has been called into the senior squad. Delighted for him getting the two goals today and he looks like a real prospect, but if I'm honest I have mixed feelings about him missing these two very important games for the U-21's. I was hoping Stephen Kenny's team would be kept together as much as possible but it looks like it won't happen. Don't see Connolly playing in either game for the seniors to be honest.

[liamoo11]

Hopefully barrett gets called in to 21s now

[Eirambler]

I think after McCarthys previous comments about not calling up under 21 players he wasn't going to play, he would get hammered now if he didn't play Connolly having called him up. He doesn't necessarily need to start him, but given our lack of quality options off the bench he would surely want to bring him on at around the hour mark in his current form.

Would like to see Scully get an under 21 call up now.

[Olé Olé]

If McGoldrick is fit then McClean left back and Connolly wide left forward would be so good to see. Unlikely though.

[mark12345]

If McGoldrick is fit then McClean left back and Connolly wide left forward would be so good to see. Unlikely though.

What about O'Dowda on the left wing. He's going to feel mighty aggrieved if Connolly starts ahead of him. Also Scott Hogan will revaluate his worth to the team if he loses out to Connolly. Very unlike Mick to leap frog established players

[Olé Olé]

What about O'Dowda on the left wing. He's going to feel mighty aggrieved if Connolly starts ahead of him. Also Scott Hogan will revaluate his worth to the team if he loses out to Connolly. Very unlike Mick to leap frog established players

Is this the same O''Dowda that has been out of the Bristol City team for much of this season and has never played a PL game? Let him feel aggrieved. Might aggrieved if he wants.

[liamoo11]

O dowda got 80 minutes yesterday so good to see him getting football but I agree he is in no position and has certainly not done enough yet for is or in his career to be feeling aggrieved

[Olé Olé]

It says a bit about our options if Hogan and O'Dowda are "established" players who can feel "aggrieved."

I think O'Dowda will come good. I can't see Hogan getting an important goal for us any time soon but he might get lucky.

[liamoo11]

Power from Ross county called up. Dont tink he has been involved much there. Surprised barrett not in he has been involved fairly consistently on the bench or playing for reading. I thought Farrugia was back fit with rovers but maybe not.

[Eirambler]

I wonder is there a particular reason for leaving Josh Barrett out, based on club appearances he's miles ahead of Power.

[tommy_c12000]

Yes, Power not inspiring much confidence. Did have a hamstring injury initially I think. But not getting a look in at a club like Ross County isn’t promising. Didn’t make match day squad at weekend. He has pace, but obviously hasn’t impressed with his other aspects of his game

[elatedscum]

Power from Ross county called up. Dont tink he has been involved much there. Surprised barrett not in he has been involved fairly consistently on the bench or playing for reading. I thought Farrugia was back fit with rovers but maybe not.


Farrugia has been on the bench for Rovers in the last couple of weeks but hasn't gotten on the pitch. Understandable that he wouldn't be called up, as much as I like the boy and as well as he did against Luxembourg, he hasn't played since probably June.


Haven't seen anything from Power or Mallon yet that would make me believe in them. Barrett is the obvious option. I wonder has there been a falling out. He's playing well and regularly enough at a level very few of his squad are, maybe only Molumby.


Apart from him, Kian Flanagan is someone who I certainly would like to work with Kenny. Whenever i've seen him play, he's been excellent. Scully also seems to have good form. Personally, I've never seen Scully play but he was obviously a serious prospect a few years back and he's been nominated for the PL2's player of the month, so good for Kenny to work with him for a week and see what the kid is like...


I think in general, they've done that well, giving guys like Kearns, Cotter, Wilson, Carroll, McNamara, Ndaba, Lennon, Drinnan etc etc a chance for Kenny to see them and work with them, while still keeping a core group of about 16 lads throughout.

[mark12345]

It says a bit about our options if Hogan and O'Dowda are "established" players who can feel "aggrieved."

I think O'Dowda will come good. I can't see Hogan getting an important goal for us any time soon but he might get lucky.

O'Dowda is an established player for us. He is a far better player than Aaron Connolly, like it or not. Do I think that Aaron has a promising future? Absoulutely I do and hopefully he will be a fixture in a green shirt for the next ten years. But Callum O'Dowda has far more experience than Aaron Connolly - he had played at a much higher level than Aaron for at least two years. By default he deserves a start ahead of Aaron Connolly in either of our upcoming games. Hogan - he was a prolific striker for Brentford but has had very poor fortunes over the last year and a half. He gets a goal every four or five games, if that. Perhaps Connolly has a 50/50 chance against Hogan but Hogan, like it or not, has way more experience than 19 year old Aaron.

[irishfan86]

O'Dowda is an established player for us. He is a far better player than Aaron Connolly, like it or not. Do I think that Aaron has a promising future? Absoulutely I do and hopefully he will be a fixture in a green shirt for the next ten years. But Callum O'Dowda has far more experience than Aaron Connolly - he had played at a much higher level than Aaron for at least two years. By default he deserves a start ahead of Aaron Connolly in either of our upcoming games. Hogan - he was a prolific striker for Brentford but has had very poor fortunes over the last year and a half. He gets a goal every four or five games, if that. Perhaps Connolly has a 50/50 chance against Hogan but Hogan, like it or not, has way more experience than 19 year old Aaron.

Established at what, exactly? Being an average creative midfielder at Championship level? I like O’Dowda and want him to kick on but I haven’t really seen enough from him to suggest he could make it in one of Europe’s top leagues.

We don’t know if Connolly is a flash in the pan or the real deal. But I’d rather take a chance with a potential difference maker like Connolly over a guaranteed “make up the numbers” guy like O’Dowda.

I am a bit more open minded about Hogan vs. Connolly because I think there is genuine quality there if Hogan can get on a bit of a run (I realize this is a controversial view), and there’s something to be said about experience in a hostile away environment.

[ifk101]

Harsh comments about O'Dowda :-) And unfair really.

[Razors left peg]

O'Dowda is becoming our version of Jessie Lingard. Still being talked about as an up and coming young player, hes in his mid 20s and still not putting in consistent good performances.

[tommy_c12000]

My team for Thursday:

Kelleher, O’Connor, Collins, O’Shea, Ledwidge, Coventry, Molumby, Ronan, Afolabi (left), Obafemi (right), Parrott

Kenny will go for something similar apart from Masterson for Collins, and probably Kilkenny on the right, not sure who he’ll replace though. Connollys promotion is great, opens up vital space for others to develop. Thoughts?

[Eirambler]

Wouldn't be surprised if he tried to fit Idah in with Parrott playing off him and then spring either Obafemi or Afolabi from the bench in the second half.

Would be interesting if he didn't pick Collins if he's fit - the other two centre backs have established a decent partnership but he is moving ahead of them at club level despite being a couple of years younger.

He'll have a strong team out no matter which of them he picks, will be interesting to see how they get on against one of the top teams in Europe.

[jbyrne]

i see the sold out womens match tonight is only actually half full. if the same happens thurs there will be a lot of very annoyed fans who couldnt get their hands on a ticket

[Closed Account]

Trevor Clarke unlucky with timing,
Back from injury tonight, goal, assist and won a peno.
Only came in at halftime....

[elatedscum]

Speaking of Trev, was thinking, the lads might take some heart from this game two years back


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdfLiCVF3gg


If you ignore a certain dominant centre half, it's a good watch. Conor Levingston (no.6) looks a hell of a player in it.


Kelleher, Masterson, Mandriou, Molumby and Elbouzedi of our current squad all started.


The italians will have Del Favero, Gabbia, Frattesi, Adjapong, Cutrone from their starting 11 and Plizzari, Pelllegrini, Maggiore, Pinamonti from their bench in their squad on thursday.


Zaniolo meanwhile has been called up to the senior side, so won’t play against Ireland.

[DeLorean]

i see the sold out womens match tonight is only actually half full. if the same happens thurs there will be a lot of very annoyed fans who couldnt get their hands on a ticket

I have a season ticket and received an email from the FAI saying that I had until Monday, 30th September to download my ticket for the Italy U21 game. I tried downloading it on the previous Friday (27th) and it just brought me to the Ticketmaster site which said there are no tickets available.

I emailed the FAI and they told me the tickets for the game are now sold out. When I questioned it a little further, pointing out that the email told me I had until the 30th September to download 'my' ticket, they just replied saying that the link to season ticket holders had been open for three weeks and were distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Doesn't bother me really as I can't go anyway, but a poor enough arrangement by them I thought. Why not just point out on the original email that they'll be distributed on a first come, first serve basis and that'd have been fine. I suspect they didn't expect the demand to be so high.

[Stuttgart88]

I had problems downloading tickets so couldn't get mine

[jbyrne]

I have a season ticket and received an email from the FAI saying that I had until Monday, 30th September to download my ticket for the Italy U21 game. I tried downloading it on the previous Friday (27th) and it just brought me to the Ticketmaster site which said there are no tickets available.

I emailed the FAI and they told me the tickets for the game are now sold out. When I question it a little further, pointing out that the email told me I had until the 30th September to download 'my' ticket, they just replied saying that the link to season ticket holders had been open for three weeks and were distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Doesn't bother me really as I can't go anyway, but a poor enough arrangement by them I thought. Why not just point out on the original email that they'll be distributed on a first come, first serve basis and that'd have been fine. I suspect the didn't expect the demand to be so high.

and i suspect the actual attendance will be about 2,000 below the 8,000 sell out reported

[DeLorean]

and i suspect the actual attendance will be about 2,000 below the 8,000 sell out reported

Probably. To be fair, there's not much they can do if some season ticket holders download their tickets but don't end up using them, or even give them away.

[geysir]

Any 'real fans' going to attend the game v Iceland? The Iceland u21 squad was named for the upcoming games v Sweden and Ireland, 14 of the squad are home based. Eidur Gudjonsson™ is the assistant coach, his eldest son - an easy spot, should be there or thereabouts in the starting line up. As most of the locals in this team are barely semi amateur, no doubt this star studded Irish team should make short shrift of them.

[backstothewall]

Probably. To be fair, there's not much they can do if some season ticket holders download their tickets but don't end up using them, or even give them away.

I think I'm going to end up with 2 to give away if anyone wants to go

[elatedscum]

Afolabi out injured for both games. Maybe they'll call up a home based player (O'Connor, McAuley, Hale) considering the timescale.