2019 Toulon Tournament

[Olé Olé]

Nice to see a man with some strategy and vision. Looking forward to Toulon tournament now too. I think most of that team is underage?
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[IsMiseSean]

Looking forward to Toulon tournament now too. I think most of that team is underage?


Hopefully someone picks up the coverage of the Toulon Tournament. I think it was shown on Freesports last summer.

[liamoo11]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Toulon_Tournament
Just looking at the teams in the toulon tournament I had forgotten how rubbish it is. England and France are in the euro under 21s so they on obviously will send a very inexperienced team.

[backstothewall]

I think it's great we are sending a team. It will be a wonderful experience for players and staff alike. Hopefully by the end of the tournament a new generation of players will have been bitten by the bug of international football.

I'd hope the country offers them a proper sendoff beforehand. A visit to the Aras and all that.

[backstothewall]

Group A: England, Chile, Japan, Portugal
Group B: France, Brazil, Guatemala, Qatar
Group C: IRELAND, Bahrain, China, Mexico

[Closed Account]

From our last entry to Toulon tournament

https://foot.ie/threads/2991-Under-21-Toulon-Tournament

Squad: (bold went on to win senior caps)
Joe Murphy (Tranmere Rovers),
Graham Stack (Arsenal),
John Thompson (Nottingham Forest),
Jim Goodwin (Celtic),
Brian O'Callaghan (Barnsley),
Clifford Byrne (Sunderland),
Keith Foy (Nottingham Forest),
Paul Tierney (Manchester United),
Thomas Butler (Sunderland),
Brian Cash (Nottingham Forest),
Liam Miller (Celtic),
Michael Doyle (Celtic),
Shaun Byrne (West Ham United),
Joe Gamble (Reading),
Andy Reid (Nottingham Forest),
Graham Barrett (Arsenal),
Jonathon Daly (Stockport County),
Paul Heffernan (Notts County),
Jonathan Douglas (Blackburn Rovers).
Ben Burgess (Brentford),
Dwayne Mattis (Huddersfield Town)
also selected depending on whether their club's progress in the English Second Division play-offs

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/3027329/Toulon-Tournament-Irelands-youngsters-struggle.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/3027435/Toulon-Tournament-Mistakes-costly-for-Republic.html

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2002/0515/164203-under20/

[IsMiseSean]

The Toulon Tournament will be televised on FreeSports according to https://www.live-footballontv.com/.

Only two of the Ireland games are listed though.

[DeLorean]

Squad announced for Toulon - https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-u21-kenny-names-toulon-tournament-squad


Republic of Ireland U-21 Squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Conor Kearns (UCD AFC)

Defenders: Darragh Leahy (Bohemians), Conor Masterson (Liverpool), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Liam Scales (UCD AFC), Lee O'Connor (Manchester United), Tyreke Wilson (Manchester City), Canice Carroll (Brentford)

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Jason Knight (Derby County), Connor Ronan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Neil Farrugia (UCD AFC), Stephen Mallon (Sheffield United), Zach Elbouzedi (Waterford), Simon Power (Norwich City), Jack Taylor (Barnet), Jamie Lennon (St. Patrick's Athletic)

Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Aaron Drinan (Ipswich Town, on loan at Waterford), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion)

[elatedscum]

Leahy over Trev Clarke I disagree with. No criticism to Leahy but I really rate Clarke


I’d have Nolan there ahead of Scales - as presumably Masterson and O’Shea will start, so I think Kenny working with Nolan is no harm considering he hasn’t had the opportunity. Seems crazy that he's been out in the cold for so long.
Cotter v Carroll is fine. Same idea. The more players that Kenny gets to see the better.


O’Connor, Coventry, Knight, Idah, Connolly - hope their inclusion in this tournament doesn’t preclude them playing for the u19s. I guess we’ll only know in July.


I hadn’t seen or heard of Jack Taylor prior to today. Can’t really judge.


Very surprised Mandriou isn’t included. Was at the Pats/Bohs game on Friday and Mandriou looked a level above Lennon and pretty much every other player who played. Josh Barrett, Kian Flanagan, Ronan Hale all merit inclusion. Joe Hodge is another outside shout.


Still, there’s a lot that we might not know. Maybe Bohs and Rovers pushed to have Clarke and Mandriou available for them. Maybe there are injuries to some of the lads I mentioned. Dunno...

[tetsujin1979]

Nolan is playing in the Primavera 1 (Italian U23 championship) Play Offs , so that rules him out. Hadn't heard of Taylor myself. Hw was playing in the National League in the 2018/19 season, finishing 13th, but has a few appearances in League in the previous two seasons.

I'd imagine the U19 qualified players in the squad will be omitted from the finals in July, otherwise they'll go from this, to the U19 finals, and then straight into preseason training when that ends.

[TrapAPony]

Ryan Johansson? Bayern Munich reserves must having something going on? Another one omitted is Nathan Collins whose priority is probably getting a transfer to Man Utd right now..

[liamoo11]

Ryan Johansson? Bayern Munich reserves must having something going on? Another one omitted is Nathan Collins whose priority is probably getting a transfer to Man Utd right now..

Johanson isn't really in Bayern's reserves he has just been with their 19s who finished only 4th in their league not for their reserves

[liamoo11]

Squad announced for Toulon - https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-u21-kenny-names-toulon-tournament-squad

Best of luck to all and Jack Taylor who will be 21 a week after toulon ends. There was a massive outcry when shipley from Coventry in league one who has 30 odd appearances for them in league one was called up by noel king in October can we expect a similar outcry for a player Iin the 5th tier in England been called up by Kenny? Strange barrett isn't in from reading given he at least was involved with them at first team level in the championship towards end of season

[Olé Olé]

It was League Two that Shipley had made the appearances in. And he went straight into the starting line-up.

Anyway, I see that Taylor's Wikipedia page has been updated to state that his dad his from Galway.

[gastric]

It was League Two that Shipley had made the appearances in. And he went straight into the starting line-up.

Anyway, I see that Taylor's Wikipedia page has been updated to state that his dad his from Galway.

I am sure his father is Iain Glen!;)

[liamoo11]

It was League Two that Shipley had made the appearances in. And he went straight into the starting line-up.

Anyway, I see that Taylor's Wikipedia page has been updated to state that his dad his from Galway.

No he played for our 21s this season in October when he was in league 1 and the previous season he had another 30 odd appearances in league 2. So when noel king picked him he was a league 1 player yet was portrayed as a no hoper and king as a disgrace

[Olé Olé]

No he played for our 21s this season in October when he was in league 1 and the previous season he had another 30 odd appearances in league 2. So when noel king picked him he was a league 1 player yet was portrayed as a no hoper and king as a disgrace
But he did not have "30 odd appearances for them in League One" at the time. And I think it was part of a broader issue with King's selection policy- I don't think it was an isolated incident.

Let's see if Taylor jumps straight into our starting line-up.

[elatedscum]

Found this article about Taylor from 2017: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-tracking-barnet-brothers-harry-and-jack-taylor-a3434691.html

RE King. Looking at the last campaign, I felt the major fault on his part was the reluctance to integrate players from 98 and 99 after they graduated from 19s. And the 97 kids as they continued to develop

[liamoo11]

But he did not have "30 odd appearances for them in League One" at the time. And I think it was part of a broader issue with King's selection policy- I don't think it was an isolated incident.

Let's see if Taylor jumps straight into our starting line-up.

Well I think we can say with certainty that Taylor has no league 1 experience. Think we should hold all our managers to the same standards. Noel king was portrayed as a buffoon which was unfair

[TrapAPony]

All our matches will be on TV

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7VjZtMXYAQ99Fp?format=jpg&name=large

[Real ale Madrid]

If you don't have sky and have a dish & satellite tuner on your TV you can tune in Freesports at :

Frequency: 11426
Polarisation: V
Symbol Rate: 27500
F.E.C. : 5/6

[elatedscum]

does anyone know what to do if you're a Virgin Media customer? Looks like it's just Sky, no?

[DeLorean]

does anyone know what to do if you're a Virgin Media customer? Looks like it's just Sky, no?

Channel 553 according to this - https://www.virginmedia.com/corporate/media-centre/press-releases/virgin-tv-boosts-its-sports-selection-with-freesports

[Olé Olé]

https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status/1131227810671071232?s=19

I liked this chat with Liam Scales. There was also an interview with Jamie Lennon on the 42:
'With football, there are no guarantees' - Jamie Lennon on his studies, the future, and working with Stephen Kenny https://the42.ie/4647503

Common aspect to both is the importance of studies and the third level education they have received.

I know it's ongoing with clubs partnering with colleges for scholarships and I think it's a great idea. We appear to be brilliant at developing rugby players and I would be surprised if the vast majority of the players developed here didn't have degrees for UL, NUIG or UCD which are near the training campuses.

[liamoo11]

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/kenny-rejects-idea-of-picking-only-british-based-players-for-toulon-1.3907567?mode=amp Josh barrett in for farrugia

[elatedscum]

Saw Barrett play at No.10 for Reading’s reserves a few times. Really stood out. Good opportunity for him.

Neil was excellent against Luxembourg. Really disappointing for him...

[Olé Olé]

https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status/1134338720709206017?s=19

I enjoy these short videos the FAI are sharing on social media. It's nice to see a couple of minutes on how the players and coaches and manager are interacting together.

This video shows Kenny involved in training and highlights his positivity: https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status/1133810236853121024?s=19

This shows the lads arriving to camp and they all seem delighted to be arriving and meeting Kenny. It also highlights a very dubious fashion sense which was hardly derived in Galway but Aaron Connolly: https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status/1133329336503820288?s=19

[IsMiseSean]

It also highlights a very dubious fashion sense which was hardly derived in Galway but Aaron Connolly: https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status/1133329336503820288?s=19

It's all the rage in Galway. I have the same outfit in blue.

[tetsujin1979]

Starting XI for the game against China
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[passinginterest]

Brilliant goal after 34 seconds China haven’t touched the ball.

[passinginterest]

And 2-0. Came from a free kick off the wall and recycled. The free came from a super passing move started by the keeper.

[tetsujin1979]

First goal was well worked across the back, to the left, Connolly powered into the box, squared it to Elbouzedi who finished from near the penalty spot
1135541870132695040

[passinginterest]

One back for China. They’ve looked dangerous enough from set pieces and this was a great header from a corner. Entertaining game.

[passinginterest]

2-1 at half time. Ireland playing some really nice passing football. Injecting a bit of pace with Connolly in particular as they move it down the channels. China more direct and dangerous from set pieces and counters. The Irish midfield and full back are committing forward quite a bit so they look a little exposed at times on the counter. Overall a nice half to watch. Idah has looked a little off the pace, his physicality is causing problems but his touch has been off when the ball has come into him.

[passinginterest]

Started second half well and a deserved third from the peno spot. Idah tucked it away. That’s a goal each for the front 3.

[passinginterest]

And another pen. 4-1 Idah again. Really solid second half. Subs that have come in have fitted in well too.

[tetsujin1979]

Solid second half. Thought we sat back a little, but that was in response to China finding space in the first half when we pushed on.

[Eirambler]

Decent performance, especially considering the Chinese team were a year or two older across the team.

Thought the two Brighton lads - Molumby and Connolly - were probably the standouts. Ronan, O'Shea and O'Connor looked good as well and Knight looked lively when he came on.

Was a bit disappointed with Idah, a big target man and took the penalties well but his touch and pass were very loose. He's very young for this level though so plenty of time for him to improve.

There's almost two groups of players in that squad - there's the lads that are a year or two underage, most of which have a chance of going a long way in the game. Strangely the lads that are 21 are in a lot of cases the weaker players who are less likely to make it. With all the quality 17 to 20 year old we have at the moment I'd say we could have done some damage at the under 20 World Cup if we had qualified.

Will be a tough game next up against Mexico but we should hopefully be too good for Bahrain and two wins with a good goal difference might be enough to make the semi finals.

[tommy_c12000]

Great start, solid performance. O'Shea, Molumby, Ronan, Connolly all look like the real deal. O'Connor and Coventry may make it at the top level too. Knight was impressive when he came on. Two well taken penalties by Idah, but I am not sold on him yet, struggled with touch and hold up play improved somewhat in second half - really reminds me of Leon Best, who didn't amount to much. Hope I am wrong. I would have liked to have seen what Wilson can do, instead of Leahy. Masterson will unlikely be signed by premier league outfit. He would do well to get regular first team football in the championship, appears to lack the required physicality for center half but is tidy on the ball, needed a loan move well before now. Exciting future (and pre-season) ahead for Irish football

[liamoo11]

Thought .Masterson was excellent great composure and passing range really allowed us to play into midfield and saved kelleher s blushes in first half. Great experience for idah with him having next season at under 19 level again

[elatedscum]

Defensively, Kelleher, O’Shea and Masterson were all very good as you’d expect. Masterson is better on the ball I think. O’Shea is a more physical unit. Good partnership. O’Connor was much improved from Luxembourg - looked comfortable out there. Leahy is probably the weak link there - would have him behind Clarke and Wilson at left back.

I felt the midfield allowed themselves to be dominated at times during the first half, maybe it was the heat or going 2-0 up so fast, but they were much improved in the second and overall came out with serious credit.

Idah took his penalties well but struggled otherwise. Didn’t hold up the ball like he can, never really got at the centre backs. Connolly did well but feels like he’s a 9 playing out of position and Elbouzedi was very lively

[tetsujin1979]

Ireland top Group C on goal difference after Mexico beat Bahrain 2-0, both goals coming in the first ten minutes. Basically, the group decider is on Thursday evening at 7:30

[Olé Olé]

9 of the starting 11 have been raised in Ireland so have come through our football system from the beginning. Coventry with an Irish mother and Ronan with a rejection of England are the only two that haven't.

[Olé Olé]

Well I think we can say with certainty that Taylor has no league 1 experience. Think we should hold all our managers to the same standards. Noel king was portrayed as a buffoon which was unfair
Note that Taylor was not parachuted straight into the starting line-up.

[liamoo11]

Note that Taylor was not parachuted straight into the starting line-up.

Noted

[Diggs246]

9 of the starting 11 have been raised in Ireland so have come through our football system from the beginning. Coventry with an Irish mother and Ronan with a rejection of England are the only two that haven't.

It's great to see. I would say 5 or 6 of that team could go on to have v good pro careers

[Stuttgart88]

Defensively, Kelleher, O’Shea and Masterson were all very good as you’d expect. Masterson is better on the ball I think. O’Shea is a more physical unit. Good partnership. O’Connor was much improved from Luxembourg - looked comfortable out there. Leahy is probably the weak link there - would have him behind Clarke and Wilson at left back.

I felt the midfield allowed themselves to be dominated at times during the first half, maybe it was the heat or going 2-0 up so fast, but they were much improved in the second and overall came out with serious credit.

Idah took his penalties well but struggled otherwise. Didn’t hold up the ball like he can, never really got at the centre backs. Connolly did well but feels like he’s a 9 playing out of position and Elbouzedi was very livelyI was disappointed in Kelleher. good save with feet at a crucial time but I'm not sure he was convincing in the incident that led to Masterson clearing off the line and his late flap and miss at at a routine cross was alarmingly bad in my opinion. Having expected so much due to his reputation I was very underwhelmed.

I agree with you on Idah. Looks a fine athlete but snatches and misses at chances a bit too much in the times I've seen him play.

[Olé Olé]

Idah is young and has time. The fact he's even holding his own at this level at his age is positive. But he has work to do.

On the other hand, Connolly looked awesome playing out of his position. That was a great blistering run so early in the game for the assist. And he took his goal well. Potter put faith in Daniel James and Oli McBurnie this season at Swansea. Let's hope he makes Connolly a £10m+ player too.

[Olé Olé]

It's amazing to see what Kenny has done in a short period of time with this side. They haven't played superpowers and Mexico will likely be the first big test. But he's done some really positive things that we wouldn't have seen previous to him 1) he's blooded players from age groups below that are seriously hot prospects for that level (under 19 players like Idah, Connolly, O'Connor, Coventry) 2) he's afforded LOI players opportunities to prove themselves at this level (Scales, Farrugia, Elbouzedi and the decision to pick a home-based squad early on) and 3) he has the team playing a fast and fluid variation on 4-3-3.

Even if we do get thumped by Mexico, those three things stand up to scrutiny as being for the betterment of Irish football even in the face of a loss.

[nigel-harps1954]

I was disappointed in Kelleher. good save with feet at a crucial time but I'm not sure he was convincing in the incident that led to Masterson clearing off the line and his late flap and miss at at a routine cross was alarmingly bad in my opinion. Having expected so much due to his reputation I was very underwhelmed.

I agree with you on Idah. Looks a fine athlete but snatches and misses at chances a bit too much in the times I've seen him play.

Agree totally on Kelleher. Thought he was very poor when called upon. Flapped at a couple of crosses and didn't look overly commanding.

Let's hope it was just a hangover of sorts..