2022 Nations League - Group B1

[Insidetherock]

Now that we have finished the World Cup qualifiers, we can turn to the next important competitive competition the Nations League next Summer, and maybe assess possible opponents and where they currently stand vis a vis what would be a good draw, what to expect etc..

The draw for the groups will be made on December 16th, with Ireland in Pot 3 of Nations League Path B

The pots are as follow

B1 - Ukraine, Sweden, Bosnia, Iceland

B2 - Finland, Norway, Scotland, Russia

B3 - Isreal, Serbia, Romania, Ireland

B4 - Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, Armenia


So, what would be the optimal draw? What would be the worst draw? Where would we like to travel to, where would be a disaster?

My own optimal draw would probably be..

Iceland - Norway - Ireland - Armenia

Where teams finished in these qualifiers

Ukraine - 3rd in group behind France and Finland.. just 9 points garnered from 7 games so far, only one win
Bosnia - 4th in the same group as Ukaine.. 7 points, also just one win in 7
Sweden - 2nd behind Spain, beat Spain at home.. blew it with losses to Greece and Georgia
Iceland - 5th in their group, 2 wins home and away to Lichtenstein, a shadow of the team that lit up France 16

Best case scenario - Iceland
Worst case - Sweden

<EDIT>


Date
Home
Away


Saturday, 4th June
Republic of Ireland
Ukraine


Tuesday, 7th June
Armenia
Republic of Ireland


Saturday, 11th June
Republic of Ireland
Scotland


Tuesday, 14th June
Ukraine
Republic of Ireland


Friday, 23rd September

Scotland
Republic of Ireland


Monday, 26th September

Republic of Ireland
Armenia



Fixtures updated due to invasion in Ukraine


Date
Home
Away


Saturday, 4th June
Armenia
Republic of Ireland


Wedneday, 8th June
Republic of Ireland
Ukraine


Saturday, 11th June
Republic of Ireland
Scotland


Tursday, 14th June
Ukraine
Republic of Ireland


Saturday, 24th September
Scotland
Republic of Ireland


Tuesday, 27th September
Republic of Ireland
Armenia


Links
UEFA Nations League (https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/)
2022-23 UEFA Nations League Group B1 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_UEFA_Nations_League_B#Group_1)

[NeverFeltBetter]

Tough to know, but based on World Cup qualifying form I'd say I'd love to get Iceland (have had a poor campaign by recent standards), Finland (somewhat similar, likely to finish with 11/12 points from possible 24) and I suppose then a toss-up between Armenia (I think the weakest but the away trip is lengthy) and Slovenia.

Worst case would probably be Sweden ( were one goal away from putting Spain into the play-offs), Scotland (their best generation in years, though Norway not too far behind) and Montenegro (seem more consistent than Albania, with an even number of wins, draws and losses up to tonight while Albania could end winning five and losing five).

[pineapple stu]

I suppose the question is what do we want from the campaign?

It's a Euros cycle - but we were relegated last time and still made the Euro playoffs. OK, with 32 in the top two divisions, it'll be a bit harder, but I don't think we need to have that as our main focus. (I presume the Euro playoffs are still a thing)

Are we better getting a mix of standards ahead of prep for Euro qualification? Much and all as any draw is going to be a step up from Qatar/Luxembourg/Azerbaijan, I don't think we should be looking to duck behind the weakest possible group. I think Sweden are the best team there by a distance; Norway are good if they have Haaland/Oedegaard. Maybe one of those but not both, and then anyone from pot 4?

[Insidetherock]

Pot 2 Opponents

Finland - 2nd in the group behind France, with only one win outside of the two games against Kazakhstan. Thought we did well enough against them last Nations League

Norway - 3rd in group, level with Turkey, probably won't make it to the play offs as their last game is away to Holland, a team on the upward cycle

Scotland - 2nd in their group, heading for the play offs, again a team on the up

Russia - 2nd in group, blew qualification with an own goal 10 minutes from time.. it's Russia, who knows what you'll get.. brilliance or dross

Best case scenario - Russia

Worst case scenario - Russia

But apart from Russia's inconsistency.. would probably want Finland from this pot

[passinginterest]

Yeah, it's hard to know what to want. A group that's winnable but that can't be written off as only beating poor teams if we did win it. Sweden would be a really tough test as would Scotland in the second group. Genuinely competitive games against the type of teams we need to compete with to qualify for things. I think I'd probably prefer the slightly easier looking group though and plump for something like Iceland, Finland, Solvenia.

[Insidetherock]

Pot 4 opponents

Slovenia - 4th in their group, level with Slovakia, four wins but those mainly against Cyprus and Malta

Montenegro - 4th in their group, three wins, but those against the likes of Latvia and Gibralter

Albania - 3rd in Englands group, could be a tricky opponent, but then you see England beat them by five and it could have been 10

Armenia - 4th in their group, ahead of Iceland even.

Best case - Armenia/Montenegro

Worst case - Albania

[Insidetherock]

I suppose the question is what do we want from the campaign?

It's a Euros cycle - but we were relegated last time and still made the Euro playoffs. OK, with 32 in the top two divisions, it'll be a bit harder, but I don't think we need to have that as our main focus. (I presume the Euro playoffs are still a thing)

Are we better getting a mix of standards ahead of prep for Euro qualification? Much and all as any draw is going to be a step up from Qatar/Luxembourg/Azerbaijan, I don't think we should be looking to duck behind the weakest possible group. I think Sweden are the best team there by a distance; Norway are good if they have Haaland/Oedegaard. Maybe one of those but not both, and then anyone from pot 4?

I think what we want from the campaign should be:

1. Absolutely get into the top 3.. we cannot drop down to C level.

2. Win the group.. would love to see us meeting the Englands, Frances, Germanys, Italys etc in 2024

3. Absolutely solidify 90% of the squad for the upcoming Euro qualifiers afterwards (always allowing for some dark horse to emerge)

4. Get the whole nation behind the team, fill stadiums, and get football rocking again (we still don't even have a main sponsor!!!)

5. Finish top 2 in the group and almost guarentee a play off spot, just in case we don't qualify automatically

5. Bring on the current youngsters so that we're not only going to qualify for Germany in 24, but look good enough for USA in 26 and wherever the Euro's are in 28

I'm right behind SK now.. but we're now in serious territory.. he's got his transition.. qualification matters now

[SkStu]

I suppose the question is what do we want from the campaign?

It's a Euros cycle - but we were relegated last time and still made the Euro playoffs. OK, with 32 in the top two divisions, it'll be a bit harder, but I don't think we need to have that as our main focus. (I presume the Euro playoffs are still a thing)

Are we better getting a mix of standards ahead of prep for Euro qualification? Much and all as any draw is going to be a step up from Qatar/Luxembourg/Azerbaijan, I don't think we should be looking to duck behind the weakest possible group. I think Sweden are the best team there by a distance; Norway are good if they have Haaland/Oedegaard. Maybe one of those but not both, and then anyone from pot 4?

My preference would be to get a group that gives us the most difficult challenge. For me, that is Sweden, Norway and Montenegro. The more we can use the tournament as a means to test our progress, i think the better off we all will be whether pro/anti-Treaty/Kenny :)

If i was purely interested in winning it, there is no gimmes in any of those pots really. Possibly Iceland, Finland and Armenia.

[Razors left peg]

I actually dont mind who we get with any of those options. It all looks like interesting, exciting games. After the last few months Id go into the Nations League with great confidence. We wont go unbeaten, but for 1st time we might be actually competitive in this competition

[Insidetherock]

Yeah definitely think the same

My other thought might be though is what the likes of Finland or Sweden might do in the NL.. will they use it to refresh squads ahead of full Euro qualifying, so we might end up a campaign ahead of them with most of our transition complete?

I think it will be interesting no matter what happens.. the "tournament style" of having four games in quick succession will also have a real make or break aspect to Kennys reign

[samhaydenjr]

I suppose the question is what do we want from the campaign?

It's a Euros cycle - but we were relegated last time and still made the Euro playoffs. OK, with 32 in the top two divisions, it'll be a bit harder, but I don't think we need to have that as our main focus. (I presume the Euro playoffs are still a thing)

Are we better getting a mix of standards ahead of prep for Euro qualification? Much and all as any draw is going to be a step up from Qatar/Luxembourg/Azerbaijan, I don't think we should be looking to duck behind the weakest possible group. I think Sweden are the best team there by a distance; Norway are good if they have Haaland/Oedegaard. Maybe one of those but not both, and then anyone from pot 4?

I think first or second in our group should be our goal for two reasons: firstly, that will pretty much guarantee a play-off place should it be required; second, it will show genuine progress from the last Nations League, when our record was three draws and three narrow defeats, when we had a solid defence (conceding four in six) but a toothless attack (only one in six). We've had encouraging recent results and our squad, in terms of personnel, should be even stronger by June - to break down what I mean by that, the following capped players are all under 25 and should become better with another 3/4 season of senior football (notwithstanding injuries, attitude, not being in current manager's plans):
- Goalkeepers: Kelleher, Bazunu and Travers
- Defenders: Omobamidele, Collins, O'Shea
- Midfielders: Ogbene, Knight, Molumby
- Forwards: Parrott, Connolly, Obafemi, Idah
The following uncapped players under 25 have reasonable senior experience and could well become options by June - it may be worth looking at a few of them in March, depending on their progress:
- Defenders: McGuinness, Dunne, Masterson, O'Hora, McNamara, Bagan, Kioso, Scales
- Midfielders: Ebosele, Coventry, Kilkenny, Smallbone, Taylor, Elbouzedi
- Forwards: Scully, Kayode
The following group have limited or no senior experience but seem talented enough that they could make a breakthrough in the New Year
- Defenders: O'Brien, Furlong, Adaramola, Roughan, Lawal,
- Midfielders: Moran, Finn Benoa, Johansson, Noss, Watson, Devoy
- Forwards: OkoFlex, Odubeko, Ferguson

[Insidetherock]

The importance of a good Nations League showing next year is borne out by how the groups finished up tonight in the WC qualifiers

If we were using the last Nations League finishing positions, with this set of qualifying results, then we'd miss out on qualification by finishing third, and also miss out on a play off place, by one place.

Two of group A didnt qualify directly so would go into the play off path A, and we finished 7th of the Path B non qualfiers

The top four Path B with play off in Path B, and next two would go up to fill Path A.. so we'd miss out by one place

Its pretty imperative we either win or come 2nd in next years Nations League group to give us maximum chance of at least a play off should we not qualify directly

We'd be a 3rd seed in the draw, finishing 28 in Nations League.. have to win our group to get up to 2nd seeds

[osarusan]

I don't see any reason not to want the weakest team in each pot. These players still need to get more comfortable with Kenny's style of play, and easier opposition and better results will only help.

Iceland are in freefall, in WC qualification they are 5th in a group of 6, below Armenia. Bosnia did quite poorly also.

Finland would be nice, to see where we stand against them compared to our previous performances.

Off the top of my head, Armenia seem the weakest team of that last pot, but tbh I don't follow things enough to know if that's true.

[ifk101]

Serbia are arguably the strongest of the listed teams for Path B, and we can't draw them. We should be able to make a decent effort this time round regardless of who we draw. Only negative for us that I see is the scheduling of games for June.

[Diggs246]

The one tea m Id like to avoid is Scotland they are on the up big time and if they beat us I think that could damage our confidence.

[JR89]

Serbia are arguably the strongest of the listed teams for Path B, and we can't draw them. We should be able to make a decent effort this time round regardless of who we draw. Only negative for us that I see is the scheduling of games for June.

The scheduling is a nightmare and don't know why they couldn't play some of the games in March for teams that aren't in the play offs.

[Insidetherock]

Wouldn't see that as a negative. If we qualify for finals, they'll usually be played in June (stupid Qatar), so we should look at this as a mini tournament.. get up to 30 players in for a month and look at every potential option for the next two years

As for who we get.. always look for the easiest.. why make things unnecessarily hard on yourself.. if we get the hardest.. then so be it

Iceland from pot 1 would do the finest

[Eminence Grise]

Flipping it round a bit, hopefully there are fans in pots 1 and 2 moving us from the definitely want them to the not so sure now category.

You always want to test yourself against the best but a mix of one better and two similar wouldn't be a bad draw.

[backstothewall]

Iceland would be ideal. Scotland would be a handy away trip, particularly for those of us in Belfast. Norway and Russia to be avoided imho.

The pot 4 sides look like much of a muchness. Slovenia looks like the easiest in terms of travel etc but none of them particularly easy.

[pineapple stu]

Is it too simplistic to say getting Finland again would offer a nice measure of progress?

Probably the best of the pot two tasks as well.

I'd be happy with Sweden, Finland and Armenia. Nice to have an excuse to go to Armenia

[Stuttgart88]

I think it's important to win games, as self-evident as that may sound. The NL could be our springboard to having the kind of run that Wales have been on for several years now, and that Scotland appear to be on. Winning their League C group was a big thing for Scotland.

[dynamo kerry]

Is it too simplistic to say getting Finland again would offer a nice measure of progress?

Probably the best of the pot two tasks as well.

I'd be happy with Sweden, Finland and Armenia. Nice to have an excuse to go to Armenia

Finland again would be fine with me
We do need to make progress but theres limited to be gained by getting pumped either. Scotland putting Denmark to the sword shows how far we have to go and also how it is clearly possible. They were rubbish 3 or 4 years ago.

I'd also expect the squad to settle down quite a lot now. I know lads are looking at the u21s but kilkenny aside I dont see many people making the jump. Obafemi maybe works his way back in. Arter to appear less I'd guess. Quite a few less debuts in the next 12 months than in the 12 months to date.

[elatedscum]

Taylor
Scales
Kilkenny
Coventry
Ronan
Mandriou
Obafemi

All have a shot within 12 months

[Insidetherock]

My preference, as said above a few times, is to concentrate on around 30 players.. if necessary and they're willing to do it, bring all 30 over each international window, so they are all part of the squad, the training, the systems, so if we get hit with a run of injuries players can come straight in

We need to look at this as a two and a half year cycle, up to the end of the 2024 Euros.

Sure, there may be outliers.. Obafemi might start banging in goals left right and centre for Swansea.. Kilkenny might be a starting central midfielder in the Premier League in 12 months

But we should know now what we have and what we need.

And that might mean tough calls on players like Coleman and Mc Clean

[geysir]

This Nations League competition has turned out to be a real bonus. Kudos to the brains behind it. Most all the teams in L2 are the type of teams Ireland will have to finish ahead of in order to qualify for the Euros. The only real pressure is avoid relegation and good competitive games against similar or better teams can be the making of this squad. If the players and Kenny are not ready for this challenge in spring, then when will it ever happen.

[Stuttgart88]

yeah, I think it's great.

[pineapple stu]

And that might mean tough calls on players like Coleman and Mc Clean
While I can see where you're coming from, I think Coleman and McClean are two unusual people to focus on - in part because I don't think we're blessed with an abundance of wing-backs, are we?

We've Coleman and McClean. Doherty, Christie and Stevens - a couple of years younger, but still will be 30+ by the time the Euro qualifiers roll around. Manning, but he's not really been used much. Scales and Ebosele - not ready yet.

Am I missing anyone there?

[Insidetherock]

I absolutely love both Coleman and Mc Clean.. never get why people are so hard on Mc.. but if you were to be a hard chaw manager, you'd also have to look at tge fact Seamus will be 35 by Germany 24, James 34. James is playing League 1 (though probably good enough for Championship)

I wouldn't ditch them now.. they'll definitely be important for NL next year.. but it'd be remiss of you not to be already thinking about moving on from them

Dara O Shea, Omabomidele, Collins would all be in line to slot in for Coleman

Who'd be in line for Mc Clean? Stevens.. then who?

You have to be planning ahead. For example, is there any point in bringing Daryl Horgan over again?

[JR89]

This Nations League competition has turned out to be a real bonus. Kudos to the brains behind it. Most all the teams in L2 are the type of teams Ireland will have to finish ahead of in order to qualify for the Euros. The only real pressure is avoid relegation and good competitive games against similar or better teams can be the making of this squad. If the players and Kenny are not ready for this challenge in spring, then when will it ever happen.

They're changing the format of the U19s to a similar format as the Nations League.

[passinginterest]

Ogbene is probably another longer term option at right wing back, seeing as that's where he plays for his club. I agree with the view we're less likely to see a huge number of debutants in the next year or so. I think most have been listed already, but Elbouzedi is another one who might come in for a look.

[JR89]

They're changing the format of the U19s to a similar format as the Nations League.

https://en.google-info.in/62184333/1/2022-uefa-european-under-19-championship-qualification.html

If the link works the format they wanted to bring but couldn't at the time as covid interrupted underage football. Not sure when they'll get around to doing it as the draw for the 2022 tournament happens next month and they're still using the current format and they've announced the hosts for the next three tournaments.

[pineapple stu]

You have to be planning ahead. For example, is there any point in bringing Daryl Horgan over again?
Oh I get the planning ahead bit. But I think we have a bit of a selection shortfall at wingback and it's not so easy to replace them at the moment.

I think our recovery is still fragile enough that I wouldn't like to sacrifice a bit of momentum for the sake of experimentation with young players

[Stuttgart88]

I don't really care if Coleman will be 35 by the time of the next Euros. Unless his career takes a dive he'll still have a role to play imho.

[dynamo kerry]

Taylor
Scales
Kilkenny
Coventry
Ronan
Mandriou
Obafemi

All have a shot within 12 months

I agree on kilkenny. Given the personelle available in CM Coventry is at the back of the line. Scales may do well to get past collins and a returning o'shea.

I dont agree right wing back is a problem. Coleman has another 3 years in him and so does Doherty. Plenty of time for lads to progress.

[jbyrne]

I don't really care if Coleman will be 35 by the time of the next Euros. Unless his career takes a dive he'll still have a role to play imho.

yes, mark lawrenson was on the radio a couple of weeks back saying colemans legs had gone. i hadn't seen much of everton this season so took it as possibly a fair comment. didn't see much signs of his legs going over the last week though.... especially against portugal where i thought he was excellent

[backstothewall]

While I can see where you're coming from, I think Coleman and McClean are two unusual people to focus on - in part because I don't think we're blessed with an abundance of wing-backs, are we?

We've Coleman and McClean. Doherty, Christie and Stevens - a couple of years younger, but still will be 30+ by the time the Euro qualifiers roll around. Manning, but he's not really been used much. Scales and Ebosele - not ready yet.

Am I missing anyone there?

Manning? I'm not convinced, but I'm not ready to write him off yet either.

That said, I would like a look at Bagan, and Dennis Cirkin if he can be convinced to jump the fence. I know he's only in League 1, but we have other players at that level, and Sunderland are a big club in any division which has to count for something.

[SkStu]

I absolutely love both Coleman and Mc Clean.. never get why people are so hard on Mc..?

McClean, over the last 4-5 years particularly, has been the players that wrecks my head the most within the squad (along with Duffy).

McClean is infuriating to watch at times - crosses are a lottery; decision making is questionable; reckless in the tackle at times; touch can be poison. But it has also been mixed in with some big moments and a passion for the jersey that is impossible not to admire and enjoy. All that said, he has been a player reborn under SK especially over the last 6-7 games. He is playing some of his best and most consistent football for us in that time both as a starter and off the bench. While he has still had some WTF moments (e.g. against Lux, there was a touch he took to steady himself for a shot that pushed the ball two yards in front of him and a couple of moments where he was caught badly out of position as they countered), he has overall been a player reborn under SK and i am cool with him being named on the team more now than i ever was in the more recent past.

The same rebirth applies to Duffy who i never thought would thrive under SK's required playing style but has been generally brilliant for us over the same stretch of 6-7 games. A few hairy moments aside, he has passed with composure and patience and the hoofball antics of the past seem to be completely eradicated which, to me, is staggering. I didn't think he had it in him. He also continues to bring the best of what he has always brought to the team.

[LurcherLover]

Yeah, Duffy has only been good for us over the last 6-7 games.

[Insidetherock]

The thing that gets me about Irish players and "hoofball", and always has.. is that surely no professional player has managed to get all the way through local leagues, Kennedy Cups, LOI professional level, English football academies and all the way to playing professionally.. and not been able to pass a ball accurately 10-20 yards

They have to be able to do it..

This "Georgian/Finnish/Icelandic etc" players are "technically better".. is nonsense in my opinion.

Surely our players, can pass a ball and move to a different position to retrieve it

Whether they're encouraged to do it, is a different thing

[SkStu]

The thing that gets me about Irish players and "hoofball", and always has.. is that surely no professional player has managed to get all the way through local leagues, Kennedy Cups, LOI professional level, English football academies and all the way to playing professionally.. and not been able to pass a ball accurately 10-20 yards

They have to be able to do it..

This "Georgian/Finnish/Icelandic etc" players are "technically better".. is nonsense in my opinion.

Surely our players, can pass a ball and move to a different position to retrieve it

Whether they're encouraged to do it, is a different thing

Totally agree by the way and believe that the credit for this goes to SK encouraging and trusting his players to do it. A world apart from the lazy excuses from previous managers that we "don't have the players to pass the ball and move".

My overarching point being that i was so used to seeing Duffy launch garryowens that i wasn't convinced he'd have the ability to thrive under SKs approach. And I was wrong.


Yeah, Duffy has only been good for us over the last 6-7 games.

If you are trying to be sarcastic/smart, i would encourage you to re-read what I posted.

[geysir]

As soon as Richard Dunne hung up his boots he was moaning in his media punditry about far too much hoof ball/caveman stuff being played under O'Neill - suppressed memory syndrome or just pure denial?

[lofty9]

Manning? I'm not convinced, but I'm not ready to write him off yet either.

That said, I would like a look at Bagan, and Dennis Cirkin if he can be convinced to jump the fence. I know he's only in League 1, but we have other players at that level, and Sunderland are a big club in any division which has to count for something.

I’d say Manning’s problem is McClean’s attitude and commitment in everything he does around the camp. If Manning wants to be ahead of McClean he has to work harder than James and that isn’t possible. James wants to be in the 100 club.

[Insidetherock]

I’d say Manning’s problem is McClean’s attitude and commitment in everything he does around the camp. If Manning wants to be ahead of McClean he has to work harder than James and that isn’t possible. James wants to be in the 100 club.

Without a doubt.. he'll run through walls for that century

Anyone ever think he kind of reminds them of Kilbane?

[dynamo kerry]

Without a doubt.. he'll run through walls for that century

Anyone ever think he kind of reminds them of Kilbane?

I suppose. I never thought kilbane was always on the verge of something super crazy though. Look, I absolutely get that mcclean adds value in terms of team commitment, setting an example and to an extent scaring the pants off certain opposition players. I dont quite have a grip on that being offset by his awful first touch, variability of decision making and the fact he is gradually getting left behind by the passing game we are trying to play.

That said, hes a fab impact sub and if he wants to hit 100 caps that is one route
It does however look like SK is, at least when the opposition is light, playing a more attacking wing back scenario. I'd put money down if it was Portugal or some decent side Stevens would appear to start

What is clear if you are a fringe player or playing down the leagues you need to have some sort of x factor to make the leap. Also lets face it, 30 years ago knight would be a premier league starter by now. It's just more crowded over there. Mcclean certainly has that x factor.. Knight, Bazanu, omo. Manning needs to show soon why he is a stand out player. So far so average sadly.

[backstothewall]

I suppose. I never thought kilbane was always on the verge of something super crazy though. Look, I absolutely get that mcclean adds value in terms of team commitment, setting an example and to an extent scaring the pants off certain opposition players. I dont quite have a grip on that being offset by his awful first touch, variability of decision making and the fact he is gradually getting left behind by the passing game we are trying to play.


His first touch can be brutal at times, but when he get the ball out of his feet he's capable of getting past defenders and putting in fabulous crosses. Much was made of the touch by Jason Knight that put the ball on a plate for Callum Robinson, but it was a peach of a ball in from McClean.

[Stuttgart88]

It was an absolute gem of a goal. One of the best we've ever scored imho.

[dynamo kerry]

It was an absolute gem of a goal. One of the best we've ever scored imho.
Agreed
Good passing
Team effort
Skill
Timing

It had it all

[osarusan]

I wouldn't agree on him being the best crosser though.

He manages to hit the nearest (and often only) defender an extraoridnary amount of the time.

[third policeman]

I wouldn't agree on him being the best crosser though.

He manages to hit the nearest (and often only) defender an extraoridnary amount of the time.

Agree, that was a brilliant cross for Knight, but it’s the exception rather than the rule. Nobody, can fault his commitment to the cause and the pride he feels representing his country, but he’s a mascot rather than a productive member of a team attempting to forge a new style.

[geysir]

Agree, that was a brilliant cross for Knight, but it’s the exception rather than the rule. Nobody, can fault his commitment to the cause and the pride he feels representing his country, but he’s a mascot rather than a productive member of a team attempting to forge a new style.
McClean isn't of this thread (the future), but far from being mockingly labelled a mascot, he was selected to start by the manager of this new style team and despite evident technical shortcomings in the game he was not subbed and delivered in the end, magnificently. He epitomises the pride and total commitment in representation and this next generation of young players are vying to be a part of that. That's what it's about.