Clinton Morrison

[Den Perry]

Always been a big fan of Clint, gave 100% every time. Remember his goal away to the Swiss particularly well, was a great header.

I always thought Morrison was unlucky to be lefty out of our squad. He does seem to score in bursts though as far as club football is concerned

[Scram]

Cracking goals against "Roy Keane's" Ipswich (no end to the hype around Mr. Ego!)

I thought there was quite an element of luck though on the first one even if it looked smashing, the second one though was placed brilliantly

I wonder if Trap will even be aware of Clinton??"! because he looked very, very sharp. (not that one swallow should make a summer in South Africa)


ps. Dan Parry "lefty" :)

[shakermaker1982]

Clinton can still play his way into contention. If he keeps banging them away then I'm sure the Trap will consider him for inclusion.

[Den Perry]

Cracking goals against "Roy Keane's" Ipswich (no end to the hype around Mr. Ego!)

I thought there was quite an element of luck though on the first one even if it looked smashing, the second one though was placed brilliantly

I wonder if Trap will even be aware of Clinton??"! because he looked very, very sharp. (not that one swallow should make a summer in South Africa)


ps. Dan Parry "lefty" :)

who is Dan Parry?

[Closed Account]

who is Dan Parry?
I think he's related to Scrum

[dr_peepee]

who is Dan Parry?

Is he from the Banana Grove???

[Den Perry]

Is he from the Banana Grove???


Den Perry is from the Banana Grove. However Scram referred to "Dan Parry, lefty"....

Maybe he meant Den Perry - however the "lefty" is lost on me as my politics would not be leaning in that direction.......

[Scram]

who is Dan Parry?

D'oh!!! I guess one good typo deserves another...

but, as you ask Dan Parry is actually a previous colleague,....he married a Japanese girl, very cute, not Dan, his bird...er..his wife, Mrs. Parry, formerly Ms. Fukuda...so he wasn't a lefty or "lefty out"...I kid you not.

[EastTerracer]

Tony O'Donoghue: "So, has Clinton Morrison forced his way into the manager's thoughts with his two goals yesterday"
Liam Brady: "Not really, no...... I suppose it can't do him any harm if he can keep doing that"

A half-hearted nod towards Clinton from Chippy on RTE Radio this evening. He was never a big fan when he was on the RTE panel so don't hold your breath.

[third policeman]

Tony O'Donoghue: "So, has Clinton Morrison forced his way into the manager's thoughts with his two goals yesterday"
Liam Brady: "Not really, no...... I suppose it can't do him any harm if he can keep doing that"

A half-hearted nod towards Clinton from Chippy on RTE Radio this evening. He was never a big fan when he was on the RTE panel so don't hold your breath.


That's a really disappointing comment from Brady, but one that reinforces the impression that our selection policy is not informed by any rational assesment of form or experience. Best, Folan, N.Hunt are not exactly world beaters. Morrison may not have fulfilled his potential as a player or always demonstrated consistency, but he has undoubted ability and has given several outstanding performances for Ireland in crucial games. Brady's remark must be a sickener for someone who is passionate about playing for Ireland.

How long did it take Brady, Trap abd tardelli to look at St Ledger, only to realise that he was far better than Bruce and McShane? I suspect that if Clint had been picked for Australia he would have been conspicuously more effective than Best or Folan have been.

[irishfan86]

I think Folan and best genuinely offer something different than Clint though.

In terms of "type" of player, I'd compare Morrison to Doyle. Both are hard working players who run the channels, and are capable of scoring all sorts of goals, despite the fact that they are not traditional "target men."

Folan gives us a genuine physical option that can really shake back-lines up. He can hold the ball up with ease, and is a great outlet.

Best is a different option again, in that he's a true battering ram that can literally throw defenders aside as he drives through with the ball.

Morrison's biggest problem for me is that he is too similar to Doyle. Most managers like to have different types of strikers, and unless Doyle isn't available, or the manager wants a "like for like" type option on the bench, then I don't think Morrison will have a role to play for us (huge fan though from his big goals during the Kerr days).

[Razors left peg]

I think Folan and best genuinely offer something different than Clint though.

In terms of "type" of player, I'd compare Morrison to Doyle. Both are hard working players who run the channels, and are capable of scoring all sorts of goals, despite the fact that they are not traditional "target men."

Folan gives us a genuine physical option that can really shake back-lines up. He can hold the ball up with ease, and is a great outlet.

Best is a different option again, in that he's a true battering ram that can literally throw defenders aside as he drives through with the ball.

Morrison's biggest problem for me is that he is too similar to Doyle. Most managers like to have different types of strikers, and unless Doyle isn't available, or the manager wants a "like for like" type option on the bench, then I don't think Morrison will have a role to play for us (huge fan though from his big goals during the Kerr days).

Ive already said Id like to see Morrison back but you do make some good points there

[rebelmusic]

Thats 3 goals in 2 today...one for best aswell.

[Scram]

Cracking goals against "Roy Keane's" Ipswich (no end to the hype around Mr. Ego!)

I thought there was quite an element of luck though on the first one even if it looked smashing, the second one though was placed brilliantly

I wonder if Trap will even be aware of Clinton??"! because he looked very, very sharp. (not that one swallow should make a summer in South Africa)



The despicable Keane’s latest comments proving the man is nothing but a thug. Referring to Clinton Morrison’s brilliantly headed goal against the underperforming Tractor Boys, the Cork tramp says that somebody should have taken Morrison’s head clean off.

Any other “manager” would be castigated for this and punished rightfully by the FA but Keane will probably escape.

[elroy]

This could be a tough season for Keano, a good few teams in the Championship alot better than Ipswich.

As for Bling Bling, another goal and surely has to be considered if he keeps this run going. I wouldnt say hes proven at international level but he has done well for us and at least deserves consideration if the likes of Folan/Best/Hunt and Long are in the mix.

[SkStu]

As for Bling Bling, another goal and surely has to be considered if he keeps this run going. I wouldnt say hes proven at international level but he has done well for us and at least deserves consideration if the likes of Folan/Best/Hunt and Long are in the mix.

while i totally agree (though i think Clinton has proven his international worth to us), it just aint going to happen.

One of the most perplexing traits of Trappatoni's reign is his reluctance to step outside the pool of players he selected for his initial training camp. I dont think we have ever picked our strongest available squad under Trappatoni.

[centre mid]

Clinton was on talksport this morning saying how much he would love to be back in the squad and that he cant understand how is always overlooked.

[Stuttgart88]

Maybe he should read Irishfan86's post above so.

I saw him live the week before last, but as IF86 says, he does exactly what Doyle does. Folan & Best offer something different.

[youngirish]

Maybe he should read Irishfan86's post above so.

I saw him live the week before last, but as IF86 says, he does exactly what Doyle does. Folan & Best offer something different.

Certainly a better option than Shane Long though.

[Jicked]

Certainly a better option than Shane Long though.
Long is cover for the Robbie Keane role, I'd have Noel Hunt ahead of Long for that role though fwiw

[Stuttgart88]

Certainly a better option than Shane Long though.I was asking myself that question when I was typing it. In a squad are you looking for a group of 5 forwards whose style complement each other, or are you aiming just to have an option to bring on a potential goalscorer?

I like the fact that Long is quick and runs at people. I also like Clinton's game. On balance I'd prefer Clinton in the squad but I'm not that fussed. I think Long needs to justify his selection with some good club form though. Potential isn't enough to warrant being picked all the time.

[NeilMcD]

Noel Hunt has been injured as far as I know and I would not think that Long is like Keane at all. We actually dont have any body like Keane really in the squad.

[Noelys Guitar]

Morrison is as good now as when he was last in our starting 11 under Kerr so he should be included in the squad. He has the knack of being in the right place at the right time and for me is a very brave player. That headed goal he scored against Ipswich earlier this season was excellent. He headed a ball that ( Roy Keane slated his Ipswich defender for not following through) often leads to a kick in the head. Having said that Leon Best recently has been a revelation. This guy looks like a real find. I knew as soon as that **** Pat Dolan said that Best would never improve beyond lower league level that we might have a star in the making. Excellent first touch. Scores goals and is very hard to knock off the ball.

[seanfhear]

Clinton always did a good job for Ireland when selected and you can't really ask much more than that. Maybe Clinton would not be happy being the back up player.

I think younger players can put up with been the back up players so maybe thats why Long is in the squad

[youngirish]

Noel Hunt has been injured as far as I know and I would not think that Long is like Keane at all. We actually dont have any body like Keane really in the squad.

As a centre forward Keogh reminds me of Keane a little except nowhere near as good.

[Closed Account 2]

With the possible injury to Folan I'd be tempted to call up Clinton now. He has the pace and strength to trouble an old Italian defence.

[SkStu]

i like Morrisson and think he has done enough to be in the squad of 27. However CFDH, even if he was called up trappatoni wouldnt start him.

It will be Keane and Doyle to start with Best coming on to terrorise them.

[drummerboy]

Always liked Morrisson. He is a completely unorthodox striker, and continental defences find him a real handful. However I think Keogh should be considered for the front positions now that he is starting regularly in the PL. Hunt and Long havn't got going yet this season and are a little lucky to be still in the squad.

[Acornvilla]

yep at the minute hunt and long dont deserve their place! i think caleb folan got injured tonight? think clinton might get the nod?

[Colbert Report]

Liam Brady doesn't like Clinton so he won't get a call up.

Andy Keogh looked good yesterday for Wolves again Sunderland.

[gwhite]

Liam Brady doesn't like Clinton so he won't get a call up.


Really? Where'd you hear this? I think Brady likes Andy Reid but that hasn't done Andy much good...

[Colbert Report]

I read it on here, I'll try to get a link for you. He said it in a press conference a month or so ago, something along the lines of "we're looking for something different".

[EastTerracer]

I read it on here, I'll try to get a link for you. He said it in a press conference a month or so ago, something along the lines of "we're looking for something different".

I think I posted the original reference - listen to the audio link below (2:57 mins in). Not quite so dismissive but certainly along the lines of we're not really thinking about him at the moment....

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/0810/brady_av.html

[tetsujin1979]

Clinton was on Soccer AM this morning, I only saw the end of it, did he say anything about being out of the Ireland setup?

[evin_gla]

Yeah, at the end of one of their bits of chat with him they asked him about Ireland (and said that they had received a bunch of emails asking to ask him about it)

he said he definitely thought he should be in the squad .
pointed out that his 9 goals for us were from 16 starts (after Helen C had read out his Ireland stats)
he said something along the lines of that he reckoned he was playing as well or better than lads who were in the squad

he then said that he reckoned it wasn’t for football reasons that he wasn’t in the squad and then, kind of half-jokingly, wondered whether someone has told the management that he was a bad character (or something along those lines)

when they asked if he would give Trap a call to discuss he said something about Trap not having great English.

This was all after him saying how he had now matured and wouldn't mouth off like he would have when he was young ……..

it might read worse than it actually was to be fair (and I wouldn’t claim 100% accuracy) but he could have been a bit more diplomatic I reckon.

A nice touch when they read out an email from ybig.ie saying how they supported him and remembered his contribution.
He appreciated that.

[Junior]

http://www.socceram.com/media/video/0,21631,,00.html

He feels hard done by. He has an argument but it is marginal imo so no need for the cockyness.

[seanfhear]

If I had played as well as Clinton has for Ireland and was in pretty good form then I would be upset at not been picked for the Irish squad.

[Alf Honn]

it might read worse than it actually was to be fair (and I wouldn’t claim 100% accuracy) but he could have been a bit more diplomatic I reckon.


--

The problem with today's media-trained players is they're TOO diplomatic.


How refreshing to hear a player express an honest opinion on a subject clearly close to his heart.


The standard line is normally 'I'll keep the head down, word hard in training and see what happens'.


Clinton deserves to be in the squad, certainly ahead of Reading reserve Shane Long and probably Stokes.


He's been continually ignored by Trap and must have been annoyed in August when the day after he scored twice to beat Ipswich, Brady responded to a media question after Ireland training in Tipp.

Q: Did the performance of CM v Ipswich yesterday push him nearer to a call-up

A: Not really.


Charming.

[noddy102]

If I had played as well as Clinton has for Ireland and was in pretty good form then I would be upset at not been picked for the Irish squad.

His last goal iirc was against China in a friendly.... which was how many years ago please remind me?

[seanfhear]

His last goal iirc was against China in a friendly.... which was how many years ago please remind me?
He has not played that much for a few years and for some reason he was not given the kind of loyalty that say a player like Liam Miller is getting in the present Irish squad.

Clinton always did a good job for Ireland when picked and is entitled to be a bit peeved especially as it seems he does not know why he is not been picked.

Its not that difficult for the manager or his assistants to ring up a player and let him know what the situation is.
Clinton wants to play and players that want to play deserve respect.

[noddy102]

He has not played that much for a few years and for some reason he was not given the kind of loyalty that say a player like Liam Miller is getting in the present Irish squad.

Clinton always did a good job for Ireland when picked and is entitled to be a bit peeved especially as it seems he does not know why he is not been picked.

Its not that difficult for the manager or his assistants to ring up a player and let him know what the situation is.
Clinton wants to play and players that want to play deserve respect.

Clinton Morrison has been out of the international scene for a long time now. I accept he has good international experience, and plenty of football experience. He is a good goalscorer too.

But I do not accept he should be in the team. He scored 12 goals in 50 games last season for Coventry and is only playing slightly better this season. Two of his goals came from his first game against Ipswich, both of which were really impressive goals... however he has hardly been up to much else if we look at his performances over the course of the whole season so far.

We have Keane and Doyle as first choice strikers. Both play in the Premiership. Best is arguably now our 3rd choice striker, and what gives him an advantage over Clint, is the fact he is young and has a future with Ireland. He is strong and holds the ball up well, and will in time get goals for Ireland.

We also have Andy Keogh who plays in the Premiership and Anthony Stokes, who has been playing well in a good Hibs team in the Scottish Premiership this season.

All of those players deserve their chance. Doyle, Keane and Keogh have been a part of this campaign, Best came in late but has shown he is worth his place, Stokes deserves a chance.

Morrison is a good option to have, but hardly could be considered a better option than any of the above.

[Junior]

The problem with today's media-trained players is they're TOO diplomatic.


How refreshing to hear a player express an honest opinion on a subject clearly close to his heart.


The standard line is normally 'I'll keep the head down, word hard in training and see what happens'.


Clinton deserves to be in the squad, certainly ahead of Reading reserve Shane Long and probably Stokes.


He's been continually ignored by Trap and must have been annoyed in August when the day after he scored twice to beat Ipswich, Brady responded to a media question after Ireland training in Tipp.

Q: Did the performance of CM v Ipswich yesterday push him nearer to a call-up

A: Not really.


Charming.

I agree that it is refreshing for players to speak from the heart and it was clear from that interview that he does want to get back in the fold which is great.

However,

1) He came across as someone who thought being overlooked was underhand and nothing to do with his footballing abilities. The reality is for me that his form warrants a serious consideration, nothing more. Leon Best, Stokes, Folan, Long, N Hunt are marginally better or worse depending on who you talk to - there is nothing in it really for me (though I would probably have him in ahead of Long)

2) He showed no respect to his Irish team mates (one of which is a club team mate) by implying they were inferior to him.

3) He also insinuated that a squad member / member of the FAI backroom staff had probably 'blackmarked' him - hardly the type of characteristics Trap would be looking for in his close knit team morale. Brady's response that you quoted would seem suggest a lack of diplomacy also, would be interesting to know if Brady does have an issue with CM and if so where it stems from.

Diplomacy should not be underestimated......

[carloz]

I have a feeling Morrisons anger may be at Longs inclusion above him. He can't really argue about any of the other strikers, maybe with the exception of Stokes, but there is very few who would argue for having Long in ahead of Morrison

[OwlsFan]

Clinton signs for the Owls. Good signing for Wednesday as he was always a player I liked. Should do well in the 1st Division. Not a career enhancing move though.

[shakermaker1982]

I'm surprised a Championship club didn't snap him up. He'll do well in League 1.

[Jacky08]

That's a few Irish lads there now

Potter,Hefffernan, Clinton,O'Connor

[OwlsFan]

I'm surprised a Championship club didn't snap him up. He'll do well in League 1.

A Premiership side snapped him up, albeit temporarily residing in League One ;)

There is always a hint of sadness though when I see our (Irish) players slipping down the leagues. At least Clinton had his moments in the sun. Potter and O'Connor...alas never.

[Paddy Garcia]

Bumped into him in the lobby of a hotel in Sheffield last!

[Carrigaline]

Clinton Morrison has signed a two year deal with Colchester United - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18860119

[pineapple stu]

Just scored his second goal in four games to equalise against Sheffield United.