Stephen Ireland

[tetsujin1979]

Confirmed broken arm, but definately in Pearce's thoughts for this season:
http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchestercity/s/168/168955_unlucky_irelands_bad_break.html

[finlma]

I was well impressed by what I saw of Ireland yesterday. He had some lovely touches and played a few great through balls. Some real potential there.

[tetsujin1979]

Saw the highlights on Sky Sports last night, Ireland came on late on for Joey Barton (who had a fantastic game), and should have scored with his first touch, a volley from near the penalty spot, well saved by Jaaskelainen. He looked a little lost at first, but once he got on the ball, he looked good. From what I saw last night, and from what I've been reading around, he's more of a Scholes-type attacking central midfielder, than a ball winning Keane style player. Here's hoping he continues to develop.

[paul_oshea]

what age is he joe, i remember you on about him, i read about him today in the paper, didnt see much of the city game bar dunne jumping in like an orangatang, i still think he lacks 100% concentration and discipline for a whole game, as evident yesterday.

[Pablo]

he's a cork lad isn't he??

[drinkfeckarse]

A Cobh man ;)

[tetsujin1979]

what age is he? i remember you on about him, i read about him today in the paper, didnt see much of the city game bar dunne jumping in like an orangatang, i still think he lacks 100% concentration and discipline for a whole game, as evident yesterday.
According to his profile here - http://www.4thegame.com/club/manchester-city-fc/player-profile/30840/stephenireland.html - he's 18
As for Dunne, check out the comments on this page - http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchestercity/comments/view.html?story_id=174580 - most fans accept it was a mistake and hope he'll learn from it, but the majority think he's still a class act
From my point of view Dunne's arm was up before Pedersen chipped him, it was an accident, Dunne will learn to keep his arm down in future. Thought Pearce's comments after the game were perfect "He's made a mistake, I've done it myself, and I learned from it. And so will he". Top man

[paul_oshea]

tets its an instinctive reaction i know that, but the thing is he still jumped up in the air like an ape grabbing bananas from the tree. i do really hope he can rid his game of this "achilles heel", but at the moment i am with this poster from the above site posted:

"It was a stupid thing to do why does Dunne do idiotic things? he brought his hand up like he was playing NETBALL it was so unprofessional and it cost us the game,in essence despite his improved form he is a total liabillity and something like this WILL occur in the future I'm sure! "

dunne really needs to sort this irratic behaviour out, i know he's solid 99% of the time, but that 1% will cost us dearly sometime, just like it has for city yesterday, but in our case it could be more costly.

[tetsujin1979]

dunne really needs to sort this irratic behaviour out, i know he's solid 99% of the time, but that 1% will cost us dearly sometime, just like it has for city yesterday, but in our case it could be more costly.
The other side to this is that mistakes from defender and keepers prove more costly than a mistake by a striker or a midfielder. Dunne really has been fantastic this season, and every player makes mistakes, he's still relatively young for a defender, he won't his prime for at least another 5-6 years, so I'm not too worried right now.

As for Stephen Ireland, there's an interview with him on the Man City official site here (http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid={DBD12D53-8346-431D-A04F-5D0F8664DE80}&newsid=242465&siteid=&pageno=&newscategory=1051&frommonth=7&fromyear=2005&tomonth=9&toyear=2005)
He should be involved with the Doncaster game on Wednesday, it's on Sky Sports 2

[colster]

I think I read somewhere that he had a falling out with Brian Kerr a while ago and hasn't played for Ireland since.
Also said he could declare for England though still prefers to play for Ireland.

[paul_oshea]

dunnes 25 now isnt he or very close to it if not. his prime would surely be in another 2 or more years? anyhow thats not all that relevant. we need an experienced and accomplished defender, who is ALWAYS composed to replace kenny and dunne looks like that replacement and to me it doesnt inspire confidence. I dont necessarily agree either that those mistakes by defenders cost us more so, i think morrisions miss cost us in the france game as much as dunne holding back against henry, but in the case for man city yes it is.

[cheifo]

It sayes on the BBC website that Stephen Irelands nationality is English.
Whats the story with him.Has he actually played for an Irish youth side?
For a lad who has only turned 17,seems like a hell of a prospect.How about a future Irish side with Stokes,Garvan and Ireland.

[superfrank]

I saw his chance. In fairness, he was unlucky not to score!!

[Pablo]

A Cobh man ;)

Queenstown is actually part of the Peoples Republic still i'm afraid! so yes he's from Cork!

[Pablo]

He walked out on one of Brian Kerrs youth squads before a big qualifying tournament in Turners Cross. Mini Keano they were calling him!

[drinkfeckarse]

Queenstown is actually part of the Peoples Republic still i'm afraid! so yes he's from Cork!

I know, I was just being picky ;) :D

[drinkfeckarse]

It sayes on the BBC website that Stephen Irelands nationality is English.
Whats the story with him.Has he actually played for an Irish youth side?
For a lad who has only turned 17,seems like a hell of a prospect.How about a future Irish side with Stokes,Garvan and Ireland.


Don't know where they got that, his Dad played for Ireland U/18's.

[cheifo]

He walked out on one of Brian Kerrs youth squads before a big qualifying tournament in Turners Cross. Mini Keano they were calling him!

Jesus, what is it with you Cork lads?
Perfectionists.I suppose. :p :D

[youngirish]

It sayes on the BBC website that Stephen Irelands nationality is English.
Whats the story with him.Has he actually played for an Irish youth side?
For a lad who has only turned 17,seems like a hell of a prospect.How about a future Irish side with Stokes,Garvan and Ireland.

Joey O'Brien looks potentially better than both Garvan and Ireland. He was excellent in pre-season for Bolton and has been on the fringes of breaking into the first team since. Unfortunately for him Bolton are particularly strong in central midfield with Okocha, Speed, Nolan, Nakata and Campo all jostling for places there. Its only a matter of time though before he gets a chance to impress.

[eirebhoy]

It sayes on the BBC website that Stephen Irelands nationality is English.
Whats the story with him.Has he actually played for an Irish youth side?
For a lad who has only turned 17,seems like a hell of a prospect.How about a future Irish side with Stokes,Garvan and Ireland.
I think Ireland is 19.

[youngirish]

I think Ireland is 19.
He is. Garvan is only 17 though.

[Volcán Masaya]

How does he qualify to play for England if he's from Cobh? and why would he want to?

Strange.

[Irish_Praha]

Ireland has had a good first half against Doncaster.

[Colie]

Did well tonight & made a few very good, hard tackles. Even got a yellow card for his trouble.

[tetsujin1979]

Thought he had a good game, his passing especially impressed me, always looking for a through ball or back to defence to keep possession. Not afraid to shoot either, once he found his range. It was actually his defensive work (tackling, tracking back, etc) that I was disappointed in. But he's only 19, this is something he'll learn in time. I don't see him starting against Newcastle at the weekend (Barton will be in for him) but he does look good.

[livehead1]

Joey O'Brien looks potentially better than both Garvan and Ireland. He was excellent in pre-season for Bolton and has been on the fringes of breaking into the first team since. Unfortunately for him Bolton are particularly strong in central midfield with Okocha, Speed, Nolan, Nakata and Campo all jostling for places there. Its only a matter of time though before he gets a chance to impress.

he might get a chance now cos campo is out for 2 months!

[youngirish]

Watched Ireland last night. Was very impressed. Thought city dominated the game but just didn't create enough chances and couldn't put the ball away when they did have an opening.

Looks good. Definitely has the potential to be a top quality future Irish international. With him, Garvan and O'Brien we should be well served for good central midfield players in the near future.

All we need now are some good centre backs coming through, a few decent full backs, two or three good wingers, a couple of strikers and a goalkeeper and we are sorted for the future.

[tetsujin1979]

All we need now are some good centre backs coming through, a few decent full backs
Paul McShane and Paddy McCarthy immediately spring to mind.

two or three good wingers
Aiden McGeady is still only 19, Willo Flood just turned 20 last April (he's a year and a week older than Aiden)

a couple of strikers
Robbie Keane and Clinton are still young, there's at least 6 good years left in them but there's Stokes at Arsenal and Bermingham at Man City.

a goalkeeper and we are sorted for the future.Shay Given should be turning out for us for some time to come, so it's the back up I'd be worried about

[tricky_colour]

Watched Ireland last night. Was very impressed. Thought city dominated the game but just didn't create enough chances and couldn't put the ball away when they did have an opening.

Looks good. Definitley has the potential to be a top quality future Irish international. With him, Garvan and O'Brien we should be well served for good central midfield players in the near future.

All we need now are some good centre backs coming through, a few decent full backs, two or three good wingers, a couple of strikers and a goalkeeper and we are sorted for the future.

No problems with the management then ;)

[youngirish]

Paul McShane and Paddy McCarthy immediately spring to mind.


Mc Shane is good Mc Carthy is a bit crap at the moment and needs to improve quick.



Aiden McGeady is still only 19, Willo Flood just turned 20 last April (he's a year and a week older than Aiden)

Flood is not going to be good enough at the top level. McGeady neeeds to sort himself out he's been s***e lately


Robbie Keane and Clinton are still young, there's at least 6 good years left in them but there's Stokes at Arsenal and Bermingham at Man City.


Bermingham won't be good enough. I reckon Elliot, Kevin Doyle or Andrew Keogh have the potential to be good players in the future.


Shay Given should be turning out for us for some time to come, so it's the back up I'd be worried about

Shane Supple from Ipswich will replace Given in a few years and he is a top young goalie.

[Condex]

Any one watch the game on Sky, Ireland seems to be getting a lot of praise from the BBC Radio5 live commentary team...

Also how bad was Kilbane ?.

[Irish_Praha]

Looking at the City-Everton game at the moment. The majority of Ireland's corners, crosses and passes into the box have been quality. He almost scored with a few mins to go. He won't force his way into the Irish squad for the remaining qualifiers but if we qualify he won't be too far away from the WC squad if he continues like this. We are desperately in need of someone who can get a decent ball into the box from a set piece (without including the defensive liability of Harte). He looks very promising but by the time next Summer comes around we will know a lot more about his ability.

[eirebhoy]

Ireland got man of the match today.

[thejollyrodger]

Ireland got man of the match :)
http://www.rte.ie/sport/2005/1002/mancity.html

Is he going to play for Ireland ?? What is all this england talk about then ?

[tetsujin1979]

manchester evening times gave him 9 out of 10 for his performance -
from http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchestercity/s/176/176248_city_v_everton_player_ratings.html -

A fantastic performance for a player with so limited Premiership experience: came alive in the second half, starting many City moves, and nearly found the net himself at the end.

[Stuttgart88]

I didn't see the game but listened to all the 2nd half on radio 5 Live. They waxed lyrical about him. Extremely positive reviews.

[macdermesser]

Ireland got man of the match :)
http://www.rte.ie/sport/2005/1002/mancity.html

Is he going to play for Ireland ?? What is all this england talk about then ?

he's from Cork according to that link that you posted.
He's hardly win a lot of friends down there now if he plays for the Queen's team

[Baker]

Saw brief highlights of the Man City game on MOTD2 last night.

The commentators were full of praise for Ireland.:)

One of the Everton fans who was interviewed leaving the ground said Kilbane would have done as much good had he sitting next to him in the stand.:eek:

[tetsujin1979]

One of the Everton fans who was interviewed leaving the ground said Kilbane would have done as much good had he sitting next to him in the stand.:eek:
Saw the same thing, the guy left the match early. Kilbane had a shot saved at 1-0 that would have equalised the match late on, debatable would Man City have scored again. I reckon the fan's interpretation of Kilbane's performance would have been different too!!

[superfrank]

Stephen Ireland sounded good, I listened to the match.

The good news is he's actually Irish, born in Cork, signed from Cobh Ramblers. He should definitely get into the u21's, sorry EL players. What's the deal with Willo Flood, I kno he's on loan at Coventry but is he going to be in any Ireland squads?

[del fuego]

Apparently Ireland qualifies for Italy and England through his grandparents. Read it here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mb606/F2241570?thread=1141687&skip=0&show=20). not sure how true it is!

[Stuttgart88]

I watched MOTD2 on tape last night and saw brief highlights of the City v Everton game. Ireland was really good alright. You'd never have guessed he was making his debut. Very confident looking player.

[johnmac]

e new Roy Keane' won't play for Republic as long as Brian Kerr remains as team manager

Tuesday October 4th 2005


THE player billed as 'The new Roy Keane' has vowed not to play for Ireland as long as Brian Kerr is involved in the international set-up.

Manchester City's Stephen Ireland has become the hottest property in Irish soccer following his sensational man of the match performance against Everton on Sunday.

In his first Premiership start, after just two substitute appearances, the 19-year-old displayed a maturity beyond his years and earned a ringing endorsement from City manager Stuart Pearce.

But while his club career is reaching new heights his international career has been on hold for three years after a spectacular bust-up with Brian Kerr which saw Ireland exile himself from international football.

"He has said that he won't play again for Ireland as long as Brian Kerr is there," said a family friend.

The falling out with Ireland's most successful under-age manager occurred in October 2002 and saw him stage a Roy Keane style walkout. Ireland was a member of an Irish U17 squad managed by Kerr that was taking part in a European qualifying tournament against Germany, France and Slovenia in Cork and his home town Cobh.

On October 21 Ireland sat on the bench as Germany defeated the Irish 3-0 in St Colman's Park, Cobh, in front of a 3,500 strong crowd that included his family, neighbours and friends.

Two days later Ireland lost 1-0 to France in front of another 3,500 spectators at Turner's Cross and once again the Manchester City player was an unused substitute.

Angry at not been given an opportunity to play in front of his fellow Corkonians Ireland stormed out of the squad and headed back to Manchester rather than staying for the final group game against Slovenia.

At the time Kerr explained that Ireland's departure was due to injury. "Stephen asked to be released on fitness grounds and I told him he could go. I do not believe he wanted to be here in the first place," said Kerr.

But those close to Ireland dispute that. Said a family friend: "Stephen was heartbroken at not being given an opportunity to play in front of his family and friends in either game. He didn't see any point in staying and felt his career would be better served by returning to Manchester City."

Although Kerr was named as senior international team manager three months later, Ireland remained in exile.

"He felt that Kerr still had a huge influence over the international teams. He liked Sean McCaffrey and got on really well with him but he is determined not to return while Brian Kerr is still there," added the friend.

Ireland is now eligible for the U21s and it is understood that Don Givens will be approaching him when he returns from Cyprus to see if he is ready to end his international exile.

But those discussions could hinge on the results of the next two World Cup qualifiers.

© Irish Independent

[thejollyrodger]

IS that the reason why the indo are trying to get Kerr out ?? Have you read the stuff they are printing in the last few weeks ?? its all about how kerr is under pressure and he needs to go.

Im sure S.Ireland can be brought on board again even with Kerr on board. It was just a stupid walk out at underage level. The kid probably has more cop on now. We dont need to massage egos in this country, the indo doesnt need to help players like him think they are god FFS.

[Junior]

1) Its a 'family friend' who has past on this groundbreaking news!!
2) If true, its an expected reaction from a 16-17 year old "i wanted to play in front of me mammy and daddy and me mates from school" If he has any cop on Im sure he won't still hold those views - this is about playing for your country for fux sake?
3) Is he really toying with the idea of playing for England or Italy?? -Is he really Irish??

[Stuttgart88]

Hi johnymac, I wasn't aware you'd changed sides!

So Stephen Ireland felt he had a right to be selected because his family live near the ground? The poor love. Somebody should have a word with this lad. It's an honour to play for Ireland, not a right.

Alternatively, many of us who were aware of this story for a while now must instinctively have wondered how his relationship with Kerr would affect his prospects. It's an obvious question to ask. I reckon that that's all this article is doing & it's hopping on the latest piece of good news to come out of Irish football and tuning it into a negative anti-Kerr story.

[beautifulrock]

Good point Jolly on the indo, you will also find a Hogan classic Kerr out piece today.

[tetsujin1979]

Alternatively, many of us who were aware of this story for a while now must instinctively have wondered how his relationship with Kerr would affect his prospects. It's an obvious question to ask. I reckon that that's all this article is doing & it's hopping on the latest piece of good news to come out of Irish football and tuning it into a negative anti-Kerr story.
I don't know how relevant it is, but Kerr did mention Stephen Ireland in a press conference before the Italy game as a player who was getting a run in his club side. He had played in pre season for Man City, scoring once, but got injured in the final game before the season started. He actually called him "Stevie" which is what he goes as at Man City.

[Reality Bites]

It is an excuse to have a go at Kerr, Kerr is now under the most pressure of his Football career, The weekends media slaughtered him! and its been unrelenting so far this week, with this storey on Stephen Ireland and other papers carrying stories on Keane being lined up to suceed him.. The media appear to have taken a complete u-turn towards Kerr, the knifes are out.

[OwlsFan]

He has said that he won't play again for Ireland as long as Brian Kerr is there," said a family friend.

So now a big story is being based on the word of an anonymous "family friend". Some friend.

I guarantee that this story will be denied by Ireland withing the next 48 hours.

I know Duffer through a friend of a friend. He hates Kerr and Ireland and would prefer to play for England. Hope the Herald pick up on this one :rolleyes: