What players do you think can come into our 1st XI? [Archive]

ThatGuy

01/02/2006, 7:55 AM

eirebhoy

01/02/2006, 8:05 AM

Finnan and Carr not up to it IMO
No offence but that is the most ridiculous football statement I've read on this forum in a while. :) Finnan is one of the most solid right back's in Europe. Benitez said recently:
"He will be seven, eight, nine or even ten out of ten every week. This is really important for the team. Some players find a good level for individual games, but don't do the same every week. Finnan does it for a whole season."

loscherland

01/02/2006, 8:35 AM

Joey O'Brien (Finnan and Carr not up to it IMO)

You are off your rocker son if you really think that!

Reality Bites

01/02/2006, 8:39 AM

Totally ridiculous Statement on Finnan, He is one of the best pro's around, and probably the best Irish performer in the premiership this year!.
Back to the topic of the thread, Joey O'Brien, Stephen Ireland, and Kevin Doyle should all feature in next months friendly, plus if he wasn't injured McGeady could be used as a super-sub or potential match winner..

zinedineontour

01/02/2006, 8:58 AM

I think out of all of the players we have, the ones that can come into our starting eleven are...

Joey O'Brien (Finnan and Carr not up to it IMO)
Stephen Ireland
Kevin Doyle

Anyone else, I know we'll have lots of squad players, but who can strengthen our starting line-up?

Yeah lets play joey o brien who is actually a centre midfielder ahead of finnan who has been one of liverpools best players this season and mr consistent .. other than that ireland might get in squad and kev doyle should be fighting for starting 11 ..

NeilMcD

01/02/2006, 9:35 AM

Have to agree with everyone here. That is one of the most stupid comments I have read on this forum in a very long time. I woudl love to know the basis of this argument that Finnan is not up to it. The guy is Mr. Consistancy very much in the Denis Irwin mold of never putting a foot wrong type of guy.

beautifulrock

01/02/2006, 9:48 AM

To add to the Finnan debate, he has actually become a more rounded footballer in the last 12 months, his crossing has improved considerably and as a consequence the number of "assists" he offers makes him an extremely valuable player.

Peadar

01/02/2006, 10:03 AM

To add to the Finnan debate, he has actually become a more rounded footballer in the last 12 months

He has improved for Liverpool but we'll have to wait and see if he has improved for Ireland. I'd have him ahead of O'Brien though. The lad is only 19 and we've no reason to rush him into the starting XI.

ThatGuy

01/02/2006, 10:44 AM

My opinions on Finnan and Carr are based on Ireland performances rather than Premiership performers. I don't know why but neither have delivered the goods for Ireland recently.

Dotsy

01/02/2006, 10:58 AM

My opinions on Finnan and Carr are based on Ireland performances rather than Premiership performers. I don't know why but neither have delivered the goods for Ireland recently.

Finnan has been pretty consistent for Ireland as well as L'Pool. He might not have played particulary well in the last two games of the campaign but aside from Given and maybe Elliot I can't think of anyone who did. He is one of the best right fulls playing in the premiership and far and away the best available to Ireland.

I have no problem giving Joey O' Brien a run as he can provide cover for Finnan and can play in midfield (his favourite position AFAIK). Definitely agree that Steven Ireland, Doyle and McGeady (if fit) should also be included. I would like to see Trundle get a run also at some stage. We are not blessed with attacking midfielders who can score goals so I think he is worth a look.
If these guys perform well in the friendlies and continue to play well for their clubs for the rest of the season then IMO they would all be in the frame for a starting place in the first competeive XI

drummerboy

01/02/2006, 11:32 AM

Think Joey O�Brien will eventually play in midfield

zinedineontour

01/02/2006, 12:39 PM

My opinions on Finnan and Carr are based on Ireland performances rather than Premiership performers. I don't know why but neither have delivered the goods for Ireland recently.

Unlike Obrien who has not played for the senior side yet ... Think Finnan has done alright for the senior side and by far is our best right back ... OBrien again is a centre midfielder ..

silentbob

01/02/2006, 1:18 PM

IMO finnan will probably be one of the first names down on the Irish team sheet for our next qualifying campaign. O'Brien will come into the squad but as a midfilder, not as a right back as he currently plays for Bolton

NeilMcD

01/02/2006, 1:31 PM

The only game that Finnan was terrible was the Cyprus away match. he was a disgrace that night as he was not even trying. I was sitting on the same side that he was playing and it was one of the worst and laziest performances I have seen from a player. However maybe he was injured or that the incident with the old man getting killed was playing on his mind I dont know as it its not usual for him to play like that.

brine3

01/02/2006, 4:15 PM

Don't forget Steven Reid, who has been playing well, week in, week out for Blackburn.

dynamo kerry

01/02/2006, 8:16 PM

stephen reid who has played upwards of 20 games this season and is currently help spank manutd?

I'd give him a run .. yeah

doyle for me is our main contender , one defensive spot is up for grabs and both centre mid spots. I'm not sure who we should be looking at in centre mid. no confidence in miller, kav is good but a tad on the elderly side.. leaving me a tad confused. possible andy r on the right, stephen r in the middle with kav or ireland.

given
finnan
o'shea
dunne
o'brien/an other
duff
reid
centre midfielder
centre midfielder
Robbie
Doyler

sligoman

01/02/2006, 8:22 PM

Joey O'Brien (Finnan and Carr not up to it IMO)Either you have no clue about the Irish team, or you just have a personal problem with Limerick people(:D) because that is really a ridiculous thing to say!

btw, Carr has retired anyway, so he doesn't need to be "up to it" anymore

FarBeag

01/02/2006, 8:43 PM

Qwerty

01/02/2006, 10:46 PM

In terms of becoming a regular 1st XI near term I think Steve Reid, Kevin Doyle and Joey O'Brien are the best bets.

With younger players it is always hard to tell, McGeady and Stephen Kelly were all the rage last season like Liam Miller was the year before and John O'Shea before that. You sorta expect the kids to grow exponentially but it rarely happens like that, they seem to plateau sooner than expected.

I think it is now or never for Reid, I thought he was going to be huge when he first came into the squad, maybe it was injury or moving to Blackburn but he seems to have got his act together this season.

Doyle and O'Brien have been revelations this year. I think Ireland and McGeady deserve some playing time as well.

eirebhoy

01/02/2006, 11:13 PM

Clive Clarke played 75minutes in the Arsnl/West Ham game at lft back and appeared to have played a reasonable game,did nothing wrong anyway.Hopefully he continues to keep his place which will be good for us.
Didn't he play right back? Konchesky started anyway. He talks about waiting for his chance here: http://www.unison.ie/wicklow_people/stories.php3?ca=37&si=1545937&issue_id=13573

livehead1

01/02/2006, 11:14 PM

steven reid can still be 'huge'. excellant again tonight for rovers, god if that shot from the 1/2 way line would have gone in! he helped to run the midfield and his pace is outstanding for a central midfielder. im really looking forward to him becoming a main man for ireland, mark my words, future captain :eek:

soccerc

01/02/2006, 11:39 PM

My opinions on Finnan and Carr are based on Ireland performances rather than Premiership performers.

So when did Joey O'Brien play for Ireland for you to base an opinion on his ability to perform?

Stuttgart88

02/02/2006, 7:21 AM

Clarke played right-back last night. Did OK, not great really, but was tough for him to make his P'ship debut out of position in such a tough game.

Joey O'brien played central midfield for Bolton & Steve Reid kept up his recent great run of form from what I read this morning.

There were other Irish in action too but Paddy Kenny was excellent for Sheff United last night, almost single handedly getting the points, including a late penalty save.

FarBeag

02/02/2006, 8:14 AM

Didn't he play right back? Konchesky started anyway. He talks about waiting for his chance here: http://www.unison.ie/wicklow_people/stories.php3?ca=37&si=1545937&issue_id=13573

Yeah..It was right back he played,sorry.Well even if he gets the chance to play in any position it will do him good.It showed last night that he is out of practice as he was fairly bloated leaving the pitch. Steven Reid played a blinder allright which is great to see ,he is being consistant and getting regular football.

Tired&Emotional

02/02/2006, 8:31 AM

In answer to the question:

Doyle
Ireland
O'Brien
Trundle

They should be given a chance with the squad to earn a place in the XI and prove their worth. There are a few more that could be brought into the senior squad but not yet into the XI.
Finnan will stay at RB, agree with the majority - no question on this one.

tetsujin1979

02/02/2006, 9:37 AM

Reid nearly scored from his own half against United, I missed MOTD, does anyone have a clip of this?

oconghc2

02/02/2006, 6:18 PM

looks like andy reid's out for next 2 months or so - another opening there now to impress.

still - pitty for andy - seems like one setback after another this year. I still genuinely believe he can be an important player for us.

adamcarr

02/02/2006, 6:59 PM

looks like andy reid's out for next 2 months or so - another opening there now to impress.

Id say give Roy O'Donovan a shot so. He has impressed at U21's, that **** Givens cant stop raving about him.

TheJamaicanP.M.

02/02/2006, 7:19 PM

Id say give Roy O'Donovan a shot so. He has impressed at U21's, that **** Givens cant stop raving about him.

Roy O'Donovan is not international class. End of story.

gustavo

02/02/2006, 7:32 PM

west ham have brought in scaloni so clarke wont be getting too many more chances at right back.

adamcarr

02/02/2006, 7:33 PM

Roy O'Donovan is not international class. End of story.
How often have you seen him play??

He is better than that tit McGeady and definately deserves a call up at least!

TheJamaicanP.M.

02/02/2006, 7:43 PM

How often have you seen him play??

He is better than that tit McGeady and definately deserves a call up at least!

I've seen him play plenty of times, for both Cork and Ireland under-21s. He's a good EL player, even though he is still a bit raw. I wouldn't even call him up for a B squad.

What has McGeady got to do with it. I never said McGeady is better (even though he is), yet you decide to call him a "tit" for no reason.

In international footballing terms, O'Donovan is a small town parochial nobody and I can't see anything changing in the near future.

eirebhoy

02/02/2006, 7:54 PM

I've seen him play plenty of times, for both Cork and Ireland under-21s. He's a good EL player, even though he is still a bit raw. I wouldn't even call him up for a B squad.

What has McGeady got to do with it. I never said McGeady is better (even though he is), yet you decide to call him a "tit" for no reason.

In international footballing terms, O'Donovan is a small town parochial nobody and I can't see anything changing in the near future.
McGeady started instead of Kearney and didn't have a great game in Turners Cross. Add that to the fact that most Cork fans on this site hate Celtic and a few aren't fond of 2G's and you'll see why McGeady isn't liked by Cork fans. :)

adamcarr

02/02/2006, 8:04 PM

I've seen him play plenty of times, for both Cork and Ireland under-21s. He's a good EL player, even though he is still a bit raw. I wouldn't even call him up for a B squad.

:rolleyes:

You dont have a clue!

TheJamaicanP.M.

03/02/2006, 10:17 AM

:rolleyes:

You dont have a clue!

No, I actually have a very good clue about what players are capable of staking a claim for a place in the Irish squad.

I think you on the other hand might be finding it difficult to look beyond that small-town mentality of your's.

Royal rover

03/02/2006, 11:25 AM

What about bringing Mark Kennedy back into the fold, seriously though with the exception of Duff he is probably still the most gifted left-sided player we have, i also think he still has alot to offer, and is really a premiership player!

dr_peepee

04/02/2006, 6:46 AM

Is he really that gifted?...
I've heard he's been playing left full for Wolves... Any truth in that?

pete

04/02/2006, 11:13 AM

Mark Kennedy only got international caps because Mick McCarthy was his friend... Hes is same "international class" as David Connolly...

Qwerty

04/02/2006, 4:22 PM

If you are truely interntional class you should be able to hack it at Premiership level. Kennedy couldn't, very comfortable at Championship level though.

FarBeag

04/02/2006, 4:48 PM

I think when Kennedy played in the Premership,he was a bit of a wild boy.He appears to have matured a lot over the last few years though.

co. down green

05/02/2006, 12:16 PM

Staunton was at the Reebok yesterday watching Joey O'Brien.

http://oneteaminireland.bravehost.com/

TerryPhelan

07/02/2006, 4:16 PM

What about Ronnie O'Brien? He's been outstanding in the MLS which is about as good as the Championship at least - comes up against Mexicans, Colombians etc, different calibre of opposition from the usual Northern European grind our team is normally built from, could give us something different. Been selected on the team of the season for two years running. Plays in what has become a problem right wing position for us - Andy Reid is out of position there, and will hopefully deployed at centre mid when fit. Stephen Reid is excelling for Blackburn in centre mid, and should nail the place there for Ireland. How about a midfield vs Sweden of the following...

Ronnie O'Brien
Stephen Reid
Kavanagh/Ireland
Duff/McGeady

CollegeTillIDie

08/02/2006, 8:08 AM

What about Steven Hunt people?

Stuttgart88

08/02/2006, 9:38 AM

What about Steven Hunt people?
CTID, I just referred to this on another thread, but do you think he could fill the left-back vacancy in due course? He reminds me of a left-footed Dave Langan. Small, tenacious, quick, uses ball well. He's something of a utility player at Reading & is playing very well.

Stuttgart88

08/02/2006, 9:41 AM

What about Ronnie O'Brien? The only way we'll ever know is if we have a look. I hope Staunton is at least aware of him. I like the clips I've seen of him that were posted up here recently.

McGeady will be injured for Sweden I think.

CollegeTillIDie

08/02/2006, 11:54 AM

CTID, I just referred to this on another thread, but do you think he could fill the left-back vacancy in due course? He reminds me of a left-footed Dave Langan. Small, tenacious, quick, uses ball well. He's something of a utility player at Reading & is playing very well.

Well he seems like an option for that right enough !

youngirish

08/02/2006, 12:51 PM

Give Marcos Painter a run out before he decides he might be good enough for England. He can play in central defence or at left back both problem positions for us at the moment.

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=361494&CPID=1&clid=&lid=&title=Bruce+delight+with+young+guns

If he's any good we can ditch that donkey O'Shea forever.

Stuttgart88

08/02/2006, 12:57 PM

Painter played for the Irish U21s in a competitive match vs Switzerland in October. I think that pins him down for good now doesn't it?

He played at left back & looked a little awkard that night - was constantly playing the Swiss onside when the other 3 pushed up. But he's played a few games at left back in the Premiership and by all accounts has done OK.