Steve Finnan

[kingdom hoop]

Carr Dunne McShane O'Shea

Have seen worse back fours. I expect Liverpool not to let Finnan travel for the Slovakia game. If we get a "result", he might be ok for the Czech game.

Carr is injured. If Finnan isn't fit we don't want him playing, if he is fit he'll travel.

[OwlsFan]

Didn't realise Carr was injured and thought he could be called in.

Looking a bit stretched for cover at the back. Do I hear shouts of "KIlbane for full back" :eek:?

[kingdom hoop]

Do I hear shouts of "KIlbane for full back" :eek:?

I might whisper it, definitely not going to shout for it though! Kelly or Kilbane, what's the verdict? If Stan was thinking of playing Finnan left back, persisting with previous selections, then the more obvious choice would appear to be Kilbane. With McShane somewhat doubtful, he might aggravate the injury on Saturday, it would be a good idea to call up a defender. Maybe a flame-haired wonder to make a comeback?

[as_i_say]

i think kelly is out as well:eek:

[macdermesser]

At this rate ..we'll be playing three at the back .. with Kilbane and Hunt as wing backs ... three in the middle and two upfront. might even work out for us!

[jbyrne]

what about 0'dea of celtic? i know he hasnt started too many games this year but looked very good in the san siro v ac milan last season

[as_i_say]

totally forgot about that lad-seems to be out of favour with them now, wonder why.

[tetsujin1979]

what about 0'dea of celtic? i know he hasnt started too many games this year but looked very good in the san siro v ac milan last season
he's captaining the U-21's VS Portugal on Friday so it's doubtful he'll be called into the senior side this late on. He only taste of first team action was against Spartak Moscow in extra time, he's been stuck on the bench for the other 5 games he was in the matchday XVI

[Fergie's Son]

Finnan would be a big loss alright. It seems that Stan was going to play him on the right as well!

Not sure what's going to happen now. Kelly to come in with O'Shea playing as a full back.

[kingdomkerry]

Heard Finnan should be alright for wednesday, but a doubt for saturday. He's probably our best of the back four. Ouch!!!

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

I was listening to the Sports News on Today FM this evening and it stated that Finnan and Potter are both out of Saturday's game, but may be fit for the trip to Prague. Anybody have any more information?

[NeilMcD]

http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php

[Dallasirish]

Cant believe Finnan is out. My mate jinxed him. He just got a jesery sent from home with Finnan on the back and his reasoning "he always plays".

Mick needs the sponge to be in good form over the next few days>>

[Stuttgart88]

Potter out for Saturday.

Staunton not concerned. "The important thing is that he is fit for the finals in the summer". Oh, sorry, that was the German manager talking about Ballack.

I'd say it's almost odds on Gibson will figure at some stage on Saturday.

[Dr. Ogba]

Potter out for Saturday.

Staunton not concerned. "The important thing is that he is fit for the finals in the summer". Oh, sorry, that was the German manager talking about Ballack.

I'd say it's almost odds on Gibson will figure at some stage on Saturday.

:D That's some good stuff Stutts!

[TerryPhelan]

I heard on Today FM Sport this morning that Finnan is definitely ruled out of the Slovakia game but still has a good chance of playing against the Czechs. Subsequent searches on the internet have not turned up any basis for this story.

Elevenaside.com says that Stan is 'confident' of Finnan's fitness for at least one of the games.

Breakingnews.ie (posted this morning at 8.18am) says that Staunton is merely 'hoping' for Finnan's return.

FAI.ie also reports that Stan is 'hopeful' of Finnan recovering in time for the Slovakia game.

All pieces ran this quote:
"With Steve Finnan we’re taking him day by day. He opened up the joint but he’s had it before. We are hopeful for the weekend."

That, to my mind, does not sound like he's been officially ruled out. However, the Staunton quote from Emmet Malone's article in this morning's Irish Times indicates that he's resigned to losing him against Slovakia:

"Finnan may also end up having to settle for a run-out in Prague, with Staunton conceding yesterday that if the full back, who is receiving treatment at Liverpool on a knee injury sustained in Saturday's drubbing of Derby, doesn't make the weekend, "there's always Wednesday."

Still decidedly a case of 'if' rather than 'not' though. Fingers crossed lads. I presume that, worst case scenario, if we lose Finnan then Staunton will start with a back four of:

McShane - RB
O'Shea - CB
Dunne - CB
Kelly - LB (Staunton has played him there a few times before)

Not our best but not our worst either.

Another real concern is the players going into the Slovak game on yellow cards: Carsley, Andy Reid and, well OK, Kilbane. The first two would be sorely missed!!

[NeilMcD]

I think he would go with O Shea at right back and Mc Shane at centre back. We played O Shea at right back at home to Wales and Slovakia. I think even if Finnan is fit he will do that too and put Finnan at left back.

[eirebhoy]

I think McShane's a lot more important than Finnan atm so I'm just happy he looks to be ok. Obviously it'd be great to have Finnan fit too.

[geysir]

I listened to the morning sports news on RTE on Monday. In the Headlines there were no mention of injuries, then the 10 minute torture slog through the sports items, item by item, still no mention of injuries, the sports presenter starts to wind up the report, you start to breathe again. Then with the last words he utters 'oh and Steve Finnan is out of Saturdays game'.

[Stuttgart88]

It's good that RTE even mentioned the game.

[carloz]

What are the chances he will be fit for Wednesday. Id prefer to have Finnan fully fit for the Czech match than risk him against Slovakia. Maybe with him missing people will actually appreciate his worth for the team rather than questioning why he plays better in a Liverpool shirt than an irish one

[tetsujin1979]

almost definitely out: http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2007/0905/ireland1.html

[TerryPhelan]

Finnan all but ruled-out of Slovakia clash
05/09/2007 - 15:50:09

The Republic of Ireland squad have been training again at Malahide again today ahead of the upcoming Euro qualifiers against Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Manager Steve Staunton was still waiting for news of the extent of Steve Finnan's knee injury, but it looks like the full-back won't be available for Saturday's game in Bratislava.

Finnan remained in Liverpool for treatment, with a final decision on his fitness expected to be made later on Wednesday afternoon.

Fellow defender John O'Shea failed to finish training today due to a bruised knee, although Staunton stressed his withdrawal was purely a precautionary measure.

[gwhite]

I can't believe he hasn't called anymore defenders up. Is Stan deliberately trying to stress all of us out? I think he'll go with Kilbane and O'Shea as the fullbacks.

[tricky_colour]

I can't believe he hasn't called anymore defenders up. Is Stan deliberately trying to stress all of us out? I think he'll go with Kilbane and O'Shea as the fullbacks.

Yes I was thinking along similar lines, playing Kilbane at left back makes a lot
of sense it balances the numbers in midfield and defense. I'd say he always had this in mind.

[Paddy Garcia]

I can't be believe we've so few defenders - but hey, we have FOUR goalies!

Jeez there is always someone ready to knock the selection. I am thinking he will go for :

Given - Colgan

Kelly - Dunne - McShane - O'Shea

Ireland - Carsley - Reid - McGeady

Keane

[zenokelly]

Jeez there is always someone ready to knock the selection. I am thinking he will go for :

Given - Colgan

Kelly - Dunne - McShane - O'Shea

Ireland - Carsley - Reid - McGeady

Keane

Well, I'll give you 50 to 1 he won't start Kilbane. That;'s how sure I am your wrong; just glancing at the team.

Though, woluld take your team anyday, I just hope he picks 11 players!:confused:

But two goalkeepers mightn'b be a bad idea.

[co. down green]

Finnan out for Slovakia

http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2378

[gwhite]

I still can't believe we've flown to Slovakia with only 5 defenders, 2 of whom are carrying knocks. 2 make or break games coming up and a dummy in charge!

[as_i_say]

heh fair point. odea should have been called in

[tricky_colour]

The line between fitness and injury is a thin'un, I guess.

[Noelys Guitar]

Anyone know. I just hope Doyle and Dunne are OK also. I still believe we can win on Wednesday. Watched the game again last night and at times we played some good stuff. Especially in the second half. The pitch suited players like Kilbane but did'nt suit Doyle or Keane. I expect a huge game and a goal from Robbie Keane on Wednesday night. Douglas looked clearly off the pace and lacking match fitness. Very odd decision to play him by Stan. When he came on Gibson taking the corner kicks? Why? None went beyond the first defender. Maybe the others were knackered. Anyway maybe that last minute goal will work to our benefit on Wednesday night. No complacency. I believe if injury free we will have a better starting 11 against the Czechs than we had against the Slovaks. We are on a good unbeaten run. And we are scoring goals. So not all gloom and doom here.

[Colbert Report]

I watched the match again a couple of hours ago. Douglas was absolute ****e when he did come on, he almost gave up a goal on 82 minutes that I had forgotten about.

Throw Darren Potter in, why the hell not. He's playing at a much higher level then Douglas and he looked superb in the American tour. Plus, he's a past captain of the senior Irish national team!

[razor]

thought i heard TOD saying in the news last night that as well as Ireland, Potter & Finnan are now no longer in the squad.

[Morbo]

I reckon our chances of betting the Czechs are about 6 or 7-1, not impossible but unlikely, hopefully the Czechs will play for the draw, it will probably take a late goal by Ireland to win it, leaving no time for the Czechs to equalize

[shero]

Wouldnt have mattered if he had of been fit for wednesday staunton still would of played one of the best right full in the premiership arguably the best league in the world at left full.

[keenanboy]

Nice to see that Steve Finnan made a full recovery from his crippling injury to play the full 90 minutes for Liverpool over the weekend. Mind you its not the first time he's done this.

[drummerboy]

I don't condone it but its hardly surprising when he looks so uncomfortable playing left full for Ireland. Blame Staunton.

[keenanboy]

Maybe its his own brand of protest?? :D
Mind you if I was the top right full in England and was displaced every time I showed for national duty I'd be annoyed, but I'd still turn up.

[aidz1]

in fairness to finnan, i dont recall him doing this before. i stand to be corrected he has turned up for the vast amount of games both competitive and friendly in the last few years.

[shanman2]

in fairness to finnan, i dont recall him doing this before. i stand to be corrected he has turned up for the vast amount of games both competitive and friendly in the last few years.

You don't think it's a bit odd that he could play 90 mins for the 'pool in Portsmouth but couldn't even make it for one of Irelands games? It doesn't sound right! maybe rafa had a word in his ear!

[reder]

Nice to see that Steve Finnan made a full recovery from his crippling injury to play the full 90 minutes for Liverpool over the weekend. Mind you its not the first time he's done this.

I agree, its always a pleasure seeing him playing for Liverpool. :D

Can you tell me the last time Stevie missed an international game, including friendlies, pre-Slovakia and Czech Rep?

USA tour doesnt count. That was a nonsense tour for blooding youngsters.

[citizenerased]

he was playing in the champ league final for US tour as well..I rarely misses matches but I was very dissappointed to see him miss the czech game, we could really have done with him

[Stuttgart88]

I like Finnan & think he's committed but over the course of his Ireland career the difference between his club and his interntional situation has grown massively.

6-7 years ago he was at Fulham (he actually spent a season there at left back forr all you naysayers!) and playing for Ireland in an exciting team on the verge of a WC finals.

Now he's a 2 time CL finalist playing at the top of the PL for a very highly regarded manager and at a well managed ambitious club with a lot of foreign money coming into it, compared to playing for a divided Ireland team under an inarticulate rookie manager who in turns works for a self serving propogandist in a near bankrupt association.

I don't actually doubt his commitment but you can fully understand if he feels that playing international football isn't what it used to be for him. Returning from Stuttgart last Sepember Finnan and Steven Reid cut forlorn shapes at 7am in Stuttgart airport heading back to the UK. I'd love to have been a fly on the wall. Each had reason to be more frustrated than most.

It's funny that people are so positive about Finnan now. When we played Croatia in a friendly in Dublin in late 2004(?) I came on here singing his praises saying the guy just oozed quality from full back, and always had done for us. I think eirebhoy and myself were the only ones who concurred, everyone else thought he was poor, overrated or maybe tainted by some stupid cross-Lancashire club rivalry.

When Dunphy says that the FAI has failed this "great " generation of players, I really think that Finnan can feel the most hard done by. How must he feel at his prime to be given a manager told to learn on the job?
I actually think he's a candidate for captain next time there's a change.

[reder]

everyone else thought he was poor, overrated or maybe tainted by some cross-Lancashire club rivalry.


The words "nail, hitting and head" spring to mind after reading that.

[Stuttgart88]

Was going to say the same about your post on the "whinging" thread.

[dr_peepee]

I actually think he's a candidate for captain next time there's a change.

Might deter him from retiring to focus on club football too.. That, of course, and a manager with something to offer.

[btid1]

I like Finnan & think he's committed but over the course of his Ireland career the difference between his club and his interntional situation has grown massively.

6-7 years ago he was at Fulham (he actually spent a season there at left back forr all you naysayers!) and playing for Ireland in an exciting team on the verge of a WC finals.

Now he's a 2 time CL finalist playing at the top of the PL for a very highly regarded manager and at a well managed ambitious club with a lot of foreign money coming into it, compared to playing for a divided Ireland team under an inarticulate rookie manager who in turns works for a self serving propogandist in a near bankrupt association.

I don't actually doubt his commitment but you can fully understand if he feels that playing international football isn't what it used to be for him. Returning from Stuttgart last Sepember Finnan and Steven Reid cut forlorn shapes at 7am in Stuttgart airport heading back to the UK. I'd love to have been a fly on the wall. Each had reason to be more frustrated than most.

It's funny that people are so positive about Finnan now. When we played Croatia in a friendly in Dublin in late 2004(?) I came on here singing his praises saying the guy just oozed quality from full back, and always had done for us. I think eirebhoy and myself were the only ones who concurred, everyone else thought he was poor, overrated or maybe tainted by some stupid cross-Lancashire club rivalry.

When Dunphy says that the FAI has failed this "great " generation of players, I really think that Finnan can feel the most hard done by. How must he feel at his prime to be given a manager told to learn on the job?
I actually think he's a candidate for captain next time there's a change.

And all of this excuses him for not turning up for international duty how??

[Stuttgart88]

There's nothing in the rules that doesn't allow a player to recover from an injury.

[btid1]

There's nothing in the rules that doesn't allow a player to recover from an injury.

That's a very quick recovery!!Two days later and he is able to play 90 mins when he could play no part in the Czech game.

Is Mr. Finnan now too big to play for "his" country that he is at Liverpool and a European Cup winner or was he leaned on by a certain bearded Premiership manager.Either way he should have had the guts to say I am fit and I will be there to help my country in their biggest game in 4 years!!

Lost all respect for Finnan.He's just another self serving over paid premiership primma-donna!