Ireland v Chile, 24/05/06

[Drogman.]

and the point of giving him another cap is ..... ?

What a joke. If there was ever a case that Ireland are still going nowhere at international level then seeing Gary Breen play for any team is just that.

Joke of player for a joke of a team.

[BaZmO*]

Will Finnan be playing on the right-hand side of midfield again, even though he clearly said he didn't like playing there? If so, this is a very strange decision. I would personally have played McGeady.
Well the team that Stan has picked would suggest that he won't be.



I just don't see the point in playing O'Shea ahead of KavanaghProbably something to do with the fact that Kav is 33 and JOSH is only 25.



Taking and giving simple passes is a very under-appreciated abilityOnly by those who don't have a clue about football tbh!

[geysir]

I think we're going to have to arrive at our optimal central midfield combo by iteration DURING the next campaign. Two more friendlies may not be enough.
Not sure what you mean there ....further experimentation may be required during the group games ?
I know it's early days but I get the sense that Stan has made more than provisional decision about O'Shea over Kavanagh.
Kilbane at LB ? he better not let you down.

[Paulie]

Does anyone know who the subs are?

[Stuttgart88]

Not sure what you mean there ....further experimentation may be required during the group games ?
I know it's early days but I get the sense that Stan has made more than provisional decision about O'Shea over Kavanagh.
Kilbane at LB ? he better not let you down.
That's exactly what I meant, trial & error basically. If O'Shea impresses in next 2 games the job is his for a further few games. I think this is very much what Stan is thinking, as you say. But if O'Shea slips up in next 2 games Stan may be forced to chnage his mind.

Surprised to see Finnan RHM. I see the point in trying Kelly but equally I'd like to see Lawrence, McGeady or Andy Reid tried first. Maybe Stan will give Finnan a different role than Kerr though. I've said this before, but at Fulham I saw Finnan give Ashley Cole a torrid time from RHM & I think he made his Ireland debt there at home to Finland, scoring in a 3-0 win. Maybe he's there to cover a bit for Kelly, easing him into his debut?

[colster]

Folks, looks like we're playing 433/451 formation. e.g.

Given

Finnan Breen Dunne Kelly

Reid O'Shea Kilbane

Doyle Keane Duff

just like we played against Sweden.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

Looking at that team, its becoming obvious what team Stan would prefer to put out if everyone was fit. For instance, I reckon he's playing Steve Finnan on the right side of midfield because Steve Carr will be right-back for the qualifiers. We might not like Carr but we all know he's not coming back to warm the bench. Also, I think he wants to find a place for Kilbane in the team and has decided that he might be able to do a job in the troublesome left-back position. Kilbane played there for the last 20 minutes against Sweden. Furthermore, its obvious he's going to persist with O'Shea alongside Reid in midfield. I know its early days and a lot will change between now and September. However, judging by Stan's selection policy thus far, I think his preferred starting XI is as follows:

1. Given

2. Carr 4. O'Brien 5. Dunne 3. Kilbane

7. Finnan 6. O'Shea 8. Reid 11. Duff

9. Doyle 10. Keane (C)

I'm not saying I agree with such a selection. In fact, I'd be worried that at least three players on that team are playing out of position - Kilbane, Finnan and O'Shea.

[colster]

Looking at that team, its becoming obvious what team Stan would prefer to put out if everyone was fit. For instance, I reckon he's playing Steve Finnan on the right side of midfield because Steve Carr will be right-back for the qualifiers. We might not like Carr but we all know he's not coming back to warm the bench. Also, I think he wants to find a place for Kilbane in the team and has decided that he might be able to do a job in the troublesome left-back position. Kilbane played there for the last 20 minutes against Sweden. Furthermore, its obvious he's going to persist with O'Shea alongside Reid in midfield. I know its early days and a lot will change between now and September. However, judging by Stan's selection policy thus far, I think his preferred starting XI is as follows:

1. Given

2. Carr 4. O'Brien 5. Dunne 3. Kilbane

7. Finnan 6. O'Shea 8. Reid 11. Duff

9. Doyle 10. Keane (C)

I'm not saying I agree with such a selection. In fact, I'd be worried that at least three players on that team are playing out of position - Kilbane, Finnan and O'Shea.

What makes you so sure he's going to play 442. He played 433/451 against Sweden. I think thats the way he's going to play for home games.

[Stuttgart88]

Folks, looks like we're playing 433/451 formation. e.g.

Given

Finnan Breen Dunne Kelly

Reid O'Shea Kilbane

Doyle Keane Duff

just like we played against Sweden.

You could be right there. Interesting.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

What makes you so sure he's going to play 442. He played 433/451 against Sweden. I think thats the way he's going to play for home games.

Yea, that's a fair point and it may well be true. Indeed, I've noticed recently that the underage teams have been using the 433/451 formation which is something that generally didnt happen in the days when McCarthy and Kerr managed the senior team.

[Kingdom]

Bit of a head scratcher the team Staunton selected. Good idea picking Kelly and Kilbane as full-backs, certainly in the case of Kilbane as the left back area is a bit of a problem.
But picking Gary Breen, and Steve Finnan as a right-winger are stupid choices. I understand him maintaining the stance on Kav/JOS. He knows what Kavanagh can do. He doesn't know what Sheasy(!) can do yet. Lets continue with it for this game and if its a disaster then so what.

If, as it would seem, that he sticks with 4-3-3 and Finnan is at left back, then you'd have to believe that he's going to restore Carr(van) to right full. Which will p*ss many people off no end. And you've have to feel for Kav because he's basically being told "sorry mate, I've 3 central midfield positions but I'm not playing you".

But still if it makes sense to play the best right full in the Premiership at right wing or left back go ahead Staunton.

[Roo69]

But still if it makes sense to play the best right full in the Premiership at right wing or left back go ahead Staunton.

Finnan is the best right back in the Premiership ? seriously though :D

[Kingdom]

Name one better. And none of this chimbonda sh!t-talk.

[Stuttgart88]

Finnan is the best right back in the Premiership ? seriously though :D
I had an e-mail conversation with Richard Williams of the Guardian two weeks ago & he agrees that Finnan is quality. A Liverpool regular at work here who absolutely loves putting me and anything to do with Irish football down, says Finnan is the best in the PL and that Chimbomba's selection was astonishing.

[colster]

Bit of a head scratcher the team Staunton selected. Good idea picking Kelly and Kilbane as full-backs, certainly in the case of Kilbane as the left back area is a bit of a problem.

Kilbane may play CM and Kelly as LB. Kelly has played a few times there for Spurs.



But picking Gary Breen, and Steve Finnan as a right-winger are stupid choices. I understand him maintaining the stance on Kav/JOS. He knows what Kavanagh can do. He doesn't know what Sheasy(!) can do yet. Lets continue with it for this game and if its a disaster then so what.

Breen, Dunne and O'Shea are the only fit CBs in the squad. Finnan will probably play FB.



If, as it would seem, that he sticks with 4-3-3 and Finnan is at left back, then you'd have to believe that he's going to restore Carr(van) to right full. Which will p*ss many people off no end.

Finnan could do well at LB. Irwin never had a problem switching between the 2.



And you've have to feel for Kav because he's basically being told "sorry mate, I've 3 central midfield positions but I'm not playing you".

I don't think Kavanagh is up to it. I think O'Shea is a lot more mobile and has the potential to be a v. good DCM.

[Roo69]

I had an e-mail conversation with Richard Williams of the Guardian two weeks ago & he agrees that Finnan is quality. A Liverpool regular at work here who absolutely loves putting me and anything to do with Irish football down, says Finnan is the best in the PL and that Chimbomba's selection was astonishing.

I'm not saying that Finnan is'nt a very good player but i don't think he's the best right back playing in the premiership, personally i would pick Gary Neville (even though i hate the little dope) ahead of him every time.

[Kingdom]

I left something out of my initial post that relates to gary Breen. Seeing as this is a nothing friendly, and Staunton of all people knows what Breen has to offer (which in my opinion is nothing more than experience), then why wasn't Paddy McCarthy called up or the McShane lad. If they were injured then fair enough, my bad, but I don't believe that for a second.

Ps Colster we'll just have to disagree over O'Shea :D

[Stuttgart88]

I think Stan had no choice but to pick Breen so I've no problem whatsoever with his inclusion. O'Brien & McCarthy are injured. And I think Colster's formation looks like it could be how they line up - good call that man. Makes sense on paper for a whole host of reasons. Would maybe like to see Andy Reid in Kilbane's position.

[Stuttgart88]

Kingdom, McCarthy & McShane ARE both injured!

[colster]

I think Stan had no choice but to pick Breen so I've no problem whatsoever with his inclusion. O'Brien & McCarthy are injured. And I think Colster's formation looks like it could be how they line up - good call that man. Makes sense on paper for a whole host of reasons. Would maybe like to see Andy Reid in Kilbane's position.

Andy Reid would be a good call. I wouldn't mind seeing McGeady in on the right of the 3 man forward line as well.

[oconghc2]

I'm not saying that Finnan is'nt a very good player but i don't think he's the best right back playing in the premiership, personally i would pick Gary Neville (even though i hate the little dope) ahead of him every time.


id tend to agree with you there - reckon finnan has the potential to be the best and reckon hes a close second to neville

[Stuttgart88]

Finnan is the best right back in the Premiership ? seriously though :DIn fairness Roo69, I'd also have interpreted this remark as thinking you didn't rate Finnan.

I think he & Neville are both very good full backs, and both are underrated because they're not flashy players. Check out a post by jimbob110 recently, on a Stephen Carr thread.

[Kingdom]

Kingdom, McCarthy & McShane ARE both injured!
As i said, my bad so! Under the circumstances then Staunton you had no choice. You win this time Staunton you ginger dastard.

Altogether now.....

"We all dream of a team of Gary Breens...."

[drummerboy]

Interesting to hear that there are a few stand and terrace tickets still available in Merrion square. Thats the first time that has happened in a while. Just wondering how good are Chile? Is it their best possible team and have they any players playing in Europe?

[KK77]

I'm not saying that Finnan is'nt a very good player but i don't think he's the best right back playing in the premiership, personally i would pick Gary Neville (even though i hate the little dope) ahead of him every time.


Dear Dear me:rolleyes:

[Kingdom]

kingdom your a joke calling staunton a ginger ba*tard. What kind of ANGLO CRAP is that you idiot....

It's actually you're a joke (as in you are a joke) unless of course you're (as in you are) referring to my poor sense of humour in which you really meant your joke, but then forgot to finish the sentence. Enlighten me. Either way I wasn't calling Staunton a Ba$tard. I don't know his parents situation so I've no reason to call him one. I called him a dastard. You may remember it from a Simpsons episode. I'm sorry that I didn't point that out. Either way cut out the insults you idiot. :D

[Drumcondra Red]

I'd just like to share that JO'S is total shíte...

Hopefully Gamble and J. Byrne get a decent run out!

[as_i_say]

yeah i'd have doherty in the squad, by a nose.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

by a nose.

Doherty's nose or Andy O'Brien's nose.:D

[as_i_say]

yes the nose mark 2. think the ginger pele has broken his less times!

[eirebhoy]

Probably something to do with the fact that Kav is 33 and JOSH is only 25.
Kavanagh will be 33 when we play the last Euro 2008 qualifier so age is not an issue with him for this campaign. If anything, we need someone with his leadership in the team. O'Shea is 25 but he's not good enough at the minute imo.

btw - I thought we played 4-4-2 against Sweden with Elliott on the right wing? It seemed like that to me. :)

[geysir]

Kilbane may play CM and Kelly as LB. Kelly has played a few times there for Spurs........Finnan could do well at LB. Irwin never had a problem switching between the 2.
.
Does Kelly have the same flexibility?
I cant see Kelly playing LB. At least he was no great shakes at that position for Spurs,(opinion based on one game only)
I'd say odds on Kilbane for LB

[cheifo]

I think it would be very harsh on Kelly to start him at left back.Could it be possible he will start O'Shea at LB with KilBane partnering Reid in CM and Duff and Finnan on the wings?Have to say looking forward to it should be interesting.

[geysir]

I like the idea of naming the team a day ahead of the game.
It looks like Stan has us bamboozled enough to have many different opinions on the formation.

[LeixlipRed]

barring breen who is unattached, is this the first all premiership lineup played in a long while? was trying to rak my brains to think of another friendly atleast were we had 11 premiership or topl flight players on the pitch. and i also read a quote from stan which described Dixon as a "bit of a boy alright". once again your superior knowledge of the age of players has me extremely impressed stan. now if only you could realise that o' shea is a "bit of a donkey alright" and we'd be away

[cheifo]

I expect a tougher game than against Sweden.It would be great to see Doyler get of the mark-formation should be a bit more to his liking as well.

[Rovers1]

does anyone else have an obvious suspicion that Steve is only putting Breen in the team to do him a favour to find a new club,i mean,why the hell else would you play that donkey!!!

[DmanDmythDledge]

Because O'Brien is injured.

[Schumi]

I thought we played 4-4-2 against Sweden with Elliott on the right wing? It seemed like that to me. :)
That was my impresion too. He was useless out there too!

[micls]

That was my impresion too. He was useless out there too!

Didnt they all take turns on the wing?? Worked well IMO- kept the swedes guessing

[tricky_colour]

does anyone else have an obvious suspicion that Steve is only putting Breen in the team to do him a favour to find a new club,i mean,why the hell else would you play that donkey!!!

Both newly proomted Reading and Sheffield are already reportedly keen on signing him, maybe Staunton is trying to also attract the attentions of the likes of Ferguson, Mourinho, Jol etc.. to ensure he is playing at the highest level?

[cheifo]

Yeh Madrid need somebody to cover for Woodgate.:) We have nobody else full stop.

[tricky_colour]

Real Madrid is club for have beens though, Breen has a few good years left in him yet.

[Stuttgart88]

That was my impresion too.
It was funny reading the papers after the game. Every paper I read, including the UK ones, said they lined out a different way: 4-4-2, 4-3-1-2, 4-3-3, 4-5-1...!

I think the idea was that there was no rigid formation - players were given the flexibility & responsibility to adapt their shape as they saw fit. They seemed to relish it too. Total football, Stan style.

[as_i_say]

barring breen who is unattached, is this the first all premiership lineup played in a long while?

maybe put this q as a post on the board and see if any of the stattos here can answer that for you. something i always look out for myself, along with counting the number of irish born in the starting line up (please no reactions to this im just saying ;) ), but i reckon you might have to go back to charlton to find an all top flight team.

[Stuttgart88]

Wasn't the starting XI in Paris all Premiership? Andy Reid, then at Forest, replaced Morrisson after 30 mins or so but we started out with an all English top flight XI.

From memory it was:

Given
Carr
Cunningham
O'Brien
O'Shea
Finnan
Keane
Kilbane
Duff
Robbie
Clinton

[as_i_say]

sounds right to me-fair play, as i say.

[nedder]

Wasn't the starting XI in Paris all Premiership? Andy Reid, then at Forest, replaced Morrisson after 30 mins or so but we started out with an all English top flight XI.

From memory it was:

Given
Carr
Cunningham
O'Brien
O'Shea
Finnan
Keane
Kilbane
Duff
Robbie
Clinton


Spot on

[tetsujin1979]

From the sounds of things on the fai site, it'll be 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2, something along the lines of:
________Given_________
Kelly_Breen_Dunne_Kilbane
__Finnan_JOSH_Reid___
__Doyle_Keane(c)_Duff

or Duff playing behind the front 2. Finnan on the right of a midfield 3 is interesting seeing as how he said recently he didn't like playing there.

[Stuttgart88]

My guess is that Stan wants the midfield to be mobile & solid, leaving Doyle, Duff & Keane to provide the flair & maybe Steven Reid driving forward. I suspect he may not be playing Andy Reid as he wants Kelly to have as comfortable an introduction as poossible, Finnan providing him more cover than Andy Reid would. Just a guess though...