Unknown teenager in the squad

[lopez]

Don't get me wrong, I've nothing against plastics. I even think the heritage rule should be extended...My argument isn't about the rights and wrongs of the playing of players born outside Ireland. I'm with FIFA. You're entitled to an Irish passport then there's nothing you or me can do about someone's Irishness.

This may sound like a broken record, but my problem is that there are still those that automatically assume that if you are born in England then you will automatically support and want to play for England, even if both your parents are Irish. Same with the US and Australia. This may not be self evident in this thread but it runs right through the forum and the 'national psyche.' Gustavo's observation that if the kid was picked by England automatically assumes he's a three hyenas on the chest through and through. He's been picked by Ireland but that doesn't change anything. He'll still pick England if they just give him a call.

[Cowboy]

I've just got a large dose of realism.......some on here should try it sometime.;)

A true winners mentality.

[livehead1]

from bbc.co.uk

With all the furore that surrounded the call-up of Theo Walcott into Sven-Goran Eriksson's England World Cup squad this week, one other youngster's shock international selection went largely unnoticed.

Arsenal's Walcott, just 17, was the surprise fourth striker included in Eriksson's 23-man squad, despite not yet making an appearance for the Gunners since his £12m January move and making just 13 senior starts in his short career to date.

However, England were not the only international outfit looking to youth, with new Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton including Tottenham's 16-year-old striker Terry Dixon, who is even less experience than Walcott.

Dixon has yet to even establish himself in Spurs' academy set-up, and those outside of White Hart Lane could be forgiven for being wholly under-whelmed by his inclusion in Staunton's 29-man training squad.

However, the noises now coming from White Hart Lane and Staunton suggest Dixon's potential impact could be just as big as Walcott's.


Dixon in action for the Republic in a Uefa Under-17 qualifier
The striker, who will join Tottenham's first-year trainee selection from next season, impressed many with a series of starring performances behind the front two in Ireland's Uefa Under-17 European Championship qualifiers.

Strong and skilful, his play has been compared to England's Wayne Rooney, though Tottenham have so far been keen to keep him under wraps.

But that may now change, with many expecting Dixon to step up into Tottenham's reserve, and possibly first-team, set-up as soon as next year.

And Staunton is convinced he could be a big star for Spurs and Ireland in the future, especially under the guidance of club team-mate and international captain and top-goal-scorer Robbie Keane.

"He is a very talented boy with good ability and he is highly thought of at Spurs," the former Liverpool and Coventry defender said.

It is a big step up and I did not expect it, but I will go there and enjoy it

Terry Dixon
"I feel he is a special talent and if he progresses nicely, we will see the benefits in a couple of years.

"It will be good to take him along to the camp and show him what we are about. I said to Sean (McCaffrey) and Don (Givens) that I would like to reward at least one player for doing well and I have decided to bring him."

Dixon himself admits that the chance came as a shock, but that he will be making the most of the opportunity.

He said: "I was called on Monday with the news and I was absolutely over the moon.

"It is a big step up and I did not expect it, but I will go there and enjoy it.

"I met Steve Staunton at the European Championships and he told me well done, but I did not expect this.

"I am sure it will be a great experience - just training with the squad will be unbelievable. It will give me confident going into next season and I will be able to take tips off the likes of Robbie, that will be fantastic."

On the world stage this summer, Walcott could be writing back-page headlines single-handedly with England as Eriksson's men march on the finals in Germany.

But, under the radar with Ireland, Staunton and Tottenham will be hoping Dixon can continue his development, with one eye on making his own impact for club and country in the coming years.

[eirebhoy]

He certainly seems big for his age. He'll still be 16 half at Christmas so has a lot of time on his side.

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/images/articles/2115-6.jpg

[Cowboy]

Show me any evidence to the contrary, that we have sufficient talent to prove otherwise?;)

Now why would I waste my time doing that? I'm grateful players and staff do not share your attitude.

[pete]

I am always suspicious of physical young players as there is the suggestion that only excelling in their age group as they much bigger than opponents. By the time the other youth players start growing his possible lack of techique may be exposed.

[lopez]

...I don't expect us to ever win any major competition. But still that's not the point of most international teams and sure there's still the craic.................:pUtter defeatist cr*p. Denmark and Greece both proved you can win a major tournament with not too much talent.

[NeilMcD]

Well as Lopez said Greec won Euro 2004 and in addition they have had troubles qualifying for major tournaments so that does not mean Ireland cannot go and win a tournament sometime. I dont expect them to win a tournament but I am always hopeful that they can do. I want them to win every game they go into simple as that. You can be both a realist and an optomist in one go. I hope that we win but if we dont I like to assess how we have performed from a realist perspective.

[NeilMcD]

Its more fun though hoping your team wins. It has been proven in life and in busines and in sport that if you believe you are going to win you have more chance of doing so.