Ireland squad vs Holland

[Fergie's Son]

Wouldnt you rather see everyone going their hardest right before Germany, instead of seeing Dixon and Lee and O'Brien? If we beat the Dutch, we could be Germany

Beating the Dutch is meaningless. I'd rather see Stan try to iron out some of the kinks than beating the dutch. We beat the Dutch under Kerr in Holland and it didn't help us.

[Colbert Report]

Paddy Kenny

Ian Harte
Richard Dunne
John O'Shea
Steve Finnan

Damien Duff
Steven Reid
Graham Kavanagh
Aiden McGeady

Clinton Morrison
Stephen Elliott

I hate to be a downer but boy this does not look good. We might do well not to be beaten soundly, 3 or 4-0. Scary that this is what the squad is down to.

[Irish_Praha]

His decisions get stranger by the minute. I wouldn't really consider O'Shea as a CB, although it appears that Stan sees him as so. Has he played there in pre-season?

3 strikers and a CB got injured and he calls up a Douglas, a midfielder, when we already have 8 midfielders in the squad :rolleyes:

He should have called up the Doc at least he his match fit and has had a full successfull season at CB, even if it is a level lower than the EPL.
It's such an important position that I think it's less risky to play someone from a lower level that plays in that position week-in-week-out, than to play someone like O'Shea or Kilbane there.

My team from the squad we have available would be -

--------------Kenny-------------

Finnan---O'Brien---O'Shea----Kilbane

McGeady-----Kav----Reid-----Duff

-----Morrisson---Elliott-----------

Morrisson is not fully fit yet becuase he missed a few pre-season games with a knee injury so he probably wouldn't last the whole game. Doyle is probably not match fit either as his season hasn't started yet. So I'd give them both a half and bring Murphy on for Elliott for the last 15 mins.

I'd bring Miller on for Kav early in the second half. The midfield might be a bit lightweight with both him and McGeady there but I'd give it a chance for 20 mins or so and then bring Carr on for McGeady for the final 20 mins to see do he and Finnan link up as well as they did last time.

I'd leave the defence as it is for the whole game - unless someone gets injured.

[Colbert Report]

Kilbane as a left back? Is that what we're down to? I know everyone here thought he played well in that spot vs. Chile but I thought he got picked apart all game. Harte is crap defensively but surely he is a better option, he plays there week in week out in Spain. What's the deal with Harte anyway, is he coming back to England or what?

[shakermaker1982]

Bare bones indeed. Our defence even at full strength was weak so without Dunne I fear the worst. Why didn't he call up the lad from Leicester?!

[Paddy Garcia]

Bare bones indeed. Our defence even at full strength was weak so without Dunne I fear the worst. Why didn't he call up the lad from Leicester?!

..or Doherty or Butler.

[Dr. Ogba]

..or Doherty or Butler.

Or McShane, or even Coughlan....

I take it this means we'll be seeing John O'Shea at centre-half again??


Kenny

Finnan O'Brien O'Shea Harte/Kilbane

McGeady Reid Kav Duff

Elliott/Morrisson Doyle


Would like to see Elliott and Doyle up front from the start, see if they play well together. Nothing new to be learned from Morrisson.
If he decides to play either Harte or (please God,no) Kilbane at centre half I think we could be on the receiving end of a drubbing....

Is Dunne's injury serious? how does he rate for Germany??

[tetsujin1979]

dunne should be fit for Chelsea at the weekend, it's a slight knock on his knee, and he was removed from the squad as a preventative measure more than anything else.

Stephen Ireland missed a 2 game tour of China with his injury, and I'd be more worried about him missing the Germany game than Dunne

[cavan_fan]

[QUOTE=Dr. Ogba;515240]If he decides to play either Harte or (please God,no) Kilbane at centre half I think we could be on the receiving end of a drubbing....

QUOTE]

I dont think Stan thinks he has only 2 Central Defenders. I think he would see himself playing Harte, Kilbane, Finnan(?) there as well as O'Shea and O'Brien.

In fact my tip for the starting lineup is

Kenny

Finnan O'Brien Harte

Carr Kilbane

Reid O'Shea

Duff
Morrison Doyle

Not that I agree but it does fit in with the squad

[NeilMcD]

I think this will be the team

Kenny

Finnan O Brien O Shea Kilbane


Carr Reid Kavanagh Duff


Doyle Morrisson/Elliot

[thelimerick]

[QUOTE=eirebhoy;511802]
Notable exclusions:
Gary Breen
QUOTE]

I'd hardly describe the exclusion of Gary Breen as notable. How he has managed to forge a professional career in football still mystifies me. Were he not "Irish", I doubt if anyone one of us would have noticed he even existed.

[colster]

I read an article in the SW yesterday and one of the journos suggested that perhaps Steve Finnan would be a good partner in CM for Steven Reid. Now I don't often agree with this particular journo but in this case I think he may be onto something. I think it may be worth a try against Holland.
The interesting thing is that Man U tried something similar with P Neville against Arsenal a couple of seasons ago and he did a great job on Vieira. I think Finnan is a better footballer than Neville and could be an option there against the Germans/Czechs.

My team against Holland would be

Kenny

Carr O'Brien O'Shea Kilbane

MacGeady Finnan S.Reid Duff

Doyle Morrisson

what do you think?

[brine3]

how can he not call up mcshane or mccarthy now. we need some centre-backs!!

[colster]

[QUOTE=eirebhoy;511802]
Notable exclusions:
Gary Breen
QUOTE]

I'd hardly describe the exclusion of Gary Breen as notable. How he has managed to forge a professional career in football still mystifies me. Were he not "Irish", I doubt if anyone one of us would have noticed he even existed.

Maybe so but I think Breen has done a pretty good job for Ireland whenever called upon. I wouldn't say he's the best center half we've ever had but he's always played better for Ireland than for most of his club sides.

[thelimerick]

[QUOTE=thelimerick;515289]

Maybe so but I think Breen has done a pretty good job for Ireland whenever called upon. I wouldn't say he's the best center half we've ever had but he's always played better for Ireland than for most of his club sides.

I don't agree with you there, Breen has always been a weak link for Ireland. At times he has surprised just when you wanted the ground to swallow him up but by no means I feel, was Breen a sucess for Ireland. You are right when you say he played better for Ireland than his club but that speaks volumes about the type of player he is. Good riddance to bad rubbish I say.

I would definately like to see Paddy Mc Carthy in the squad, I think now is the time to start introducing what seems to be an exciting bunch of young Irish players into the senior squad. To see the likes of Breen, Kilbane and Harte being eeked out while the young blood make inroads. We are lacking in several areas on the pitch, the message needs to be sent out that the opportunities are there if they players can prove themselves worthy.

[colster]

I don't agree with you there, Breen has always been a weak link for Ireland. At times he has surprised just when you wanted the ground to swallow him up but by no means I feel, was Breen a sucess for Ireland. You are right when you say he played better for Ireland than his club but that speaks volumes about the type of player he is. Good riddance to bad rubbish I say.

Look he did a job for us when we weren't exactly flush with great center halfs. He had some poor games but he had some good ones as well e.g. in Wc 2002 and WC 2002 qualifiers against the Dutch and Portugal.



I would definately like to see Paddy Mc Carthy in the squad, I think now is the time to start introducing what seems to be an exciting bunch of young Irish players into the senior squad. To see the likes of Breen, Kilbane and Harte being eeked out while the young blood make inroads. We are lacking in several areas on the pitch, the message needs to be sent out that the opportunities are there if they players can prove themselves worthy.

I think McCarthy and McShane should be in the squad but I hardly see them as replacements for Harte and Kilbane. We don't have many options at left back which is where Harte and Kilbane may play.

[NeilMcD]

I am struggling to think of one goal that Breen was directly at fault for , he used to give me nervous times but I certainly felt he gave his all for ireland and that he played above himself for Ireland, You really cant ask more than a player to do that when they put on the green jersey.

[shakermaker1982]

I hope Stan doesn't starting tinkering with 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 for this game. With the squad as it is and in need of a confidence boost in the lead up to the German game he needs to play what we know best i.e. 4-4-2.

Kenny

Finnan O'Brien O'Shea Harte

MacGeady S Reid Kavanagh Duff

Doyle Clinton


Bring Elliot and Murphy on for the last 20 minutes. Finnan is a right back and shouldn't be moved to CB or MF IMO. My optimism for the campaign is starting to wilt I'm afraid looking at our backline. How I wish a Paul McGrath was under 30 and raring to go.

[Fubar]

dunne should be fit for Chelsea at the weekend, it's a slight knock on his knee, and he was removed from the squad as a preventative measure more than anything else.

Stephen Ireland missed a 2 game tour of China with his injury, and I'd be more worried about him missing the Germany game than Dunne

According to Physioroom.com all of our players should fit and back playing games by 20th of august at latest. Thank God!! Imagine playing Germany with the team we are going to play Holland.. :eek:

[macdermesser]

I hope Stan doesn't starting tinkering with 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 for this game. With the squad as it is and in need of a confidence boost in the lead up to the German game he needs to play what we know best i.e. 4-4-2.

Kenny

Finnan O'Brien O'Shea Harte

MacGeady S Reid Kavanagh Duff

Doyle Clinton


Bring Elliot and Murphy on for the last 20 minutes. Finnan is a right back and shouldn't be moved to CB or MF IMO. My optimism for the campaign is starting to wilt I'm afraid looking at our backline. How I wish a Paul McGrath was under 30 and raring to go.


hear you on Mc Grath .. even a 34 year old Mc Grath would do too..

But NO to Harte starting versus Germany. He doesn't track back, leaves his marker go and has been the cause of many an important goal to go in against us. He's useful if we have nothing to lose i.e. we're 2-0 down, or against lesser teams .. but he'll be found out again. This has been discussed to death .. but he is a player who there is no position for .. good close control and a sweet left foot ..but not a good defender and too small and slow to be a winger/midfielder/striker and not defensively. I'd rather play Finnan out of position as a LB and bring in Carr or O Brien at RB

[eirebhoy]

Does McGeady always play right wing up in Scotland?
Strachan plays the right footers on the left wing and left footers on the right wing. McGeady is probably a natural right footer but he doesn't have a preferred foot and can take set piece with either foot.


My one concern with McGeady has been with his pace. Put it bluntly, he's slow. That said, very excited that he is getting his game with Celtic. Been a while since we've had an Irish star there!
I wouldn't say he's slow. He probably has average pace for a winger but tbh it's hard to judge as he beats players so easily. Look at the first clip in this video:
http://www.grouper.com/video/MediaDetails.aspx?id=1484408&ml=fi%3d%26fu%3d246285&

Unless the full back is exceptionaly slow McGeady doesn't seem to be lacking much pace in that situation.

4tothefloor - Look at the passing by Nakamura, world class. ;)

I usually like to see new players tried in friendlies and I'm not too disappointed that Given and Keane are unavaible but we really needed Dunne to be fit. Hopefully Stan goes with Finnan at left back as we have 3 right backs in the squad.

[Rory H]

friendly is turning into a bit of a farce....its no preperation for germany,,,said holland are a similar team in quality so its good preparation so really the should be played away from home

[eirebhoy]

friendly is turning into a bit of a farce....its no preperation for germany,,,said holland are a similar team in quality so its good preparation so really the should be played away from home
This game was arranged with the last Holland friendly 2 years ago. I think it basically means that the home team takes in all the gate receipts when they host and don't have to pay a fee to the visitors.

[Dr. Ogba]

I read an article in the SW yesterday and one of the journos suggested that perhaps Steve Finnan would be a good partner in CM for Steven Reid. Now I don't often agree with this particular journo but in this case I think he may be onto something. I think it may be worth a try against Holland.
The interesting thing is that Man U tried something similar with P Neville against Arsenal a couple of seasons ago and he did a great job on Vieira. I think Finnan is a better footballer than Neville and could be an option there against the Germans/Czechs.

My team against Holland would be

Kenny

Carr O'Brien O'Shea Kilbane

MacGeady Finnan S.Reid Duff

Doyle Morrisson

what do you think?

Read that article myself, can't remember the journo's name but I tell you it was the biggest pile of sh!te i've ever had the misfortune to read in my entire life. Apart from 45 mins or so in a friendly I can't remember Steve Finnan EVER playing in the centre of mid for club or country, I just don't think he's an option in such a pivotal position where he has no experience.

As for the journo, he spent the rest of that article absolutely slating Clinton Morrisson for no particular reason other than a seeming personal dislike for the guy. Now we all know Clinton's no world beater but he always tries his best for us and doesn't deserve that sort if abuse. That journo strikes me as the sort of ignorant sh.it at Lansdowne that would boo the likes of Kevin Kilbane every time he would touch the ball, what an idiot...

[colster]

Read that article myself, can't remember the journo's name but I tell you it was the biggest pile of sh!te i've ever had the misfortune to read in my entire life. Apart from 45 mins or so in a friendly I can't remember Steve Finnan EVER playing in the centre of mid for club or country, I just don't think he's an option in such a pivotal position where he has no experience.

As for the journo, he spent the rest of that article absolutely slating Clinton Morrisson for no particular reason other than a seeming personal dislike for the guy. Now we all know Clinton's no world beater but he always tries his best for us and doesn't deserve that sort if abuse. That journo strikes me as the sort of ignorant sh.it at Lansdowne that would boo the likes of Kevin Kilbane every time he would touch the ball, what an idiot...

I'd have the same opinion of the journo (Roy Curtis) but it's an interesting idea playing Finnan in CM. Again P.Neville did a good job there for United against Arsenal a couple of seasons ago and I think Finnan is better than him.
I have a vague recollection that Keegan thought that CM was his best position when he had him at Fulham.

[brine3]

we have kavanelli so we're covered

it's centrebacks we need

[eirebhoy]

Ian Harte is the latest player to pull out through injury. At this rate Staunton himself will have to play.

[tetsujin1979]

guess that means kilbane at left full so?

[DeNiro]

Surely he has to call up McCarthy from Leicester. It's pointless saying someone is not ready. The only way they will get ready is if they play. We're very thin at the back. Imagine if it was two weeks later! We're guaranteed to lose one or two for the Germany game, hopefully they won't be from key positions.

[theworm2345]

Surely he has to call up McCarthy from Leicester. It's pointless saying someone is not ready. The only way they will get ready is if they play. We're very thin at the back. Imagine if it was two weeks later! We're guaranteed to lose one or two for the Germany game, hopefully they won't be from key positions.

Thats what I thought about David Connolly when I heard 3 of our strikers were out, and Morrison still isnt completely fit. Instead, we only have 2 truly full-fit strikers, as Doyle and Morrison are both not completely ready yet.

And if McCarthy isnt ready, what about Doherty, who could also play striker if needed?

[Qwerty]

Look at what happened to Paul Butler, here is a guy who played hundreds of league games at the top level and he had a stinker of a debut, I think Stan would prefer to ease McCarthy in against weaker opposition than the dutch. I think Butler needs to be given another chance, not sure if he is still interested though.

As for Doherty, what he lacks is composure when playing CB, unless he has improved dramatically since his Spurs days? I haven't seen him play very much for Norwich.

Damien Delaney and Graham Coughlan are the only other options I am aware of besides McShane and McCarthy.

I would prefer to see Harte ( I'm not a big fan :D ) play ahead of most of the above named, depite his lack of pace he has experience and would't lose his head. I think Stan is looking for steadiness at the back.

[theworm2345]

I would prefer to see Harte ( I'm not a big fan :D ) play ahead of most of the above named, depite his lack of pace he has experience and would't lose his head. I think Stan is looking for steadiness at the back.

No doubt. Harte is also the 2nd leading goalscorer that is active right now. There are 2 tied for 3rd, one (Connolly) is not in the squad. And 2, (Morrison) is not match fit. Once you come to grips with it, our forwards have scored a combined 10 International goals, take Morrison away (As you will have to for at least the start), You have a max of 8 caps experience starting. Connolly and Morrison alone would combine for 18 International goals, and 75 caps. As Keane (Depending on his injury, I havent the faintest what it is, it could be a knock) may be out for Germany. I'd say you need one of either Connolly or Morrison out there to start the match, at least for experience.

Just a bit of a tangent

[tricky_colour]

Can the mods close this thread, Staunton picks the squad and team, end of story, we will have no arguing or differences of opinion in this forum :p

[drinkfeckarse]

Surely he has to call up McCarthy from Leicester. It's pointless saying someone is not ready.


He'd look pretty silly if he called him up after saying that so I doubt it would happen. The Doc should come to the rescue :D

[ifk101]

Damien Delaney and Graham Coughlan are the only other options I am aware of besides McShane and McCarthy.

I don't know if you've actually heard of it but Ireland does have its own domestic league - its called the League of Ireland and its comes complete with goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and attackers that are all eligible and willing to play for Ireland.

[eirebhoy]

I don't know if you've actually heard of it but Ireland does have its own domestic league - its called the League of Ireland and its comes complete with goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and attackers that are all eligible and willing to play for Ireland.
I'd say Coughlan would be better than any centre half in the EL but it's hard to say. He has been a major success with every club he has played for and has the experience needed to lead the line (unlike O'Brien or O'Shea).

[ifk101]

I'd say Coughlan would be better than anyone in the EL but it's hard to say.

POTM?

[eirebhoy]

POTM?
Oh no, we have somebody who knows more about the Eircom League than I do so I'm automatically wrong...

Coughlan was a record transfer from the Eircom league when he left Bray. He has only got better with every season since he left and has won no fewer than 5 player of the year awards with clubs in Britain. I've seen all the best centre halfs in the EL a few times now (on TV) so I feel I can make a judgement. Just because I'm not biased towards all things League of Ireland doesn't mean I have no interest in the league.

[pete]

Can the mods close this thread, Staunton picks the squad and team, end of story, we will have no arguing or differences of opinion in this forum

Forum closed so. :D

Stauntons comments on blooding new squad members is totally inconsistent. He included the Dixon kid & unproven O'Brien for this match against a big name team yet he does not think he can call up a backup Centre Back even if just to look at player in training.

:confused:

It seems like Dunne will be out of the new qualifier so no backup centre back to O'Brien & O'Shea besides maybe Kilbane who has probably never played their at club level.

:rolleyes:

[ifk101]

Oh no, we have somebody who knows more about the Eircom League than I do so I'm automatically wrong...

Coughlan was a record transfer from the Eircom league when he left Bray. He has only got better with every season since he left and has won no fewer than 5 player of the year awards with clubs in Britain. I've seen all the best centre halfs in the EL a few times now (on TV) so I feel I can make a judgement. Just because I'm not biased towards all things League of Ireland doesn't mean I have no interest in the league.

POTM X2.

Read your original post again and find the contradiction in this sentence - "I'd say Coughlan would be better than anyone in the EL but it's hard to say".

[NeilMcD]

Yeah I think Staunton is wrong not to call up either Doherty or Mc Carthy. Surely calling them up to the squad would do no harm. I know there is a difference between playing centre half and up front and you can get away with inexperience up front as long as you have pace and a good touch and an eye for goal but at the back you do need to have experience. But I think bringing Mc Carthy in would have have been a good idea especially with Harte pulling out along with Dunne.

[geysir]

According to Physioroom.com all of our players should fit and back playing games by 20th of august at latest. Thank God!! Imagine playing Germany with the team we are going to play Holland.. :eek:
Good site Fubar, bookmarked.
I see that Ballack has no return date from his injury :)

[ifk101]

Yeah I think Staunton is wrong not to call up either Doherty or Mc Carthy. Surely calling them up to the squad would do no harm. I know there is a difference between playing centre half and up front and you can get away with inexperience up front as long as you have pace and a good touch and an eye for goal but at the back you do need to have experience. But I think bringing Mc Carthy in would have have been a good idea especially with Harte pulling out along with Dunne.

Agree. Once Dunne pulled out, somebody that could play in his position should have been called up. Is this a case of managerial inexperience perhaps? Or is Stan itching for a game himself?

[geysir]

POTM X2.

Read your original post again and find the contradiction in this sentence - "I'd say Coughlan would be better than anyone in the EL but it's hard to say".
FFS, ifk, it's not hard for me to say that I'd take an Eirebhoy opinion about a player's worth as having credible validity anytime anyday.

[eirebhoy]

POTM X2.

Read your original post again and find the contradiction in this sentence - "I'd say Coughlan would be better than anyone in the EL but it's hard to say".
Oh, I see what you're on about now. :) The sentence may look a bit strange but I wouldn't call it a contradiction. I didn't say "It's impossible to say". :)

[ifk101]

Oh, I see what you're on about now. :) The sentence may look a bit strange but I wouldn't call it a contradiction. I didn't say "It's impossible to say". :)

Fair enough - as long as you realise I wasn't having a go at you.

I agree with you that Coughlan is deserving of getting a look-in, as are LOI players. There are currently only two players that have played centre-half in the squad and one of them (O'Shea) hasn't played there lately. Given this scenario there's room for at least two centre-halves to be called-up. He's not going to call-up McCarthy, he doesn't seem to want Doherty anywhere near the squad, McShane is with the U21s, and Damien Delaney is injured. All this surely makes a strong case for either Gavin or Bennett to come into the squad.

[Dr. Ogba]

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=409963&CPID=219&clid=116&lid=2&title=Staunton+focused+on+football

Bloody hell are we even going to have a team out at this stage????:confused:

[shakermaker1982]

No Duff? :( can we actually field a side?! Here is my go at picking a team with the injuries, as you can see the Dutch will be quivering. This has to be one of the worst sides we have ever fielded I'm afraid to say.

Kenny

Carr O'Shea O'Brien Kilbane

Finnan Kavanagh S Reid MacGeady

Clinton Doyle.

[oconghc2]

suppose the only good thing is that this now forces stan to throw in a few players that havnt much experience.

We know what we're gonna get from likes of Duff/Keane/Dunne for the most part

[Dallasirish]

This friendly is turning into a disaster. This is not the preparation Staunton or anyone else would have wanted. Going to Germany with a squad with inexperience, injuries, lack of match fitness and having not played togther for months does not make me overly optimistic! IMO it is going to take a special performance by Ireland and an off night for Germany for us to get a result!