Andy O'Brien

[Peadar]

He should never be asked to pull on the Ireland jersey again. We've got a host of center half's in the eircom League, who are playing for their clubs and wouldn't embarrass the nation like O'Brien does.

[ifk101]

He should never be asked to pull on the Ireland jersey again. We've got a host of center half's in the eircom League, who are playing for their clubs and wouldn't embarrass the nation like O'Brien does.

Stan had a week to look at him in training - it's as clear as day that the chap is in the bowls of a deep depression - and still picks him. Our biggest failing last night was our organisation and tactial awareness - the responsibility of management. Yes the players weren't good last night but as a bunch there're easily the Cypriots superiors. Getting them organised and playing as a team is the role of management. Stan out.

[pete]

O'Brien should be dropped until he gets first team football or finds a new club. Unfortunately Staunton has no plan B as never called up any other centre halfs for the friendlies.

[GuisaSaigon]

I cant believe people think o Brien had a good game he was involved in / at fault for the first 4 goals he is not up to it at this level( ie. playing teams ranked 105 in the world)

[Colie]

He should have been taken off at half time. He had lost it mentally & once that happens you just can't play on. Drop him definitely. Call up an unknown, play 3 at the back, play with 10 players, I don't care just do not have him on the pitch.

[dr_peepee]

It's not about looking for Scapegoats! Players have to be accountable for their performances and as a profesional shouldn't expect any less. Dunnes supension might have saved him from the chop on Wednesday.... Stan still hasn't called up McCarthy despite our lack of cover at centre half :rolleyes:

At least we'll get a look at St Ledger and see what the fuss is about.;)

[rambler14]

Andy O'Brien brought sh*t to a new level saturday night. Now he's definetly a shoe in for Cyprus Sports Personality of the Year. It looked like he wasn't gonna win it b4 the game but now all my money's going on him.

[smellyfeet]

Indeed Obrien had an absolute stinker, But the thing that baffles me is how he was left on the pitch for so long. It goes to show that the manager hasn't got the balls to make a decision and take him off. There is no way Obrien should have started the second half. Then staunton takes of McGeady and Stephan Ireland, why not take of Kilbane as he was passing the ball to the opposition the whole night. Staunton say's that he is trying to bring in the new and younger players but still has the old ****e players there. Goes to show that he is the worst manager the FAI could have chosen to take Ireland forward......BTW, Brian Kerr must be laughing his ****** of now

[tetsujin1979]

I think the only reason O'Brien did stay on the pitch was the lack of options on the bench. The only recognised defender was St Ledger, who is a full back not a centre half. The only real option would have been to put him at left full and push O'Shea into the centre. When we went with 3 at the back, that was clearly not going to happen, and when Dunne was sent off it was all over anyway.
Another criticism of the team selection was only one defender on the bench, with 3 attacking players (Alan O'Brien, Jay Tabb, Alan Lee). Although I suppose we didn't envision going behind, and the plan probably was to go for the jugular with the substitions. If there was a plan.

[Schumi]

LOL. I hadn't noticed that this was an old thread and read the first page in increasing astonishment at everyone saying "he played well on Saturday". :D

[kingp35]

Andy O' Brien was a solid performer for us when he was playing alongside an organiser in Kenny Cunningham who was constantly talking to O' Brien and telling him what to do. Dunne is not the same as Kenny and O' Brien will struggle if he doesnt have someone helping to organise.

McShane is the only other option in the squad at the moment since Dunne is suspended. Im not sure if now is the time to bring him in.

[eirebhoy]

kingp35 - Have you seen much of Coughlan at Sheffield Wednesday? He's probably too old now but he would steady things up at the back for the short term.

[CollegeTillIDie]

Call up defenders from Cork City, Derry City , Drogheda United , and Shelbourne. Either Michael Devine, Barry Ryan or Darren Quigley should be in goal. And at least we won't be completely humiliated on Wednesday.

[kingp35]

kingp35 - Have you seen much of Coughlan at Sheffield Wednesday? He's probably too old now but he would steady things up at the back for the short term.

I havent seen an awful lot of him but what I have seen he has been decent. He is a reliable defender but I dont see much value in bringing him into the team. McShane is probably just as good as him tbh.

[DmanDmythDledge]

He's injured and out of the Czech game, thankfully.