The squads

[Stuttgart88]

No Geary, Doyle, Tabb, Flood, Noel Hunt. All of whom have legitimate claimsBut not necessarily shocks either, the inconsistency of Tabb's exclusion excepted.

Noel Hunt is playing at a similar level as Stokes with considerably less success.

Flood has barely featured for Cardiff recently (I think).

Geary has barely figured since the first week of the season.

Doyle can feel hard done by, but they can't pick everyone with a half-decent claim.

At least there are 2 new names for the "Irish Abroad" sticky!

[dr_peepee]

I only cited the Lee scenario as i don't think we're ever gonna see him get 90 minutes in a green shirt, and this would have been a big chance for him while he's on a bit of form. As it stands he may not even get off the bench against San Marino. I asked in a previous post if the squads were gonna be exclusive cos I figured the "squad fillers" might've got half a game the night before in the knowledge that they may get only a few minutes at best on wednesday.

You missed my point on McPhail stutts... It's better for us and him that he gets 90 minutes on Tuesday regardless.

Don't get me wrong there'll be alot worth seeing from some of the squad, as pointed out in Dr. Ogba team. But I strongly feel that the most of the places of Joseph O’Cearuill, Darron Gibson, Alan O’Brien, Lee Frecklington, Anthony Stokes, Andy Keogh, Roy O’Donovan, Stephen Ward, Billy Clarke would have been better served going to someone a bit further removed from the 21 panel but clocking up the games in the lower divisions.

For example if we'd have taken the stance I'm trying to convey here we may have found the like of Steve Finnan and Mark Kinsella a year or two earlier in their careers.

Any hoo... What kind of players are Joe Gamble and Kevin Deery??

[DmanDmythDledge]

Hopefully players like McCarthy and St Ledger will impress in the B game so that they will be selected ahead of John O'Shea in the future, but I don't know how Jason Gavin didn't get a call up.

I'm surprised that O'Donovan was picked. I agree that he should be in the squad, I'm just surprised that Stan picked him. He should start IMO.

I'm biased obviously, but I'm curious as to how Randolph - the U-19s keeper - can jump ahead of Darren Quigley (and Colin Doyle), the U-21s keepers?
Come on that's obvious- what does he have in common with Alan O'Brien and Terry Dixon?




Although there could be a reasonable explanation in that there is a U-21 game next week?

[greendeiseboy]

Yes he does. A Coventry sub isn't good enough for Ireland though so he needs to be getting games.


so unknown arsenal, newcastle, lincoln and luton players do.............. your not stan in dusguise by any chance?

[adamcarr]

Any hoo... What kind of players are Joe Gamble and Kevin Deery??


Joey Gamble plays a Roy Keane role, does all the dirty stuff, tracking back winning the ball and making the passes. Defensive midfielder.

Kevin Deery will probably be withdrawn from the squad by Derry because of the date of the game, he is a central midfielder with a nack of scoring quality goals. Very quick and attacking. Got two screamers away to Gretna in the UEFA in the 5-1 win.

[Dr. Ogba]

Yeah forgot about Jason Gavin, I'd say he can feel hard done by given the lack of centre halves we have knocking about the place. Was always a fan of Hawkins meself...hows his EL form?

[greendeiseboy]

Joey Gamble plays a Roy Keane role, does all the dirty stuff, tracking back winning the ball and making the passes. Defensive midfielder.

Kevin Deery will probably be withdrawn from the squad by Derry because of the date of the game, he is a central midfielder with a nack of scoring quality goals. Very quick and attacking. Got two screamers away to Gretna in the UEFA in the 5-1 win.

bet the germans, czechs and slovakians are quaking in their boots

[Paddy Garcia]

Come on that's obvious- what does he have in common with Alan O'Brien and Terry Dixon?



err, what?

[adamcarr]

bet the germans, czechs and slovakians are quaking in their boots

That was insightful.

[adamcarr]

Was always a fan of Hawkins meself...hows his EL form?

If he gets a call up then Im gonna give it a try myself!

[DmanDmythDledge]

err, what?
Reserve player for a Premiership team.

[Dodge]

Noel Hunt is playing at a similar level as Stokes with considerably less success.
Plays in a different position for a considerably worse team. Singles out for praise most games


Flood has barely featured for Cardiff recently (I think).
Starting practically every game. getting decent reviews


Geary has barely figured since the first week of the season.
Started 3 games and then got injured. Just checked...

[eirebhoy]

so unknown arsenal, newcastle, lincoln and luton players do.............. your not stan in dusguise by any chance?
Em, did I say an unknown arsenal, newcastle, lincoln and luton player deserves a place in the squad?

[greendeiseboy]

That was insightful.


thanks

[Dr. Ogba]

If he gets a call up then Im gonna give it a try myself!

Calm down m'laddo! self-confessed EL ignoramous here. Just remember watching him a few times years ago and was quite impressed by him. Playing for Shels so thought he must be decent enough (relatively speaking!!)

[adamcarr]

Calm down m'laddo! self-confessed EL ignoramous here. Just remember watching him a few times years ago and was quite impressed by him. Playing for Shels so thought he must be decent enough (relatively speaking!!)


I wasnt having a go. Just letting you know that Hawkins isnt half the player he used to be. Been shocking ever since he joined the Sheliban.

[eirebhoy]

Starting practically every game. getting decent reviews
He has yet to start a league game for Cardiff. :)

[Dodge]

He has yet to start a league game for Cardiff. :)

His mates (Pats fans) are lying to me...

[Stuttgart88]

I was sure Flood had only featured as sub :)

I may be mistaken about Hunt, but I thought he was a forward too.

Geary reminds me of Dave Langan. Short, no-nonsense / no-frills full back.

[greendeiseboy]

Em, did I say an unknown arsenal, newcastle, lincoln and luton player deserves a place in the squad?


never said you had but you seem to have an issue with Tabb being in it when the fact is that he is a coventry first team squad member albeit at the moment as a sub (he's also returning from a serious injury), but based on last nights performance he will be in the starting line up sooner than later.

o'cearuill and o'brien are not.

also as i said why call him up for the last game and not make even the B squad for this one but the above 2 get in - it dosent make sense and thats the point i'm making - there has to be some consistency

[Dodge]

I may be mistaken about Hunt, but I thought he was a forward too.


He is, but Dundee Utd are currently playing him just off the striker. He should be played further forward

[Soper]

Flood hasn't been starting any games, and I think I could see him playing for Pats in a few seasons time.

[Rossi]

I think most EL players can be disapointed about how thin the EL is represented in the B squad.The El is of the same standard as the championship and European results have proved that.Yet players like Jason Gavin,Mick Devine,Dan Connor,Jason Byrne are all left out with players in League two in England getting called up who if played in the EL would probably be subs at best.Rossi........A disgruntled EL fan

[eirebhoy]

never said you had but you seem to have an issue with Tabb being in it
Why do you think that? I'm a fan of Tabb.

[greendeiseboy]

fair enough - he'll probably get a latecall up anyway - hopefully o'donnell and gregg of falkirk will as well

[eirebhoy]

Scotland squad:

Mark Brown (Inverness Caledonian Thistle)
Paul Gallacher (Norwich City)

Kirk Broadfoot (St Mirren)
Gordon Greer (Kilmarnock)
Jay McEveley (Blackburn Rovers)
Steven Smith (Rangers)
Andy Webster (Wigan Athletic)
Steven Whittaker (Hibernian)

Charlie Adam (Rangers)
Scott Brown (Hibernian)
Stephen Pearson (Celtic)
Michael Stewart (Hibernian)
Kevin Thomson (Hibernian)
Shaun Maloney (Celtic)

Kris Boyd (Rangers)
Chris Clark (Aberdeen)
Lee Miller (Aberdeen)
Steven Naismith (Kilmarnock)

Now that is a very strong squad. Assuming they all turn up this is probably the strongest team:

Gallacher
Whittaker - Webster - Broadfoot - Smith
Maloney - Thomson - Brown - Adam
Boyd - Naismith

All regular first team players. Gallacher is no.1 at Norwich. Whittaker is a very highly rated right back in Scotland. Smith is a regular at left back for Rangers. Webster recently signed for Wigan and started their last couple of games. Thomson and Brown have an excellent partnership at Hibs and are always being linked with Celtic. Adam is a regular under Le Guen too and has been one of their better players. Maloney was SPL player of the year. Boyd scored about 30 league goals last season. Naismith is Kilmarnock's best player and recently had a trial at Arsenal.

[Soper]

Looking forward to the B match.Time for the EL players to stand up and be counted, and damage the SPL's reputation once more.

I think the squad is too big though, should be smaller.Too much filler in it.

[Karlos]

Just read the thread from start to finish. Loved how the uproar and abuse directed at Stan over Paddy Kenny disappeared, lost in space, as soon as Stuttgart posted the reason for his omission.

Similar scenario’s have occured for some of the other players omitted. Why wait for the facts, when you can tear into the manager’s decisions straight away!

The man I believe will never make a right decision as far as some are concerned around here. Sadly the much needed return of the B international will merely be another stick to beat the Manager with. I’m delighted they brought back the B game and looking forward to seeing some familiar and some less so faces. I’m certain it will be a worthwhile exercise.

We can all have an opinion and I have one myself on certain team selections but surely they can aired without scathing attacks and insulting remarks about our national team manager at the slightest opportunity. It looks petty and childish at the best of times, imo. :o

[Billsthoughts]

We can all have an opinion and I have one myself on certain team selections but surely they can aired without scathing attacks and insulting remarks about our national team manager at the slightest opportunity. It looks petty and childish at the best of times, imo. :o

You say the term national team manger as if we should all bow before him.
Fact is he has proven to be a poor manager with a string of poor results and poorer performances. Agreed on the personal abuse. Its as OTT as the "lets give him a chance he is a lovely fella" brigade. People are entitled to criticise his selections and a certain amount of frustration with the way he has gone abouthis business is understandable.

[blobbyblob]

Harsh on Daryl Murphy. How did Elliott get in to the A squad with 5 minutes of football under his belt.

[drinkfeckarse]

That's a strong Scotland squad alright. Should be a good test because they'll have a strong side even with call-offs.

[Karlos]

You say the term national team manger as if we should all bow before him. No, I use the term as that is his title. Simple really.


Agreed on the personal abuse. Its as OTT as the "lets give him a chance he is a lovely fella" brigade. . We have different views on OTT it seems but at least we do agree on something if even only in literal print form.



People are entitled to criticise his selections and a certain amount of frustration with the way he has gone abouthis business is understandable. Yes they are and I love to hear opposing debates argued sensibly (there are a few posters who deliever this regulary.)

I still don't believe jumping on his discisions before the facts are even known or a ball kicked highlights that a poster 'goes about their business' in a more sensible manner.

[Billsthoughts]

Yes they are and I love to hear opposing debates argued sensibly (there are a few posters who deliever this regulary.)


Yes there are. Pity you arent one of them.

[Karlos]

Yes there are. Pity you arent one of them.

Too much time on your hands Bill and I certainly don't have any more time to indulge you further.

[dr_peepee]

Sadly the much needed return of the B international will merely be another stick to beat the Manager with. I’m delighted they brought back the B game and looking forward to seeing some familiar and some less so faces. I’m certain it will be a worthwhile exercise.

I believe his selection policy for the B squad has robbed us of the oppertunity of discovering a Mark Kinsella shortly after his move from Colchester to Charlton, or Finnan after his move to Fulham from Notts County (I think), which should be the point of a B international. The Lewis Emanuel situation should be a benchmark in the selction policy. Young guy with plenty of experience of lower league football, enhanced by the fact that it's in a position we're seriously short in. But no, something like 16 of the 21 either are, or were until recently, still eligable for the 21s or under. Does he not keep tabs on these games?? Does he not trust the opinions of the staff.

Still snappin:mad:

[as_i_say]

Does he not keep tabs on these games?? Does he not trust the opinions of the staff.

:

:D and :p

[cavan_fan]

Appears unlikely now that Given will play. Although it may not be the worst match for him to miss, I presume this means Henderson in goal again with colgan on the bench. Knowing Stan he'll probably now call up Kenny and start with him!

[Stuttgart88]

Anyone know if Damien Delaney of Hull is back fit again?

Where has Marcos Painter been?

[Stuttgart88]

I believe his selection policy for the B squad has robbed us of the oppertunity of discovering a Mark Kinsella shortly after his move from Colchester to Charlton, or Finnan after his move to Fulham from Notts County (I think), which should be the point of a B international. The Lewis Emanuel situation should be a benchmark in the selction policy.

I see where you're coming from, but maybe Frecklington & Emmanuel are the ones who will emerge? It'd be interesting to see how the two Falkirk midfielders would fare as I think they may be overage for the U21s.

I'm just wondering though if it's not the case that our best players are actually those already in the senior squad or those already in the underage set up. Are there that many in between, e.g., guys in their mid 20s who are potentially good enough?

I think there are some who are lucky to be in the senior squad - Colgan & Ireland spring to mind, but in a way I'd prefer to see those who I think are better actually given a game to prove their worth.

I took encouragement from Stan's comments in the press yesterday saying that there were more players in his thoughts and that there'd be quite a bit of rotation in the B squad over the next year so everyone will have a chance to impress.

Graham Stack is another who can feel aggrieved but hopefully he'll play well for Leeds and get noticed. John Fitzgerald another maybe, though I couldn't help feel when he left the pitch against the swiss U21s that maybe that was the last time he'd wear the green shirt.

[geysir]

I don't know about Colgan's merits, except that he has been MOM for his club in a number of games so far this season.

[bawn79]

Graham Stack is another who can feel aggrieved but hopefully he'll play well for Leeds and get noticed. John Fitzgerald another maybe, though I couldn't help feel when he left the pitch against the swiss U21s that maybe that was the last time he'd wear the green shirt.

Dont know anything about the guy but curious why you thought this?

[Stuttgart88]

I suppose if Given's not there, Stan would like at least one experienced keeper travelling, even if he doesn't play.

We have promising young forwards & young keepers in abundance - it's in between I'm worried about!

[tetsujin1979]

Anyone know if Damien Delaney of Hull is back fit again?
played at the weekend, so I presume so: http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=500402


Where has Marcos Painter been?
I don't know, but he wasn't involved in the League Cup against Liverpool last night.

[Stuttgart88]

Dont know anything about the guy but curious why you thought this?John Fitzgerald was a regular U21 centre-back for ages. He was McCarthy's partner, and then McShane's. He was let go by Blackburn & is now at Bury. He scored against Sunderland in the Carling Cup. After graduating from the U21s I suppose I just felt that he wouldn't cut it as a senior international, though he seems solid enough. That's why I thought he probably wouldn't play for an Ireland team again. The Swiss U21 match was the last game he was eligible for.

I reckon Fitzgerald might be the type of player Dr. Peepee was talking about. Too old for the U21s but should be given chance to impress at B level.

[Stuttgart88]

I don't know, but he wasn't involved in the League Cup against Liverpool last night.He hasn't been involved for ages. Only one appearance this season as far as I can recall, and virtually never even on the bench. Odd.

[tetsujin1979]

He hasn't been involved for ages. Only one appearance this season as far as I can recall, and virtually never even on the bench. Odd.

2 appearances according to soccerbase: http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=41646
He's played a few times for the reserves: http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ReservesResults/0,,10412,00.html

Although their reserve results page is out of date. Stephen Kelly appears to have taken his place in the starting XI.

[bawn79]

John Fitzgerald was a regular U21 centre-back for ages. He was McCarthy's partner, and then McShane's. He was let go by Blackburn & is now at Bury. He scored against Sunderland in the Carling Cup. After graduating from the U21s I suppose I just felt that he wouldn't cut it as a senior international, though he seems solid enough. That's why I thought he probably wouldn't play for an Ireland team again. The Swiss U21 match was the last game he was eligible for.

I reckon Fitzgerald might be the type of player Dr. Peepee was talking about. Too old for the U21s but should be given chance to impress at B level.

Thanks for that, I see what you mean now. Your right this should be exactly what the B team is for. There are always a few players that don't look great at club level but can really do it at international level.

[Stuttgart88]

Billy Clarke expected to pull out with a knee injury.

[Stuttgart88]

yeah, i live in this area too and Frecklington was actually on loan at Stamford Town, who are my local Dr. Martens Prem side last season, he excelled here (he would need to to aspire to league football never mind international football,but thats another arguement). ive seen him play several times for Stamford and twice for Linclon City also.

he went back off his loan and kicked on in the Lincoln side and began hitting goals from midfield, he started very well this season also and the word is that Reading are the most recent side tracking him. dont know if he will make the move up the leagues or not, but he is certainly attracting the interest at present.

this inclusion almost certainly stems from Stauntons employing John Deehan as lower league scout, they know each other from their time at villa and Deehan is currently the director of football at Lincoln City.

In response to this, and Livehead's positive comments on Frecklington I saw a Guardian Blog piece today on Lincoln City:

At the moment, 21-year-old Lee Frecklington is the player to watch, a dynamic midfielder in the Steven Gerrard mould; he's scored seven times this season and has just earned a call-up to the Ireland B squad.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/11/10/football_league_spy_no4_lincol.html

[youngirish]

Looks liked Kenny was dropped due to his dire Irish performances rather than the personal reasons excuse that Staunton gave which sounded like a load of balls anyway. That's according to Neil Warnock.

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=428445&CPID=219&clid=116&lid=3&title=Boss+angry+at+Kenny+snub