Ireland to play Ecuador and Bolivia in May

[galwayhoop]

Given the players available Potter or O'Shea would have to play CM, if not both.


what about Alex Bruce. Has he not played that DM position before???

[Paddy Garcia]

I would have liked to see Garvin, S Quinn & Lawrence given an opportunity. He really need to be exploring solutions in the midfield - urgently - , otherwise he will go into the autumn internationals none the wiser.

Also why did he not pick Best seeing as he has been playing so well. Also how come Gibson is out if he was good enough for the last full squad?

As for Alan O’Brien!

[passinginterest]

On the FAI website John O'Shea nominated as captain for the tour to USA. :o

[Stuttgart88]

Why not call up 30 players for this trip anyway? Stan says he can get a look at each player up close (i.e., in training) so why not call up everyone in contention? He was happy to call up 30 players for a booze up in Portugal last year.

I presume he's made a judgment on Potter being ahead of Whelan or Garvan so it'll be interesting to see who he calls up if Wolves reach the final.

[dr_peepee]

Colgan needs to phased out... Joe Murphy deverves a recall.

[Stuttgart88]

anyone got a phaser gun?

[NeilMcD]

John O’Shea will captain Ireland for first time in the USA
Date: Tuesday, 08 May 2007
Section: International
Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Staunton believes that the upcoming pair of friendly matches in America will help blood some emerging talent ahead of the resumption of Ireland’s the EURO 2008 qualifying campaign this September.

Staunton today named nine uncapped players in his 23-man provisional squad, which will be finalised once the English Championship play-off semi-final between West Bromwich Albion and Wolves is decided tomorrow week, May 16.

Ireland will play Luis Súarez’s Ecuador side at the Giants Stadium in New York on Wednesday, May 23 (1am, Irish time) and face Bolivia three days later, on Saturday, May 26, at the Gillette Stadium in Boston (9pm, Irish time).

Staunton confirmed at Tuesday’s squad announcement that the Irish side will be captained in the States by John O’Shea, fresh from winning the Premiership title with Manchester United last Sunday.

Sunderland’s Anthony Stokes has been included in the travelling party but will be available for the first two of Ireland’s Under-19 UEFA Elite qualifiers against Bulgaria on May 14 and Germany two days later before joining up with the senior panel.

Ecuador and Bolivia will see the fixtures as vital preparation for the Copa América 2007 which takes place in Venezuela during July while Staunton sees it the perfect opportunity to afford new players the platform to shine and improve their prospects of inclusion in the squad for the competitive fixtures.

Ireland will play one more friendly, against Denmark on August 22 in Aarhus, before recommencing their Euro 2008 campaign away to Slovakia and the Czech Republic on September 8 and 16 respectively.

Staunton gave his views on various matters today upon unveiling his squad and the following is a selection of those.

On the purpose of the double-fixture against Ecuador and Bolivia in the United States:

“This is not a tour - we’re going out there to work. I’ve arranged it that there’s not too much time waiting around for the players before we get out to America. They’ll also have a lot of time when they get back to recuperate before they start their pre-season with their clubs.

“The two games are a chance for our younger players to show what they can do. Hopefully we’ll learn a bit more about them and they’ll learn a bit more about us.

“This is an opportunity for players to stake a claim to be in the squad when the Euro 2008 campaign resumes in the Autumn. It will give me and the management team a chance to look at these players up close and it will also give them valuable international experience”.

“I’d like to think that everybody coming away with us will get a run at some stage over the two matches. If there are injuries to squad members, that will mean longer playing time for others. The whole point of the exercise is to give the newer lads as much football as possible.

“I’ll be able to have a look at what is underneath with these younger players but I’ve selected one or two lads experienced lads to keep things right within the camp.

“We’ll be away in America for ten days. Our next competitive games which are away from home will also involve us being away for ten days.

On the absence of Ireland captain Robbie Keane for the trip:

“Robbie’s got a back problem and the rest will do him the world of good. Spurs are just nursing him along at the moment because they’re looking to qualify for the UEFA Cup.

“Himself and (Dimitar) Berbatov have got a great relationship going up front for Spurs but from my point of view, I know what Robbie can do as a centre-forward.”

On the promotion of Sunderland and Birmingham to the Premiership:

“It’s good news for us. As well as the Sunderland players, Colin Doyle and Stephen Kelly have gone up with Birmingham. The more players we have in the Premiership, the easier my job is to assess them. It’s great for both clubs.”

On the selection of uncapped Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy in the squad:

“Daryl has been in our squad before (against Holland) but over the last six weeks, he’s improved a lot. He’s been a big reason as to why Sunderland have gone up (to the Premiership) as champions. He’s a bit of a handful for defenders and has matured this season.

“He’s one of seven strikers in there that I’m looking forward to seeing them properly in training and the games.”

On the debut call-up of Sheffield United full-back Derek Geary at the age of 26:

“Derek is a very good man-marker in a Sheffield United team that are still fighting to stay in the Premiership. We’ll have a good look at him in and around the training ground and take it from there. I’m sure he’ll play some part in the games.”

On the clash of fixtures with the English Championship play-off final:

“I’ve included two players from Wolves, Andy Keogh and Darren Potter, as well as Paul McShane of West Bromwich Albion.

“Depending on who wins their play-off semi-final, the players on the losing team will be available for our trip. Hopefully, that will help them get over the disappointment of getting beaten in the semi-final.”

On the participation of the USA-based Irish players in the training schedule of the squad in New York and Boston:

“Ronnie O’Brien has a knee brace on at the moment and wouldn’t be up to playing a friendly international. We’ll be looking at bringing in three or four of the lads in to train with us and assess them that way.”

[Jerry The Saint]

Nicky Colgan - Barnsley
Wayne Henderson - Preston North End
Colin Doyle - Birmingham City

Stephen Kelly - Birmingham City
Paul McShane - WestBromwichAlbion
Sean St Ledger - Preston North End
Alex Bruce - Ipswich Town
Derek Geary - Sheffield Utd
Joseph O’Cearuill - Arsenal
John O’Shea - Manchester United

Kevin Kilbane - Wigan Athletic
Darren Potter - Wolves
Stephen Ireland Manchester City
Stephen Hunt - Reading
Alan O’Brien - Newcastle United
Liam Miller - Sunderland

Kevin Doyle - Reading
Shane Long – Reading
Caleb Folan - Wigan Athletic
Daryl Murphy - Sunderland
Stephen Elliott - Sunderland
Anthony Stokes - Sunderland
Andy Keogh - Wolves


O'Shea named as captain:rolleyes: so what's wrong with Kilbane then? Can we expect him to pull out? Although to be fair, the above list isn't exactly blessed with natural leaders. Looks very lightweight.

At least Roy should be happy with the abundance of Sunderland players in the squad (sits back and waits for Keane to have a moan about dragging his tired players 3,000 miles for a mickey-mouse tournament :D )

[geysir]

“We’ll be away in America for ten days. Our next competitive games which are away from home will also involve us being away for ten days."

It all begins to make sense now.

[eirebhoy]

“We’ll be away in America for ten days. Our next competitive games which are away from home will also involve us being away for ten days."

It all begins to make sense now.
:D Laughed out loud there.

[adamcarr]

Thank Christ Stan has no managerial ability or general intelligence so that O'Donovan and Gamble weren't called up. Its a sad day when you have to witness muck like Folan and O'Brien playing for Ireland.

[jbyrne]

Thank Christ Stan has no managerial ability or general intelligence so that O'Donovan and Gamble weren't called up. Its a sad day when you have to witness muck like Folan and O'Brien playing for Ireland.

not too sure cork city would be too happy losing two quality players for such an extended period

[ollie]

not too sure cork city would be too happy losing two quality players for such an extended period

Very true. If I was Rico i wouldn't let them go even if their names were on list.

[highlight100]

Goalkeepers: Nick Colgan (Barnsley FC), Wayne Henderson (Preston North End FC), Colin Doyle (Birmingham City FC).

Defenders: Stephen Kelly (Birmingham City FC), Paul McShane (West Bromwich Albion FC), Sean St Ledger (Preston North End FC), Alex Bruce (Ipswich Town FC), Derek Geary (Sheffield United FC), Joseph O'Cearuill (Arsenal FC), John O'Shea (Manchester United FC).

Midfielders: Kevin Kilbane (Wigan Athletic FC), Darren Potter (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City FC), Stephen Hunt (Reading FC), Alan O'Brien (Newcastle United FC), Tommy Miller (Sunderland AFC).

Forwards: Kevin Doyle (Reading FC), Shane Long (Reading FC), Caleb Folan (Wigan Athletic FC), Daryl Murphy (Sunderland AFC), Stephen Elliott (Sunderland AFC), Anthony Stokes (Sunderland AFC), Andy Keogh (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC).


A few new faces in the squad...any thoughts ?

[eirebhoy]

Tommy Miller. :D

[Irish_Praha]

I saw this squad announced on chatsoccer first and the first thing I thought was "The boys on foot.ie will have a good old moan about this"

Again its blatantly obvious that we have no strength in depth in CMF. Whelan and Garvan would have deffo beefed up the squad a bit more than bringing along 7 strikers. However 2 or 3 of the strikers will not make the trip. I have no complaints about the defence and it was obvious that no EL players would be included because they are in the middle of their season. Pity Stan didn't mention that in his interview (maybe he did but I have only read what has been posted on here).

So not exactly the squad i would have picked but his hands were tied to a certain extent. It will be interesting to see what replacements he'll call up when it is known which players will not be available but more options for CMF would have been better. The likes of Ledger could be badly exposed in his international début if we have a weak pairing in front of him but who knows, maybe Ireland and Potter will make an excellent partnership, i doubt it though.

[Noelys Guitar]

Here is Stan discussing the squad with Dathi Blood
http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=uk&code=7d6df3794e127b0baee0c5003493c7da

[theworm2345]

I agree with Murphy and Keogh, but Elliott hasn't scored for 6 months, Stokes has 2 goals in 5 months, Long hasnt scored for 4+, Folan for 2, even Doyle only has 2 League goals in the last 4 months (though you couldn't justify dropping him I suppose). Those are not good stats for strikers. Joe O'Cearuill and Wayne Henderson couldn't get a game at League 1 Brighton, O'Brien played once for Newcastle in the league this season, either Potter or McShane will be involved in a playoff final, and our captain (John O'Shea) has an FA Cup Final 4 days before the first match. Normally, as this is a friendly, I wouldn't be too worried, but Staunton says he would bring the strongest squad available for these matches. If, without Keane, Finnan, McGeady, Duff, and Given this is our strongest squad, we shouldn't bother getting our hopes up for Euro 2008 (if Cyprus didn't already kill them off)

[Bottle of Tonic]

No point in getting too worked up about this squad or these games lads. Fair enough maybe he should have brought everyone out to hell, but performances here are going to count for very little when the real stuff starts up again a couple of months down the line. The only benefit I can think of is getting a few uncapped players who might MIGHT make a difference for us in future a debut out of the way, an introduction to the set-up etc. Can't see any sort of tactics or midfield shape being sorted out at all. You can't even expect these young, untested players to be out their bursting their bolix in them conditions at this time of season. It'll be training game stuff.

[Qwerty]

“We’ll be away in America for ten days. Our next competitive games which are away from home will also involve us being away for ten days."

It all begins to make sense now.

Pure Stanglish, like this is the squad he will be taking with him for the competitive games :rolleyes: He is the George Bush of Irish football.

[Stuttgart88]

It's end of season and seeing the new names included is exciting, but I just think it's a lost opportunity to have a look at other CMF options, most notably Whelan, but also Garvan and Gibson, and Nick Colgan's inclusion astounds me.

If he wants to take a look at Folan up close then fair enough but I'd have far preferred to see Leon Best, and likewise if he thinks that Potter is the new CMF face he most wants to see than that's his call. He's right to bring Potter, but he could have brought Whelan too.

I read that the Quinns have family commitments so are unavailable.

[tetsujin1979]

Dunne is out of the squad because he's getting married, and he's played every minute of every game this season for Man City.

On Off The Ball on NewsTalk last night they announced they had contacted Toronto FC about speaking to Ronnie O'Brien, but he would only speak to them if the Irish team was not part of the interview. Which clearly was not going to happen....

[gustavo]

On the promotion of Sunderland and Birmingham to the Premiership:

“It’s good news for us. As well as the Sunderland players, Colin Doyle and Stephen Kelly have gone up with Birmingham. The more players we have in the Premiership, the easier my job is to assess them. It’s great for both clubs.”
”

Does Stan just sit at home and watch Match of the Day to assess the players?

[Paulie]

It's end of season and seeing the new names included is exciting, but I just think it's a lost opportunity to have a look at other CMF options, most notably Whelan, but also Garvan and Gibson

Apparently Gibson is going to be involved in play off matches in Belgium that clash with our games. Garvan and especially Whelan should have been included.

[Stuttgart88]

Apparently Gibson is going to be involved in play off matches in Belgium that clash with our games. That's fair enough, I was wondering if that may have been the case.

[shakermaker1982]

I'm looking forward to the games. Good chance for the young lads to make an impression. I think Folan could surprise one or two.

[Jerry The Saint]

Does Stan just sit at home and watch Match of the Day to assess the players?

I think so! Unless he thinks that Sunderland and Birmingham will move location after being promoted thus making them easier to get to. :eek:

[youngirish]

Here have a look at what our small minded cousins to the far North are saying about our trip to the USA (including EalingGreen):

http://ourweecountry.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=18038

It always brings a smile to my face reading their comments and then they wonder why Gibson, Kane etc don't want to play for them.

[Paulie]

I can't access their forums for some reason. What are they saying?

[Torn-Ado]

I can't access their forums for some reason. What are they saying?

F#ck all. I wasted 60 seconds of my life reading it.

[NY Hoop]

Jealous minnows with a chip on their shoulder. And they wear green?:D

KOH

[Stuttgart88]

Here have a look at what our small minded cousins to the far North are saying about our trip to the USA (including EalingGreen):

http://ourweecountry.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=18038

It always brings a smile to my face reading their comments and then they wonder why Gibson, Kane etc don't want to play for them.
I'm not allowed on that site, IT security settings at work.

Care to summarise?

[RogerMilla]

what a muppet that grand'homme is , "beggars" dont make me laugh , take a trip down here and check your prejudices out.

[youngirish]

I'm not allowed on that site, IT security settings at work.

Care to summarise?
EalingGreen refers to the thread as Stan's comedy trip to the US and his cronies spend the entire time moaning about the whole X-Files conspiracy of the FAI 'defectors' Kane, O'Connor and Gibson and that they probably aren't in the squad because the FAI are still unsure about their elligibility and are afraid to include them (in preference to the more realistic reason that Kane and O'Connor are nowhere near ready for the senior squad yet and Gibson is tied up in Belgium). That and the usual beggars insults being thrown about though admittedly EalingGreen doesn't use this phrase.

Why do they care is all I want to know?

[RogerMilla]

i understand that NI fans might be worried they could lose some players who perhaps may qualify for them. some serious clowns on that site though , every time i think i might thaw in my attitudes to the NI team this kind of thing sends me right back to wanting them to lose every game they play.

[Dr. Ogba]

Why do they care is all I want to know?


Why do we care is all I want to know...

[drummerboy]

Who is Kane and who is O'Connor. I've never heard of these guys.

[geysir]

Are they now talking about us talking about them?

[tetsujin1979]

Who is Kane and who is O'Connor. I've never heard of these guys.
Tony Kane, on loan from Blackburn to Brugge. He was born in Belfast, hence the grief about him.
Michael O'Connor at Crewe Alexandra, he switched allegiances from the North after playing for them at U-21 level
I believe Portsmouth's Marc Wilson is a similar case, born in Belfast, declared for the Republic

[dr_peepee]

I think read somewhere earlier in the year Kane is doing well over there... He's a right full yeah?

[co. down green]

Tony Kane, on loan from Blackburn to Brugge. He was born in Belfast, hence the grief about him.
Michael O'Connor at Crewe Alexandra, he switched allegiances from the North after playing for them at U-21 level
I believe Portsmouth's Marc Wilson is a similar case, born in Belfast, declared for the Republic


19 year old Kane has being doing well at Cercle Brugge since his loan move in January. He's had a couple of man of the match awards. Spent three months on loan with Stockport before Christmas, who were keen to keep him on loan.But was recalled to Blackburn due to a lack of defensive cover in January and was then sent over to the Blackburn feeder club for the remainder of the season. Kane was named in an Ireland u17 squad a couple of seasons ago before being called up to the u21 squad.

Michael O'Connor (19) has never represented the North at u21 level, he has had an injury-hit season with Crewe after signing a new three and a half year deal last September.

19 year old Marc Wilson is from Aghagallen, near Lurgan. He has spent the last six months on loan at Bournemouth from Portsmouth. Bournemouth manager Kevin Bond has credited him with being a big part in the clubs fight away from relegation. He's also knocked in a few goals for the Cherries during his loan spell. Had been named in McCaffreys u17 squad before being called up to the u21's.

Darron Gibson is currently involved in the play-offs with Royal Antwerp and was unavailable for the American friendlies. He signed a three year extension to his present Man U contract earlier in the year.

17 year old Ruairi Harkin from Derry has recently broken into the Crystal Palace reserves from the academy side and has played a couple of games for the u18's. http://oneteaminireland.bravehost.com/46.html

A few other lads like Kevin Derry & Eugene Ferry have been playing for the u19/u21's.

[tetsujin1979]

Michael O'Connor (19) has never represented the North at u21 level, he has had an injury-hit season with Crewe after signing a new three and a half year deal last September.
You sure about that? According to his wikipedia profile - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_O'Connor_(footballer) - he was a regular.
Usual wikipedia disclaimers apply

[co. down green]

You sure about that? According to his wikipedia profile - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_O'Connor_(footballer) - he was a regular.
Usual wikipedia disclaimers apply

Never appeared for the North's u21's.

UEFA/FIFA need to address the rights of Irish players in the North who should have the same support at underage level as those in Dublin,Cork,Dundalk or wherever.

[tetsujin1979]

From Caleb Folan's most recent diary on icons.com: http://www.icons.com/folan/diary.html?26.04.07

Finally I just want to say how pleased I am to have been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming tour of the USA. I've known the tour was taking place for a while but wasn't counting my chickens, so I'm buzzing at getting the call-up. I hadn't booked a holiday just in case and now it looks like that was a good decision. It will be such a good experience to face the likes of Bolivia and Ecuador later this month. It will be a great way to round off the season that's for sure.

[Risteard]

Ronnie O'Brien and another two exiles will train with the team.
Don't know why he doesn't just call them up.

[eirebhoy]

Ronnie O'Brien and another two exiles will train with the team.
Don't know why he doesn't just call them up.
If it was any other manager I'd say it was because they wouldn't be getting called up on merit.

[BobbySands]

Anyone know how much the tickets v Bolivia in Foxborough are ??? I assume there are some available and might just drive down on the day. With 2 year old son in tow - assume he'd be free ?????

[theworm2345]

Anyone know how much the tickets v Bolivia in Foxborough are ??? I assume there are some available and might just drive down on the day. With 2 year old son in tow - assume he'd be free ?????
I think its $37

[Stuttgart88]

Ipswich star Garvan fumes at Irish snub
By Phil Campion

IPSWICH Town midfielder Owen Garvan said he has been left shaking his head after being ignored again for Republic of Ireland international squads.

Over the last two seasons the Dubliner has been picked for every game he’s been fit to play for Ipswich yet he hasn’t represented Ireland since U-16 level.

“My aims next season are to do well for Ipswich and to play international football again,” said the 19-year-old who has been dubbed the Steven Gerrard of the future.

“I have been left shaking my head at not being called up, and it has been very frustrating. I enjoy playing first team football, but missing out on the international scene is something I am desperate to rectify.”

Meanwhile Lee Carsley, linked with moves to Birmingham City and Mick McCarthy’s Wolves has made it clear he wants at least another season with Everton.

The Ireland midfielder who is out of contract at Goodison Park in the summer was thought to be seeking a transfer nearer to his Midlands home.

Manager David Moyes put a hold on all players’ contract negotiations until the end of the season but Carsley hopes to fix up a new contract soon.

“It has never been the case that I have wanted to cut the travelling and go back to the Midlands where my family is, despite what some people seem to think,” said the 33-year-old.

“It is a case of the gaffer and me sitting down to see what he has in mind with my contract ending in the summer.

“I feel so proud to play for Everton, and this is a massive chance to experience European football now.

“So to consider walking away from the club is not really in my mind,” he added.

“But my contract is up and we need to have some talks. I have already had a chat with David Moyes, and he expressed his desire to keep me here.”

[Paddy Garcia]

Ronnie O'Brien and another two exiles will train with the team.
Don't know why he doesn't just call them up.

Exactly - far more motivational to be involved legitimately. Come & do some training, no chance of a game by the way, however you perform!!!!!