Ireland to play Ecuador and Bolivia in May

[Manc Irish Wolf]

I don't think he will beome the mainstay of the Irish Midfield, as like you say Garvan and O'Brien are better prospects, however he is young and improving and it's more beneficial to see what he can do, than play tried and tested midfielders like Kilbane, Kavanagh and Carsley - none of whom have set the world alight in that particular position.

Good shout with regards to Murphy - probably deserved on form - just think that Stokes, Doyle and Long have will have a bit more class in the long ter, - tough one, as Murphy and Keogh have played quality this season.

[bwagner]

whats the hold up in naming the team...Does stan not know there names

[Wolfie]

Just read that 25 players have pulled out of the tour due to injury, personal commitments and hair washing commitments (Insert Carsley gag here).

Get ready for a lot of changes during the game. Stan stated the other day:

"We're only allowed to use six subs so we'll try and give everybody a run. They've all been very good to come out, they're all keen and eager and it would be nice to give everyone a run".

[eirebhoy]

Just read that 25 players have pulled out of the tour due to injury, personal commitments and hair washing commitments.

Injured:
Shay Given
Paddy McCarthy
Steven Reid
Jonathan Douglas
Andy Reid
Darron Gibson
Damien Duff
Caleb Folan
Sean St Ledger
Derek Geary
John O'Shea

Not called up to give them an early pre-season:
Richard Dunne
Stephen Carr
Lee Carsley
Robbie Keane

Club Commitments:
Darren O'Dea
Aiden McGeady
Ian Harte
Steven Finnan
Paul McShane

Personal Commitments:
Alan Quinn
Stephen Quinn
Liam Miller
Stephen Elliott
Stephen Ireland

[strangeirish]

Steve Staunton has named his side to face Ecuador in the international friendly in Giants Stadium, New Jersey. Kick-off is at 1.00am Irish time.
1. Colin Doyle (Birmingham)
2. Stephen Kelly (Birmingham)
3. Alex Bruce (Ipswich)
4. Alan Bennett (Reading)
5. Stephen O'Halloran (Aston Villa)
6. Daryl Murphy (Sunderland)
7. Kevin Kilbane (Wigan)
8. Darren Potter (Wolves)
9. Stephen Hunt (Reading)
10. Kevin Doyle (Reading)
11. Andy Keogh (Wolves)

[eirebhoy]

Not far off although there wasn't much of a choice.
http://foot.ie/showpost.php?p=689770&postcount=2

[Metrostars]

Is that 7 new caps? Plus a few more as subs. Is that a record for a single game?

[Soper]

Fly Gamble half way around the world and leave him on the bench. Nice one Stanosaurasgimp.

[cavan_fan]

Fly Gamble half way around the world and leave him on the bench. Nice one Stanosaurasgimp.

FFS he'll presumably start on Saturday, typical eL whinge

[Soper]

el whinge? Is that a type of Spanish dance or something? A sub genre of the Spanish flamenco ballet scene?

[eirebhoy]

So now if you call up a LOI player you're obliged to start him? :D

[Dodge]

Weren't they all flown half way around the world?

[Soper]

All these abbreviations are hurting my eyes. What is LOI? Something to do with Laois?

[Soper]

Weren't they all flown half way around the world?

Lapira;)

Anyway, I just needed a reason to exclaim my dislike of the manager. If I do it out loud over here, I get funny looks off people, so it is a safer option for me.

[pete]

Weren't they all flown half way around the world?

Gamble had to fly the long way as he left on different flight.

[Risteard]

:confused::confused:
He flew east through Europe and Asia?

I heard he's named on the bench but wouldn't everybody who wasn't starting be named on the bench for this?
He deserves a 60 minute slot in either of the matches.
Would be much better than two substitute appearances.
I don't really believe you can get an honest impression of a player on anything less.

Is this a mini-tournament or just two separate friendlies?