The team / squad for san marino

[Dr. Ogba]

Doyle ruled out with a hamstring injury that he picked up against everton. Stephen Reid also out with a back injury. Accordin 2 physioroom.com Duff wil be back for the game.


No need to rush Duff back for a game like this...its the ideal situation to give Steve Hunt his debut...

[ifk101]

My starting eleven for San Marino:

Given,
Finnan, Dunne, McShane, JOSH
McGeady, A. Reid, Carsley, Kilbane
Keane, Morrison.

[cavan_fan]

My starting eleven for San Marino:

Given,
Finnan, Dunne, McShane, JOSH
McGeady, A. Reid, Carsley, Kilbane
Keane, Morrison.

Is this the team you want or the one you expect?

I see no benefit in playing Morrison against SM. Would try Stokes as a good chance to get his first goal. Would also give Quinn (S) and Hunt a chance ahead of Kilbane and Reid.

[kingdom hoop]

My starting eleven for San Marino:

Given,
Finnan, Dunne, McShane, JOSH
McGeady, A. Reid, Carsley, Kilbane
Keane, Morrison.

i hope to god this isnt the team..though it could well be. get stokes and hunt in there in place of kilbane and morrison, the only reason to play morrison would be to give him the game that he isnt getting at palace for a bit of practice before wales,slovakia when doyle will be back anyway. LB is the only other area of debate, squad options are JOS, geary, harte(any word on fitness?), kilbane, kevin foley, finnan...with geary getting my tentative vote, or of course we could just go with three at the back, should be enough against the sammarinese

[ifk101]

Is this the team you want or the one you expect?

I see no benefit in playing Morrison against SM. Would try Stokes as a good chance to get his first goal. Would also give Quinn (S) and Hunt a chance ahead of Kilbane and Reid.

That's the team I want to play. If Duff and Doyle are available, I'd replace Kilbane and Morrison for them.

The San Marino match is a competitive game and should be treated as such. With the exception of Keane, Morrison's goals per game ratio is better than anyone else's in the squad, and its goals with want against San Marino. I really can't belief that Stephen Quinn's name is being mentioned for the national squad after a few minutes first-team action for Sheffield United. Similarly I don't see the point of giving Hunt a run-out, who is an average player IMO, ahead of a player like Kilbane who has given his all for us on numerous occasions. Stokes' time will come but I rather see Morrison, Elliott or Lee get a competitive game before him.

Players have egos like the rest of us and I don't think you can under-estimate the impact replacing an established senior international with a pup that hasn't yet done anything at club level.

[republicofwhite]

Ifk, Stephen Quinn. You can look at it as a few minutes of Premiership action, or look at it the way it is, goals assists, man of the matches and lots and lots of praise, he's lighting up that Sheffield United Team, and getting them points. If your good enough, you're old enough. SM is ideal for Stokes, if he doesn't play now, he won't be risked for absolutely ages, can guarantee that with Stan. And Stephen Hunt deserves to start more than most of those players, call if average if you want but he's got falir and will give it socks, you'll be hard pushed to find players who genuinely work harder than him.

[kingdom hoop]

The San Marino match is a competitive game

:o :rolleyes:


Similarly I don't see the point of giving Hunt a run-out, who is an average player IMO, ahead of a player like Kilbane who has given his all for us on numerous occasions.

I cant believe kilbane was mentioned in a sentence with 'average player' and it wasnt him being referred to:D i think hunt is similar to kilbane fair enough but as mentioned he has a wee bit more flair and is faster and more competitive, i'd say he'd put the SM players under a lot of pressure, robbing them of possession high up the pitch. also, would it not be discouraging to the ego's of more inexperienced players who have good club form to deny them an opportunity, especially against SM?

[ifk101]

I haven't forgotten Liechtenstein, have you Kingdom Hoop. And yes I totally agree with you in saying that Hunt is no better than Kilbane, so why drop Kilbane?

With have an U21 team as well - just for the little egos.

[kingdom hoop]

I haven't forgotten Liechtenstein, have you Kingdom Hoop. And yes I totally agree with you in saying that Hunt is no better than Kilbane, so why drop Kilbane?

With have an U21 team as well - just for the little egos.

no, liechenstein is where i keep my millions, tax free:p seriously though, if there is going to be a disaster starting kilbane will not avert it

hunt is 25ish, and stokes will be in the senior squad

i tried to say hunt could be better than kilbane v SM given his better skill, pace and is very very competitive, a great put 'em under pressure player

[Dr. Ogba]

Players have egos like the rest of us and I don't think you can under-estimate the impact replacing an established senior international with a pup that hasn't yet done anything at club level.

Well if said player was any kind of decent professional and was proud of playing for his country then I would hope the impact would be positive...i.e work harder and try to get your place back

If the established player deserves to be dropped for the "pup" he should be dropped. Instead you are talking about massaging the egos of the established players who have done absolutely nothing for us in recent times...

Things need to be shook up and "established players" like Keane, Duff, Kilbane, O'Shea, Finnan, Morrisson etc need to look over their shoulders and realise that their places are not set in stone and that if they keep on performing shoddily for the national team they should be dropped for up-and-coming players willing to give their all...

[galwayhoop]

Players have egos like the rest of us and I don't think you can under-estimate the impact replacing an established senior international with a pup that hasn't yet done anything at club level.

you can also over-estimate the effect too!

i presume you are not talking about stokes when you say done nothing at club level. fair enough he has only really been on the radar for a couple of months but the last player to exhibt such potential and make such an immediate impact was robbie keane. 16 goals in 18 games with falkirk and supposidly MotM for his sunderland debut at the weekend is hardly nothing at club level!

these so -called established players need a root up the backside not their ego's massaged as stated above. professional football is a cut-throat results driven business. there is always someone coming behind you to take your spot. the problem with our national team for the last 4 years or so is the back-up hasn't been there to compete with messers keane, duff, morrison ..etc. it appears to be now so let them know that their positions are up for grabs. if they are as good, as we think they are, the result should be positive. if they sulk at not starting a game and go off in a huff are they really the type of players that you want representing your country??

why not ruffle a few feathers and throw a few of the younger lads in against san marino. they will be so hungry that the marinonians won't know what hit 'em.

[carloz]

if we are picking on form and looking to the futre then Darren O'Dea has to get in the squad ahead of O'Brien. I feel a bit bad for O'Brien as he really only had one very poor game for us, he was excellent in Germany but we cant carry a Portsmoth reserve player

[ifk101]

you can also over-estimate the effect too!

i presume you are not talking about stokes when you say done nothing at club level. fair enough he has only really been on the radar for a couple of months but the last player to exhibt such potential and make such an immediate impact was robbie keane. 16 goals in 18 games with falkirk and supposidly MotM for his sunderland debut at the weekend is hardly nothing at club level!

these so -called established players need a root up the backside not their ego's massaged as stated above. professional football is a cut-throat results driven business. there is always someone coming behind you to take your spot. the problem with our national team for the last 4 years or so is the back-up hasn't been there to compete with messers keane, duff, morrison ..etc. it appears to be now so let them know that their positions are up for grabs. if they are as good, as we think they are, the result should be positive. if they sulk at not starting a game and go off in a huff are they really the type of players that you want representing your country??

why not ruffle a few feathers and throw a few of the younger lads in against san marino. they will be so hungry that the marinonians won't know what hit 'em.

Whatever about Duff and Keane, can somebody point out in which game did Morrison not give it his all? The chap might be technically limited but there's no question regarding his commitment to the team. All I'm saying is that I don't think current squad players have been given a fair chance yet - ie Alan Lee, Stephen Elliott, Liam Miller and even Stephen Ireland. Lets use these players first before we give up on them. These players have been in Stan squad selections before, have an idea of what he is thinking (whether this is good or bad thing) and know what is expected of them if called on. The San Marino match is a competitve fixture and I think it much better to use players that are already in the squad, know what is expected of them rather than bringing somebody in from the outside that isn't up to speed with how the team plays.

[Reddladd]

ifk101, you're obviously a big fan of Morrison. Granted Morrison has scored some decent goals for Ireland, if he didn't we wouldn't even be discussing him. However what he does best is huff and puff and give away stupid fouls by backing into defenders. He doesn't seem to understand the offside rule and has an inflated ego. Add to that the fact that he is not playing regularly at the moment and there are plenty of reasons not to play him.
He had his day, now it's time to move on without him.

[galwayhoop]

Whatever about Duff and Keane, can somebody point out in which game did Morrison not give it his all? The chap might be technically limited but there's no question regarding his commitment to the team. All I'm saying is that I don't think current squad players have been given a fair chance yet - ie Alan Lee, Stephen Elliott, Liam Miller and even Stephen Ireland. Lets use these players first before we give up on them. These players have been in Stan squad selections before, have an idea of what he is thinking (whether this is good or bad thing) and know what is expected of them if called on. The San Marino match is a competitve fixture and I think it much better to use players that are already in the squad, know what is expected of them rather than bringing somebody in from the outside that isn't up to speed with how the team plays.

at least someone does because i don't get the impression he knows himself :D

personally i don't rate liam miller, stephen ireland (at this moment in time) or clingon morrison as international standard footballers. what can possible be gained by their inclusion in the team at this point. from all accounts stokes is a cut above those ahead of him in the pecking order so why not pick him. look if we can't beat san marino with a young, and yes if you want, in-experienced team then we have no right playing international football at all! countries like san marino, faroes ... etc shouldn't even be playing international football as they have populations less than counties like leitrim (no offense leitrim).

morrison, going by ability alone, is not one of our first choice front men and never will be. we all know what he has to offer. young stokes could potentially be one of our first choice players - alternatively he may crash and burn and slip into oblivion - so we sould give him his game to check him out. he has been able to perform at whatever level he has played at so far so we should see if he can hack it at the top level. and as an introduction use the san marino game.

incidentlly stokes started in place of elliot at the weekend (don't know if elliot is injured / coming back or if it was tactical though).

just because the others have been around longer doesn't mean they have a devine right to start before a new player. it's not a que. thats the equivelent of some crazy labour/green party attitude toward international football team selection! it's not politics.

[cavan_fan]

I'd keep Morisson in the squad for a few years yet, but there is no advantage in him playing against San Marino, he is a sub player and will be just as ready to come off the bench against Wales whether or not he plays against SM. Stokes though could do with getting past the media attention of his debut in what must be a guaranteed win.

Miller has shown nothing in 4(?) years club form that would get him in the squad. Ireland is a possibility but he needs 1 year of regular play to counteract my concerns about his build.

By the way I like the idea of a sticky injuries thread, can a mod set that up? Would love to know what the story is with Harte and Joey O'Brien.

[Dr. Ogba]

I'd keep Morisson in the squad for a few years yet, but there is no advantage in him playing against San Marino, he is a sub player and will be just as ready to come off the bench against Wales whether or not he plays against SM. Stokes though could do with getting past the media attention of his debut in what must be a guaranteed win.

Miller has shown nothing in 4(?) years club form that would get him in the squad. Ireland is a possibility but he needs 1 year of regular play to counteract my concerns about his build.

By the way I like the idea of a sticky injuries thread, can a mod set that up? Would love to know what the story is with Harte and Joey O'Brien.

Yeah you've got to watch out for those, they can get fairly messy....

[theworm2345]

Whens the squad going to be released?

[tricky_colour]

Whens the squad going to be released?


I didn't even know they had been arrested :eek:

[as_i_say]

oh dear. gags o plenty.

[geysir]

injuries are always a minefield, we could do with a thread to keep us all updated
Here is the physioroom web page.
http://physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php
Newcastle win that league hands down :)
Andy Reid must be fit again.
Duff due back soon.

[tetsujin1979]

Andy Reid must be fit again.
He played the full 90 minutes against Boro at the weekend

[theworm2345]

I didn't even know they had been arrested :eek:
Come clean are you Hal Roach or Des Bishop?

[Collyontour]

My starting 11

Given

Finnan, Dunne, McShane, Geary

McGeady, Carsley, A. Reid, Ireland

Keane, Stokes

I'd definitely have Paddy McCarthy and O'Dea in the squad as well and I wouldn't be dissapointed if he started O'Dea at left back. Big games pass O'Shea and Kilbane by and it's time we started a game without them. I read an interview by Doyle yesterday and he still hasn't given up on being in the squad and if he was fit I'd have him in before Stokes.

[shakermaker1982]

I want to see Stokes, Hunt, Long all called up. O'Dea is worth a look as well. Would be good for the young lads to meet up with the senior players before the big games at Croke Park start in March.

[elroy]

Liam Miller and S McPhail - what a midfield we would have had, if these guys had gone on to fulfill their early potential!!
Who's is the biggest fall from grace, im not sure. McP is making some bit of a comeback but not sure about Miller.

Has McShane been playing regularly for WBA? I think the bench for the SM should be full of inexperienced lads that we can bring on at half time/60 mins. I cant see Stan making too many surprise selections in the starting 11.

[kingdom hoop]

Has McShane been playing regularly for WBA? I think the bench for the SM should be full of inexperienced lads that we can bring on at half time/60 mins. I cant see Stan making too many surprise selections in the starting 11.

McShane hadnt been first choice at WBA, chris perry(good, experienced pro) and curtis davies(very highly rated, often linked with spurs) were in front of him which was fair enough. but davies broke his foot in october allowing paul into the team. davies came back and then perry got injured so there havent been many times when all three were fit or not suspended(which is a bit of a problem for mcshane it would seem- played in 14 league games with 6 yellows and a red to be ashamed/proud of). mcshane though has been playing very well of late with a few MOMs, and i'd say would get his place in front of perry. so, yes, he has been playing regularly over the last few months. funny little booboo on the soccerbase.com site about mcshane;apparently played for rangers from the age of 8 to 12:eek: :mad: and is in fact scottish

i wouldnt agree with not starting any new fellas, stokes says he doesnt get nervous so i dont think there should be fear that we need to secure the game before bringing on subs, he, and hunt or whoever, are more than capable of contributing to the performance from the start

[Wolfie]

We're well covered for forwards - its the lack of viable options in central midfield that's still the problem.

Kilbane should not be let next or near to the centre of the Park. Loses possession too cheaply and doesn't impose himself on the game enough.

With Stephen Reid out - its looking like Carsley / A.Reid. Nowhere near ideal.

We really need someone to emerge for the centre midfield with the promise that Stokes has shown up front. Just undeniable potential.

Probably the most difficult part of the pitch to establish yourself at Premiership level though.

[kingdom hoop]

Given

Dunne McShane O'Dea/JOS

Finnan Carsley

Andy Reid Ireland/Hunt McGeady

Keane Stokes


feel free to criticise at will, just a proposal

[cavan_fan]

Agree, finger crossed about Garvan (and long term Jamie McCarthy)

[tetsujin1979]

--------------Given/Kenny
Finnan/Kelly--Dunne-McShane/McCarthy--Harte
McGeady--Ireland/A.Reid-Carsley-Duff
------------Keane-Stokes

Subs:
Henderson
JOSH
Kilbane
Elliott
Connolly
whoever isn't picked from the XI above (i.e. if Andy Reid starts, put Ireland on the bench, etc)

Don't think there's any real need for Given to play, give Paddy Kenny a run out.
Likewise Finnan, let Kelly show what he can do - assuming he's fit
Fairly attacking/creative midfield, just let Carsley do what he does for Everton, mop up and pass the ball to a more advanced player. Whelan can come on and do the same in the second half.
Let Robbie and Stokes blitz their defence, we need a hatful against this shower or it'll be considered a waste

[cavan_fan]

My predicted team

Given
Kelly Dunne McShane Finnan
McGeady O'Shea Carsley Kilbane
Keane Stokes

Depressing!

[The Legend]

I think i'd put Stephen Hunt instead of Kilbane... both journeymen but at least Hunt is in form...

[Paddy Garcia]

Alan O'Brien was hopless tonight, could not deliver a decent cross let alone beat his man.

Interestingly Liam Lawrence has been playing some excellent football for Stoke. I still can't understand why he was not given a run out against Sweden. Given the weaknesses across the midfield it's very strange that he has not had an opportunity. He was one of Sunderland's few bright spots last year and could fit very well into the current team.

[eirebhoy]

Looks like O'Brien has the same coach that took over Duff about 2 years ago. Why they just won't let wingers take on players I'll never know.

[Kingdom]

Did anyone think it was glaringly obvious that his team mates (butt and Martins in particular) weren't passing to him, even though he was in acres of space so often. Can't see why he was in any Ireland squad so far. Has offered us nothing.

[eirebhoy]

Yeah, I actually felt very sorry for him tbh. He obviously lacks self belief and he wouldn't call for the ball once. His teammates were a disgrace. One of the young centre halves was trying to get the ball to him and that target man striker that came on also passed it to him once or twice. They'd obviously be friends with him off the pitch. Martins was passing turning inside to nobody when O'Brien was in acres of space. The crowd also gave a big cheer when the ball got to him. The longer it went with him not getting a pass the more his confidence was draining out, I know exactly how he felt.

It doesn't look like he'll ever be good enough for Ireland but it's not his fault and I wish him well in his career.

[Reddladd]

Keano back on the mark and looking lively last night!

[Kingdom]

Yeah, I actually felt very sorry for him tbh. He obviously lacks self belief and he wouldn't call for the ball once. His teammates were a disgrace. One of the young centre halves was trying to get the ball to him and that target man striker that came on also passed it to him once or twice. They'd obviously be friends with him off the pitch. Martins was passing turning inside to nobody when O'Brien was in acres of space. The crowd also gave a big cheer when the ball got to him. The longer it went with him not getting a pass the more his confidence was draining out, I know exactly how he felt.

It doesn't look like he'll ever be good enough for Ireland but it's not his fault and I wish him well in his career.

Just out of interest is there any Newcastle fan here who tell us the roots of Andrew Carroll, the tall front man for Newcastle. Is he Irish? I've never heard of him before.

[eirebhoy]

Not Irish but he's the spitting image of Gary Breen. :D

[cavan_fan]

Yeah, I actually felt very sorry for him tbh. He obviously lacks self belief and he wouldn't call for the ball once. His teammates were a disgrace. One of the young centre halves was trying to get the ball to him and that target man striker that came on also passed it to him once or twice. They'd obviously be friends with him off the pitch. Martins was passing turning inside to nobody when O'Brien was in acres of space. The crowd also gave a big cheer when the ball got to him. The longer it went with him not getting a pass the more his confidence was draining out, I know exactly how he felt.

It doesn't look like he'll ever be good enough for Ireland but it's not his fault and I wish him well in his career.

I dont understand why Newcastle didnt let him out on loan to Wolves, he needs to play for a bit and get confidence. He's still a prospect albeit one who has been rushed in.

[DeNiro]

Anyone know when the squad is being named?

[eirebhoy]

Given is out for a month but hopefully he won't be needed.

[theworm2345]

Anyone know when the squad is being named?
I'm wondering the same thing but my guess is probably next Monday

[irishfan86]

Given is out for a month but hopefully he won't be needed.

You never know with this lot :eek:

My predicted lineup:

------------Henderson--------

Carr---McShane--Dunne---Finnan

McGeady--Carsley---A. Reid---Kilbane

-------Keane---Stokes------

The lineup if I was manager:

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

Finnan----O'Dea---Dunne----Geary

McGeady---Carsley--A. Reid---Hunt

--------Keane------Morrison-----

I'd bring Connolly back into the squad, but probably wouldn't play him. I'd take one of Keane or Morrison off early in the second half or at half-time and give Stokes a run out.

[eirebhoy]

Roeder said Duff will be fit for Newcaslte's next game. I'd have McShane over O'Dea. It's his spot to lose.

[tetsujin1979]

I'd have O'Dea in the squad, and McCarthy too, but it really is McShane's spot to lose. He could have had 2 goals in the second half in Lansdowne when he stayed up from corners and free kicks, might not be a bad bet to open his account. He scored recently for WBA

[delabonnuchi]

I reckon this is what'll be picked...


--------------Henderson--------------
--------------------------------------
Finnan ---Dunne---McShane---Kilbane
--------------------------------------
--------------Carsley-----------------
McGeady------------------------Hunt-
---------------A.Reid------------------
---------------------------------------
------Stokes-----------Keane (c)------

[OwlsFan]

Kevin Kilbane is NOT a full back. He's getting a lot of stick from Wigan supporters as well on their websites. O'Shea should play there.

I'd play a Premiership keeper in Kenny ahead of Henderson and Connolly for Stokes and bring the latter on for a run later on. I still haven't forgiven Connolly for getting sent off against Belgium in the play-off game and I don't really rate him but he is scoring goals at the moment.

[Wolfie]

I still haven't forgiven Connolly for getting sent off against Belgium in the play-off game........

That was sheer stupidity alright.