The team / squad for san marino

[theworm2345]

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.
:rolleyes: that was almost 10 years ago, he was something like 18 then, you never did something stupid when you were 18?

[Wolfie]

:rolleyes: that was almost 10 years ago, he was something like 18 then, you never did something stupid when you were 18?

No! - Not when participating in an event where my country's fate for qualification for a major tournament hung in the balance.

Of course, he's been so convincing since that one minor indiscretion. :rolleyes:

[Paddy Garcia]

I can't ever remember him scoring a really important goal for us, though I guess his chances have been limited over the years.

[OwlsFan]

:rolleyes: that was almost 10 years ago, he was something like 18 then, you never did something stupid when you were 18?

"Step gently for you step on my dreams".

Belgium hasn't been a happy hunting ground for me. I was there watching Eoin Hand's team being robbed of qualification and then I was next over (I missed Charlton's 2-2 or 1-1: can't remember) for the play off game where we had been given little chance and Houghton equalised and they took the lead again from a throw in that should have been ours. We were pressing for an equaliser and I think Connolly had been brought on as a sub and he commits a ridculous brain dead foul that reduces us to 10. The dream is over (again). Obviously the loss isn't his fault but the minute he was sent off I knew that was that.

There are defining moments in following Ireland (negative side that incident, Belgium 1, Gelsenkirchen, Saipan, Israel away) and many positive as well but I'll never forget them or forgive those who stepped on my dreams.

[youngirish]

Giving Connolly a go instead of Stokes, Elliot, Long or even Clarke is a return to the dark days of yesteryear. The chap's a donkey. A Championship player who's found his level and is not capable of raising it to International standard.

I'd play Long tbh if he plays in the next few games for Reading (very likely) and bangs in a couple of goals.

Give youth a chance not tried and tested mediocrity (this word is probably too kind to describe Connolly's performances in an Ireland shirt but I don't want to sound mean).

Btw OwlsFan wasn't it 'Thread softly for you thread on my dreams'?

[OwlsFan]

Giving Connolly a go instead of Stokes, Elliot, Long or even Clarke is a return to the dark days of yesteryear. The chap's a donkey. A Championship player who's found his level and is not capable of raising it to International standard.

I'd play Long tbh if he plays in the next few games for Reading (very likely) and bangs in a couple of goals.

Give youth a chance not tried and tested mediocrity (this word is probably too kind to describe Connolly's performances in an Ireland shirt but I don't want to sound mean).?

I believe in picking the strongest team available. I am no fan of Connolly but he has been scoring goals in the Championship and has international experience. I'd have him in ahead of the other two untested players but I would bring Stokes on for a run after about an hour to have a good look at him no matter whether we're winning or struggling.


Btw OwlsFan wasn't it 'Thread softly for you thread on my dreams'?

Probably :o

[irishfan86]

I know it's only San Marino but I don't think having Keane and Connolly play together up front is a good idea.

Even if they do well in that game together, they won't be effective against other teams, as I find they are similar styles of player, albeit on totally different levels ability-wise.

Why not try a partnership with a player whose skill set better compliments Robbie's, such as Stokes or Alan Lee? Failing that I'd stick with his partnership with Morrison who has been fairly effective for us.

[brine3]

how somebody can still hold a grudge for something david connolly did nine and a half years ago is beyond me. even keane and mccarthy have shaken hands on their dispute.

[danonion]

I happened to catch two or three Charlton games lately and the retired Mattie Holland was playing some seriously great box to box stuff, not to knock Carsley, his form's great at the minute - somehow I'd rather see Holland there, just a thought. IN addition, Harte is back from injury, San Marino's a good game to see if he has anything left(back) in the tank. No sense in listing the full lineup because we will win regardless, and if we do find world-beating combinations, they won't be any use against a legit team.

[Dr. Ogba]

I happened to catch two or three Charlton games lately and the retired Mattie Holland was playing some seriously great box to box stuff, not to knock Carsley, his form's great at the minute - somehow I'd rather see Holland there, just a thought. IN addition, Harte is back from injury, San Marino's a good game to see if he has anything left(back) in the tank. No sense in listing the full lineup because we will win regardless, and if we do find world-beating combinations, they won't be any use against a legit team.

nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo o!!!!!!!!

[theworm2345]

So will the squads be tomorrow or Thursday (after EPL is done), I know its my third post on this same thing, but I figure someone must know
EDIT: Tuesday, http://www.irishfootballonline.com/news_story.php?newsid=5900

[theworm2345]

So will the squads be tomorrow or Thursday (after EPL is done), I know its my third post on this same thing, but I figure someone must know
EDIT: Tuesday, http://www.irishfootballonline.com/news_story.php?newsid=5900
Either its later tonight or that site was wrong

[eirebhoy]

Either its later tonight or that site was wrong
It's only lunchtime, it'll be released shortly. :)

[ainsie]

I am no fan of Connolly but he has been scoring goals in the Championship and has international experience

Lee has scored more , but would not have him there either. Murphy has scored as many. Stokes has scored more. Morrison has scored as many (I think) Keane has scored feck all.

No matter which team you put out it should score. I think the midfeild is the big worry for the future so maybe a little experiment there.

[ainsie]

i'm not sure about the inclusion of your mother in-law as an out and out striker. i'd much rather see her in a wider position while i think you're father would make an ideal candidate for the holding role in the middle of the park - a-la paul mcgrath's old role. he is wasted as an out and out defender and his influence would be muted againsted opposition of the caliber of San Marino.

Good reply :)

BTW i'm surprised your uncle's name didn't come into the fold for the 'gaffers' job last time!

The uncle went for the job but a strange thing happened...they said he had no experience in a head management role and had not a clue how to manage.

So they gave the job to Stan who..... :)

[deadman]

apparently

another bray great ;)

[cavan_fan]

Wayne Henderson - Brighton & Hove Albion
Nicky Colgan - Barnsley
Darren Randolph - Charlton Athletic
Steve Finnan - Liverpool
Ian Harte - Levante
Paul McShane - West Bromwich Albion
Richard Dunne - Manchester City
Stephen Carr - Newcastle United
John O’Shea - Manchester United
Jonathan Douglas - Leeds United
Lee Carsley - Everton
Aiden McGeady - Celtic
Damien Duff - Newcastle United
Kevin Kilbane - Wigan Athletic
Robbie Keane - Tottenham Hotspur
Stephen Ireland - Manchester City
Darron Gibson - Royal Antwerp
Alan Quinn - Sheffield United
Andy Keogh - Wolves
Stephen Hunt - Reading
Anthony Stokes - Sunderland
Stephen Elliott - Sunderland
Stephen Quinn - Sheffield United
Shane Long - Reading

[cavan_fan]

Some shocks there, my first impression is that it's OK.

No O'Briens!
No S Kelly, Foley, St Ledger
No Liam Miller

[Four Eyes]

Randolph ahead of supple

[cavan_fan]

Is it tempting fate to say that 3rd chocie goalie against San Marino is unlikely to be a starring role!

[tetsujin1979]

Only 2 centre halves - assuming JOSH is a left full - ?
Not that we should need any more against San Marino, but there's still a round of games to go, 2 for some players, so surely at least one more is needed?

[dr_peepee]

True.. Murphy is doing well at S****horpe too. It's a case of the best of a poor bunch really.

Some surprises though in the likes of Gibson, Keogh and Steven Quinn. No morrison either...

[galwayhoop]

Some shocks there, my first impression is that it's OK.
.............
No S Kelly, .............

is he injured?? squad is about as much as we can hope for - not bad - happy enough.

on a negatitive note though there is still only 6 defenders (incl. JoS as a defender) so maybe lacking cover there but apart from that it looks ok. hope nothing happens to R.Dunne or McShane or we may have JoS back in central defence

[cavan_fan]

End of Andy O'Brien and Clinton's careers??

[eirebhoy]

Darren Randolph -> Shay Given*
Ian Harte -> Stephen Kelly*
Stephen Hunt -> Andy Reid*
Andy Keogh -> Clinton Morrison
Anthony Stokes -> Alan Lee
Shane Long -> Kevin Doyle*

*injured.

No replacement for Andy O'Brien.
S.Quinn and Gibson also in.

[galwayhoop]

who will partner carsley - can't see any major options. amazing how lacking we are in that position and also the fact carsley was so slow to be picked in the first place when he is now the only player to jump off the page at me as a CM

[Paddy Garcia]

who will partner carsley - can't see any major options. amazing how lacking we are in that position and also the fact carsley was so slow to be picked in the first place when he is now the only player to jump off the page at me as a CM

He might try Gibson!

[cavan_fan]

I thought there were 2 odd things about the order of the players. Gibson is in amongst the CM's and Robbie seems to be in as a midfielder? Maybe reading too much in.

[RogerMilla]

clinto will be back lads , we havent that much of an embarrasment of riches

[tetsujin1979]

No Glen Whelan either, which is strange considering Stan was at the Wednesday - Man City game a few weeks back

[carloz]

Surely Stephen Ireland will partner Carsley, he is playing excellent now. He can be forgiven slightly for Cyprus due to playing beside Kilbane

[Paddy Garcia]

No Glen Whelan either, which is strange considering Stan was at the Wednesday - Man City game a few weeks back

Even with our depleted resources, I think Whelan has an awful lot to do to get near the team. I suspect his chance has gone. As it is he has 12 (inc. O'Shea) midfielders in there.

[greendeiseboy]

poor squad with stauntons usual shock inclusions........ where's paddy mccarthy, owen garvan, darren o'dea, billy clarke, when you look at some of the inclusions and exclusions you'd have to scratch your head in disbelief.

Sean StLedger didn't last too long

One other note and i'm open to correction but are there only three called up who are not born or brought up here.

[NeilMcD]

GThere is no body missing that is screaming to be in the squad like a Carley the last time etc. So that is progress.

Henderson

Finnan Mc Shane Dunne Harte


Mc Geady Carsley Ireland Duff

Keane Stokes


Subs
Hunt
A Quinn
O Shea
Carr
Elliot
Long
Douglas
Colgan

[eirebhoy]

I'd go along with that team too. I think Stan will be a little more conservative though away from home and maybe not play Ireland.

[Paddy Garcia]

Subs

A Quinn



I think S is ahead of A in the Sheffield picking order these days.

[graham_d]

poor squad with stauntons usual shock inclusions........ where's paddy mccarthy, owen garvan, darren o'dea, billy clarke, when you look at some of the inclusions and exclusions you'd have to scratch your head in disbelief.
Sure you're not just looking for reasons to complain, who would you have them replacing?

Garvan is only back from a long time out, Clarke hasn't been on fire recently by the sound of it (not compared to Stokes, Keogh or Long).

McCarthy might have a case, since we seem to be short on CBs. O`Dea maybe the only one who could really feel disappointed he's not in.

Otherwise it's surprising how many of the young players discussed on here in the last month or so are in. Can't say I have a clue how Gibson is playing. I think Supple has lost his place (after injury) for Ipswich so that might explain Randolph getting ahead of him.

[NeilMcD]

Yeah O Dea is the only one who should be there that is not.

[Dodge]

Isn't Daryl Murphy ahead of Elliot in the Sunderland pecking order? Not sure but seem to hear his name mentioned more often...

[OwlsFan]

GThere is no body missing that is screaming to be in the squad like a Carley the last time etc. So that is progress.

Henderson

Finnan Mc Shane Dunne Harte


Mc Geady Carsley Ireland Duff

Keane Stokes




Ok except I'd play Carr at right full and move Finnan to the left. Harte is not an international fullback or else play O'Shea at left full. Basically anyone but that defensive liability Harte.

[NeilMcD]

Cause its San Marino I would have Harte at left back due to freek kicks and corner kicks and bascially dead ball delivery. He is good enough to deal with San Marino. Also Long term I was Finnan playing at right back as thats his best spot. Carr has been as dodgy in last 2 years as Harte ever was in my view.

[eirebhoy]

Isn't Daryl Murphy ahead of Elliot in the Sunderland pecking order? Not sure but seem to hear his name mentioned more often...
Elliott plays on the wing usually. He still has the same amount of goals as Murphy though.

Owlsfan - Do I have to keep reminding you of this:
http://foot.ie/showpost.php?p=368189&postcount=36
;)

[greendeiseboy]

[QUOTE=graham_d;613573]Sure you're not just looking for reasons to complain, who would you have them replacing?

not looking for reasons to complain - but if you look at the squad in depth you'll see that that is what we are lacking - it seems to me that if you you want a place in the squad all you have to do is play one game of note and you're in.

Another point of note is look at how many who are in the squad who cant get a game at their clubs, or are warming the bench or who are still injured i.e carr, o'shea, duff, hunt, mcgeady,keane, elliot, long.

[citizenerased]

duff isnt going to be playing hes injured,

Henderson

...............Finnan........Dunne......McShane... ...Harte

.....................................Carsley
..................McGeady......................... ..Reid
....................................Ireland


..............................Stokes........Keane

[NeilMcD]

[QUOTE=graham_d;613573]Sure you're not just looking for reasons to complain, who would you have them replacing?

not looking for reasons to complain - but if you look at the squad in depth you'll see that that is what we are lacking - it seems to me that if you you want a place in the squad all you have to do is play one game of note and you're in.

Another point of note is look at how many who are in the squad who cant get a game at their clubs, or are warming the bench or who are still injured i.e carr, o'shea, duff, hunt, mcgeady,keane, elliot, long.



I think you should put beside each player you dont agree, a player you would like to have there instead and list reasons why. You will find there are not many alternatives to what is in the squad with the exception of maybe O Dea.

[eirebhoy]

Duff is back fit and is expected to play tomorrow.

[NeilMcD]

duff isnt going to be playing hes injured,

Henderson

...............Finnan........Dunne......McShane... ...Harte

.....................................Carsley
..................McGeady......................... ..Reid
....................................Ireland


..............................Stokes........Keane

Reids not in the squad, Duff is.

[G-Man]

Whats the story with Ian Harte? I know he was injured for a while, but he has played 2 games all season for Levante. He has played more international games than club games. To be honest, I dont follow levante or his progress that well (not at all to be honest) but how can he justify a place in the team let alone the squad having played 2 club games all year. Has he been injured all that time or what?

[NeilMcD]

He played at the weekend and set up 2 goals against Seville. I met the Seville players on Sat evening and I was saying watch out for Hartes frees to Kanoute. He is just back from Injury.

[elroy]

Harte was both out injured and out of favour with the manager who has now since left. He started a game for Levante about a week ago, finished scoreless and played well AFAIK. I think he's def worth his place in the squad, particularly as its San M. More or less happy with the squad, glad he has brought in a few new faces because this is def the game to do it. Have to say I dont know much about O'Dea but considering hes playing first team for Celtic and we're weak at the back he shouldve been included. Also Im glad Stan has excluded Alan O'Brien, Terry Dixon this time and didnt include McCarthy, these guys are a long way off senior level at the moment. I've heard good things about Gibson, he's playing regular in Belgium so arguably deserves his spot.
We will definitely need shay, duff, reid all back fit for the two home games in March.