Irish Abroad 2007/2008

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Sunday, 10 February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2008-02-10
John O'Shea (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=18121) started his first home league defeat of the season, and also picked up his first booking of the season
Richard Dunne (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=10583) and Stephen Ireland (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41708) started their first away win since the 2nd January 2008 (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2008-01-02)
Aiden McGeady (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=38265) scored his second away goal of the season and picked up his seventh away booking. By comparison the Bhoys' winger has found the back of the net six times at Celtic Park and has only been booked twice.

[tetsujin1979]

Aiden McGeady (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=38265) scored his second away goal of the season and picked up his seventh away booking. By comparison the Bhoys' winger has found the back of the net six times at Celtic Park and has only been booked twice.
Does McGeady play a different role away from home for Celtic, or do the home fans get him more lenient treatment at Celtic Park? That's a big difference in bookings.

[eirebhoy]

His booking yesterday was a disgrace as usual.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUh3mox2BuA

[EAFC_rdfl]

only saw that booking now, what a terrible decision! he gets a much tougher time away from home from fans players and refs alike

[Carrigaline]

I watched Dundee United play Hibernian on Saturday. Thought that Willo Flood gave a very good account of himself in the centre of midfield, maybe not of the Premier League class, but looks like he could settle well into the Scottish League.

Stephen Hunt's brother, Noel also did well for Dundee scoring a penalty. That was his 15th goal this season in the SPL. Definitely worth keeping an eye on the lad, especially if Doyle/Keane get injured.

[Carrigaline]

There was a torrent of Irish goals in the Championship that weren't mentioned.

Jon Macken scored for Barnsley in the 2-1 victory of West Brom.

Caleb Folan scored for Hull in the 2-2 draw with Blackpool.

Martin Rowlands scored for QPR in the 3-2 victory over Southampton.

Rory Delap and Liam Lawrence both scored for Stoke in the 4-2 victory over Wolves.

[eirebhoy]

Stephen Hunt's brother, Noel also did well for Dundee scoring a penalty. That was his 15th goal this season in the SPL.
11th SPL goal. Got 4 in the league cup.


Rory Delap and Liam Lawrence both scored for Stoke in the 4-2 victory over Wolves.
What a season he's having. 9 goals and 13 assists.

[Carrigaline]

Oh, and I forgot to mention. Lee Trundle played a part in Bristol City's 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday. Played one amazing bit of skill with a sublime pass.

Would love to see more of him.

[tetsujin1979]

Oh, and I forgot to mention. Lee Trundle played a part in Bristol City's 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday. Played one amazing bit of skill with a sublime pass.

Would love to see more of him.
I think Lee's chance has passed. If he didn't get a game when Kerr was in charge, when Trundle was scoring for fun and producing moments of sublime skill every week, he's not going to to it coming off the bench for Bristol City

[Carrigaline]

I noticed on your site, Tetsujin. You have Trevor Molloy being listed as a Motherwell player. Just though I'd let you know, that he's moved on to Glenavon.

Also, Paul Tierney has returned to Blackpool from his loan spell at Stockport.

[eirebhoy]

What a season he's having. 9 goals and 13 assists.
Stoke's 3 goals tonight came from corners. Lawrence took the first but it doesn't mention who took the other 2. Whelan and Delap also played in midfield.

[Stuttgart88]

I was at Palace vs Ipswich.

Garvan and Alan Quinn were on the bench (actually I just raed that Quinn was set to start but injured himself in the warm up, he was announced as starting).

Bruce, Lee, Walters and Norris started for Ipswich, Clinton and Scannell for Palace.

Bruce acquitted himself well at right back. He was beaten by his marker twice but generally was good in the tackle and won some important headers, one very bravely. Distribution ranged from the standard full back's pass up the touchline to composed passes infield having taken time to control and look around.

We debated on another thread whether Alan Lee had anything to offer and I cited lack of mobility as a big negative. I saw nothing last night to change my mind. He lumbered around the pitch, gamely getting his head on the ball but I think he's a bit like a poor man's Hartson. Once he quits football he'll pile on weight I reckon.

David Norris looks a game player but looked like a central midfielder playing RHM. Good touches, always busy and putting himself about.

Jon Walters really impressed me. It looked like he started on the left but went on to partner Lee in the middle. He's great in the air, very quick but also very solid (built like a tank) and has a good touch. If we're looking for a foil for Robbie he may be it.

Clinton had a poor game but his service was shocking. He tried to lead the line but Palace, bar a spell late in the first half, were brutal, totally lacking in guile and just hoofing the ball and chasing it. That said, he missed a great chance to steal an equaliser, doing what he was trying all night - to pick up loose scraps in the box. He won a few flick ons, but nowhere near as many as Walters did for Ipswich.

Scannell looked like a 17 year old playing with the big boys. Played wide right he got nothing out of the ipswich left back though did create a great chance for a team mate in the first half and he teed a volley up for himself in the first half that the Ipswich keeper saved well (or was it blocked first?). Did ok but if he was 25 I'd have said there's little there for us.

Shame no sight of Garvan but Walters' performance was excellent.

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Tuesday, 12th February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-12
Sean St. Ledger (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=34723) was sent off for the first time this season, along with JJ O'Toole (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=47180)
Darren Randolph (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41744) played two full games in a row for the first time this season, albeit on loan at Bury (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=394)
Henry McStay (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=39660) made his first appearance for Morecambe (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=1732) since his transfer window move
Only one goalscorer - Brian Barry-Murphy (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=17138), who notched his first of the season

[tetsujin1979]

I noticed on your site, Tetsujin. You have Trevor Molloy being listed as a Motherwell player. Just though I'd let you know, that he's moved on to Glenavon.

Also, Paul Tierney has returned to Blackpool from his loan spell at Stockport.

Cheers, missed those.
Player details updated

[eirebhoy]

HE was going to be Celtic's next big thing - literally. So, why the relief when Cillian Sheridan scored for the U-19s at the weekend?

As a youngster who has tasted action in the first team, it might not automatically seem like much to write home about.


more... (http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2040321.0.rough_diamond_sheridan_back_ on_celts_scene.php)

Ideal partner for Robbie Keane if he ever makes it.

[Stuttgart88]

Sheridan is incredibly fast for a guy with his beanpole physique. I saw him play for ireland's U19s.

[tetsujin1979]

Chris Hughton linked with the vacant Coventry position - http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8671_3145127,00.html

Chris Hughton is on the Coventry short-list of candidates to succeed Iain Dowie

[tetsujin1979]

Does McGeady play a different role away from home for Celtic, or do the home fans get him more lenient treatment at Celtic Park? That's a big difference in bookings.


His booking yesterday was a disgrace as usual.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUh3mox2BuA

Got sent this today,

Aiden McGeady's recent displays are reaching new heights in a season in
which he has been Celtic's most consistent and enjoyable player to
watch.

His double drag back on Sunday against Aberdeen and wonderfully inviting
chip to Scott Mcdonald at the far post was a sublime moment of combined
skill and audacity. Pure brilliant.

The concerning thing though about McGeady's performances this season
have been the seemingly inexplicable interventions by referees to book
McGeady for the most innocuous of challenges. Sunday was a case in
point.

McGeady's first real physical encounter (that's probably overstating it)
of the game led to Craig Thomson immediately pulling a yellow card out
of his top pocket and waving it firmly in McGeady's direction.

Quite rightly McGeady simply looked bemused and chose to argue the
point. He could cleary be seen holding up one finger (not the middle one
thankfully) to Thomson and repeating the words 'One tackle'. The
decision to book him was diabolical.

But what is worse is that this booking simply followed on from at least
half of his bookings this season being completely unwarranted or the
fouls he committed being of lesser severity than some of the things
going on elsewhere in those games. To date he has picked up 7 bookings
this season in 21 games. A booking every 3 games.

Now we all know that bookings come in a variety of different forms for
dissent, bad tackles, deliberate handball or persistent infringements.

But McGeady's play this season has not warranted anything like the
number of cards he's received.

The SPL official website compiles their own statistics on a range of
things which include player discipline. Remarkably they can tell you the
top 12 players conceding the most fouls as the season progresses. Given
that no other player has received more bookings than McGeady this season
you'd reasonably think that he would figure in the top 12 of players
conceding fouls. But he's not even on the radar. Top of the list is
Hibernian's Colin Nish with 61 fouls followed by Aberdeen's Lee Miller
with 50 fouls. These players have picked up 6 bookings each for their
fouls.

Our own Scott Brown who it has to be said has put in a few mistimed
challenges to pick up a booking or two has committed a total of 38
fouls.

So how can McGeady be booked 7 times as a player who simply doesn't play
in a position that is likely to lead to bookings through a higher ratio
of fouls? Very odd to say the least.

It's also noticeable that a certain captain of a certain club down Govan
way has not picked up one single booking in the SPL this season. This
despite the fact he can be regularly seen dishing out dissent to
referees, and not long back was aiding and abetting one of his team
mates in a decapitation attempt on an opponent using the knee.

So McGeady stands as the player with the highest number of bookings
received this season along with Chris Innes of Gretna and Hugh Murray of
St Mirren.

Perhaps Gordon Smith would do well to look at the sheer inconsistency of
refereeing decisions as one of his future 'initiatives' rather than
spending time banging the drum about simulation (that's diving to me and
you) which is not really a large blight on the scottish game. Perhaps he
can explain why McGeady has been faced with yellow cards from so many
referees this season without much in his play to warrant such a number
of bookings.

Or perhaps that's too big a can of worms to be opening for the Chief
Executive to be able to explain away.
Apologies for the full quotation of an article, but I've no link for the original. If I find it on the net, I'll cut the article to the relevant points

[kingdom hoop]

Good news as Paddy McCarthy earns Pardew's plaudits after helping Charlton scrap to nil-all draw at Wednesday, this Wednesday, yes, that Wednesday;


Alan Pardew says;
"Nicky Weaver and Paddy McCarthy were absolutely superb."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7236346.stm

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Wednesday, 13th February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-13
Alan O'Brien (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-13) made his first appearance in the league since the 5th January 2008 (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2008-01-05)

Irish Abroad for Thursday, 14th February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2008-02-14
Alan Maybury (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=8906) joined the list of Irish players who have appeared in European competition this season
Joey O'Brien (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=39646) was an unused substitute for Bolton (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=354), his first appearance in a matchday XVI since the 29th January 2008 (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2008-01-29)
Robbie Keane (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=11957) scored his fourth goal in European competition this season, and sixth in his last eight games

[SaucyJack]

the other Walker, brother Robert, son of Pat Walker, want's to play for Ireland while his brother Kevin has captained Swedish under-age teams, another Kevin-Joel Gallen scenario?

http://www.chatsoccer.eu/news/index.php/Ireland-prospect-Walker-hits-the-ground-running.html

[Stuttgart88]

Good news as Paddy McCarthy earns Pardew's plaudits after helping Charlton scrap to nil-all draw at Wednesday, this Wednesday, yes, that Wednesday;



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7236346.stmI haven't seen him but I have noticed that he's been playing regularly since his return and that Charlton's defence has been very mean in the last few weeks.

[tetsujin1979]

Saw this on Wolves' site: http://www.wolves.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Injuries/0,,10307,00.html

Player Injury Status
Posted on: Tue 12 Feb 2008

Player: Injury Details: Status:
Kevin O'Connor Pulled hamstring in training early Oct. Treatment room/gym
Stephen Ward On-going patella tendonitis Treatment room

[McGinty]

Paddy Cregg put two away for Falkirk today v St Mirren

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/08/02/16/SOCCER_Falkirk.html

[Paddy Garcia]

Apparently a very poor decision to send Doyle off today.

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Friday, 15th Febraury 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-15
Liam Lawrence (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=19046) scored twice, his first goals at home since 27th November 2007 (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2007-11-27)

Irish Abroad for Saturday, 16th February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-16
JJ O'Toole (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=47180) scored his fourth goal of the season
Jonathan Walters (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=32939) scored for the second home game in succession, before that he had not found the back of the net at Portman Road since 11th December 2007 (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2007-12-11)
Sean Thornton (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=26299) made his comeback from injury with a substitute appearance
Stephen Dawson (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=40420) scored his second goal of the season
Patrick Cregg (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=39953) doubled his tally for the season with two goals against St Mirren
Jim O'Brien (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=44696) played 90 minutes for the first time this season, on loan at Dundee United (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=740)
Michael Collins (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=40835) scored his third of the season, all of which have come away from home
Kevin Thornton (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=42163) made his first appearance for Coventry (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=621) since 12th January 2008 (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2008-01-12)

[irishfan86]

1-1 draw between Bristol City and Crystal Palace.

With just over 20 minutes to go Trundle and Scannell were brought on for their respective sides, but neither did anything phenomenal.

[tetsujin1979]

I haven't seen him but I have noticed that he's been playing regularly since his return and that Charlton's defence has been very mean in the last few weeks.

Just on that, it's a slow day at work today, so I whipped up this


| Home | Away | Total
| Games Wins % Won Draws % Drawn Losses % Lost | Games Wins % Won Draws % Drawn Losses % Lost | Games Wins % Won Draws % Drawn Losses % Lost
Charlton | 19 9 47.37 5 26.32 5 26.32 | 19 7 36.84 7 36.84 5 26.32 | 38 16 42.11 12 31.58 10 26.32
Paddy McCarthy started | 9 5 55.55 3 33.33 1 11.11 | 9 1 11.11 6 66.66 2 22.22 | 18 6 33.33 9 50 3 16.66

As you can see, Charlton are a lot less likely to lose with Paddy McCarthy starting. At home they are more likely to win, but away from home, Charlton are far more likely to draw than any other result

[ifk101]

the other Walker, brother Robert, son of Pat Walker, want's to play for Ireland while his brother Kevin has captained Swedish under-age teams, another Kevin-Joel Gallen scenario?

Kevin Walker is quite useful. He's currently part of AIK's first team squad and is actively playing for the first team in pre-season matches - and doing very well by all accounts. AIK would be one of the bigger teams in Sweden - (they played in the Champions League 6-7 years ago). Of the two brothers he'd be the more "talented" one IMO.

I think the FAI should try to get this chap to switch allegience.

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Sunday, 17th February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-17
All three of Sheffield United (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=2328)'s Irish players start together two games in a row, that's the first time that's happened this season

Irish Abroad for Monday, 18th February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-18
After failing to find the net for four games, Clinton Morrison (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=10566) was an unused substitute for the first time this season

Irish Abroad for Tuesday, 19th February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-19
Keith Andrews (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=17402) was booked for the second game in a row

Irish Abroad for Wednesday, 20th February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-20
Aiden McGeady (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=38265) started only his second home loss of the season.

[kingdom hoop]

Apparently Andy O'Brien was very good in a sterling defensive display by Bolton away to Atletico;


BBC Report; The Madrid side were trying to use playmakers Jose Antonio Reyes and Maxi Rodriguez to open up Bolton but, more often than not, the brave Andy O'Brien and Gary Cahill were quick to block the supply.

Very important he's available to don the green again IMO.

[tetsujin1979]

Stephen Gleeson out on loan to Hereford for a month
Wolves report: http://www.wolves.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~1246790,00.html
Hereford report: http://www.herefordunited.co.uk/article/1588718/New-Loan-Signing

He's expected to play against Shrewsbury today too, from http://www.herefordunited.co.uk/article/1592282/TEAM-NEWS-The-Bulls-vs-The-Shrews

Graham Turner is expected to throw new loan signing Stephen Gleeson straight into the match day squad,

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Thursday, 21st February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-21
Joey O'Brien (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=39646) makes his first start in the UEFA Cup

Irish Abroad for Friday, 22nd February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-22
Thomas Butler (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=14777) scored his sixth goal of the season

[eirebhoy]

Kelly played centre half today because Taylor was sent off and he did really well. An excellent tackler.

[Carrigaline]

Andy Reid is playing magnificently for Sunderland today. That left peg of his is amazing. Contrast that to Daryl Murphy, who's playing absolute garbage.

[eirebhoy]

Yeh I watched bits of it on a dodgy stream. Definitely one of the best passers in the premiership imo.

[irishfan86]

Reid had a good first half, but faded in the second as is to be expected after his injury.

Murphy was invisible on the right, but in fairness that's far from his natural position.

[Stuttgart88]

I see Paddy McCarthy's defence has let in 7 in 2 games since I wrote that he was doing well!

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Saturday, 23rd February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-23
Andy Reid (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=23629) made his first start since the 15th December 2007 (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2007-12-15)
Paul McShane (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=11080) has not appeared for Sunderland (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=2493) for four games, his longest run without playing a minute of football all season
Charlton (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=527) lost away from home again. The Addicks have not won away from The Valley since Andy Reid was injured in December
Graham Stack (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=29297) played his first minutes of football since the 6th October 2007 (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2007-10-06)
Leon Best (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=38733) scored his seventh goal of the season. That was his third goal at home in five games, before that he had only scored once at the Ricoh Arena all season
Liam Lawrence (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=19046) scored his thirteenth of the season
Stephen Gleeson (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=45301) started his first league game of the season, on loan at Hereford (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=1216)

Irish Abroad for Sunday, 24th February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-24
Darren O'Dea (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41533) made his league appearance since 11th December 2007 (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2007-12-11)
Aiden McGeady (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=38265) picked up his eighth away booking of the season, and his fourth in his last six games away from Celtic Park
Robbie Keane (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=11957) picked up his first club medal, congratulations Robbie

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Monday, 25th February 2006: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-25
Congratulations to Marcos Painter (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41646) and Thomas Butler (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=14777) on qualifying for the Final of the Football League Trophy

[cheifo]

Darren O Dea to start tonight apparantly due to McManus hamstring problem.Hope he does well.Has'nt had a chance this season to build on last years promise.

[dr_peepee]

Irish Abroad for Monday, 25th February 2006: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-25
Congratulations to Marcos Painter (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41646) and Thomas Butler (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=14777) on qualifying for the Final of the Football League Trophy


Looks like they're dead certs for promotion to the Championship... Can't do us any harm to have a left full (Painter) playing in the Championship next season. Still only 21 too!!

[tetsujin1979]

Looks like they're dead certs for promotion to the Championship... Can't do us any harm to have a left full (Painter) playing in the Championship next season. Still only 21 too!!
I dunno, I saw him play for the U-21s when he was at Birmingham and wasn't too impressed to be honest.
Still, hope springs eternal.

[dr_peepee]

I dunno, I saw him play for the U-21s when he was at Birmingham and wasn't too impressed to be honest.
Still, hope springs eternal.

Balls... Ah well!!

Never seen him play myself.

Read an interview a few years ago when Mario Melchiot was at Birmingham and when asked who was the best young player at Birmingham he answered Marcos Painter.

Claridge done some report on him a while back too, someone posted it on here. Can't recall fullly but I think the general report was solid if unspectacular. (Which for me should be a fullbacks mantra!!).

He's still young though..

[frankbrett]

has this guy any irish links. according to the article he doesn't:


Portsmouth have beaten off competition from Arsenal and Aston Villa to sign teenage goalkeeper Liam O'Brien from Queens Park Rangers.


The highly-rated custodian has joined Pompey for an undisclosed fee and he has agreed a two-year scholarship which will start next season.

Pompey's director of youth operations Paul Hart believes O'Brien will develop at Fratton Park.

"We watched him an awful lot for QPR and were impressed," Hart told the club's official website.

"In the present climate there are few decent young English goalkeepers, but for a young boy Liam is mature and confident.

"We've beaten off Arsenal and Aston Villa to get him, which shows where we're aiming to be.

"He was particularly attracted to the idea of coming to Pompey with Harry Redknapp, David James and goalkeeping coach David Coles.

"It appealed to him that he would have a great mentor in David James."

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Tuesday, 26th February 2008 (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-26):
Chris McCann (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41613) scored his fifth goal of the season
Kevin Thornton (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=42163) started his second game of the season, the only other time he lined out for Coventry (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=621) was on the 12th January 2008 (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?date=2008-01-12)
Stephen O'Leary (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=28848) started his first game of the season
Adam Rooney (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=43228) scored his eighth goal of the season, and his first since going on loan to Bury (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=394)

[cheifo]

Darren O Dea to start tonight apparantly due to McManus hamstring problem.Hope he does well.Has'nt had a chance this season to build on last years promise.

Did not appear even as sub.He cant afford to lose another season of development sitting on the bench.Time to find a new club young man.

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Wednesday, 27 February 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-02-27
Sean Dillon (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=46004) scored his second of the season
Stephen Bradley (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=39929) made his first start of the season for Falkirk (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/teamDetails.xquery?teamID=955)
Derek Geary (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=17133) and Stephen Quinn (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41911) picked up their fourth and second bookings, respectively, of the season

[ifk101]

Michael Colllins impresses in Sweden

Before he went (http://www.chatsoccer.eu/news/index.php/Republic-of-Ireland/Liverpool-starlet-on-loan-in-Sweden.html)

Over there (http://www.chatsoccer.eu/news/index.php/Republic-of-Ireland/First-steps-on-the-road-to-stardom-for-Liverpool-and-Ireland.html)

I understand that Enköping aren't interested. So I presume he's back at Liverpool?

[Stuttgart88]

I dunno, I saw him play for the U-21s when he was at Birmingham and wasn't too impressed to be honest.
Still, hope springs eternal.Yeah, was at that game with you & agree. However, he was playing as a CB at Brum at the time. I was very surprised Brum let him go. You should hear his accent - the Birmingham equivalent of Roddy Collins!