Denmark vs Ireland - Match Thread

[theworm2345]

Anyone know when the squad for this one is named?
Tomorrow

[Stuttgart88]

From today's Guardian:

Eriksson may have constructed one of the most cosmopolitan squads in English football but it was Johnson, a Mancunian, and Stephen Ireland, from Cork, who stood out throughout.

I was critical of Eriksson here a few weeks ago after reading him admit he hadn't seen any of his signings, and also seeing one of the UK papers list its probable first XI excluding Ireland, but in fairness he's giving the local players a chance and, so far, with good effect.

It still concerns me how we should accomodate Ireland though.

Ireland excelled with Joey Barton covering every inch of the pitch and now I think he's being partnered by Hamaan, a tall and rangy holding player. Do we have anyone who can provide the grit to match Ireland's creativity? Steven Reid if fit can do what Barton used to do for City but time is running out for Reid to establish himself as an international.

Or must we play Ireland in an advanced role with 3 behind him?

Here's my latest thinking on the team:

----------Given------------
O'Shea-Dunne-McShane-Finnan
---A.Reid--Carsley--Hunt---
---------Ireland-------
-----Keane----Doyle---

Subs from: Kilbane, McGeady, Carr, a centre back, Elliott and/or any of the young forward tyros making their mark. Is Miller playing well enough to merit a squad recall?

On the positive side there's creativity, width, grit & balance (bar Finnan on the left). Reid can play perfectly well on the right, and he, Ireland & Keane can all interchange if on the same wavelength.

Hunt & McShane would bring an attitude to the team that's been missing in recent years, and who knows, if Spurs' poor start continues maybe Robbie will look at Ireland as his main chance of glory.

On the negative side, it's a vertically challenged midfield and may struggle to contain a bigger side.

The Guardian this morning commented on Stephen Hunt's excellent crossing.

I believe Colin Doyle made a brilliant save near the end last night and Bruce was furious claiming Doyle was fouled by O'Donovan in the follow up, leading to the equaliser. I also heard on SKY that Doyle flapped badly at a cross (from Miller) moments earlier.

As said in another thread, McShane is far from the finished & polished article but he brings leadership and attitude. He & Dunne will probably always have an error just around the corner, but by & large I think it's a good pairing. McShane - the "new" Kevin Moran anyone?

[DeNiro]

Good post stutts, but can S. Reid be omitted that easily? McShane and Hunt do bring an attitude to the team, but so does Doyle. I think he was the pioneer of it until McShane came along. Doyle made a fantastic last minute save last night, but O'Donovan pulled him back from getting up. He was pretty average Sunday. Should start against Denmark.


Staunton could do anything with this squad today. I suspect Folan and/or Norris will be in it. Don't agree with either. Would like to see Potter in. He did well in the States and would make the midfield less vertically challenged.

[Stuttgart88]

can S. Reid be omitted that easily? In ordinary circumstances I'd have him in in a flash. I've rated him for ages. But he needs to be match fit. He hasn't played since Stuttgart I think, club or country. I'd like to see a fit Joey O'Brien return too.

Potter looked the part in the US I agree and I'd like to see him play some part in Denmark.

[passinginterest]

Squad announced:
Goalkeepers:
Nick Colgan Barnsley
Colin Doyle Birmingham City
Wayne Henderson Preston North End

Defenders:
Stephen Carr Newcastle United
Richard Dunne Manchester City
Steve Finnan Liverpool
Stephen Kelly Birmingham City
Paul McShane Sunderland
John O'Shea Manchester United

Midfielders:
Jonathon Douglas Leeds United
Stephen Hunt Reading
Stephen Ireland Manchester City
Kevin Kilbane Wigan Athletic
Aiden McGeady Celtic
Alan O'Brien Hibernian
Darren Potter Wolverhampton Wanderers
Andy Reid Charlton Athletic

Strikers
Kevin Doyle Reading
Stephen Elliot Wolverhampton Wanderers
Robbie Keane Tottenham Hotspur
Andy Keogh Wolverhampton Wanderers
Shane Long Reading
Daryl Murphy Sunderland

EDIT: Adding link (http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2279&Itemid=9), Carsley left out, but, still in plans for the big games. Agreement with Staunton that he's not called up if not going to be used

[tetsujin1979]

no real problems with the squad. Maybe the omission of O'Halloran after impressing in the states, but he's not playing for Villa lately and we're looking to prepare for the double header in September.
If you wanted to be picky, there's only 6 defenders. Interestingly all are playing in the Premiership.
Stokes staying with the U-21s so?

[Dr. Ogba]

Why in the hell are Colgan and Douglas there? What have they done to merit being in that squad????

Murphy in for Colgan
Garvan/McCann/Whelan/anyone else in for Douglas


And Alan O'Brien :rolleyes: ffs

Apart from that, glad to see Potter there and the strikeforce looks pretty strong...

[DmanDmythDledge]

From today's Guardian:

Eriksson may have constructed one of the most cosmopolitan squads in English football but it was Johnson, a Mancunian, and Stephen Ireland, from Cork, who stood out throughout.

I was critical of Eriksson here a few weeks ago after reading him admit he hadn't seen any of his signings, and also seeing one of the UK papers list its probable first XI excluding Ireland, but in fairness he's giving the local players a chance and, so far, with good effect.

It still concerns me how we should accomodate Ireland though.

Ireland excelled with Joey Barton covering every inch of the pitch and now I think he's being partnered by Hamaan, a tall and rangy holding player. Do we have anyone who can provide the grit to match Ireland's creativity? Steven Reid if fit can do what Barton used to do for City but time is running out for Reid to establish himself as an international.

Or must we play Ireland in an advanced role with 3 behind him?

Here's my latest thinking on the team:

----------Given------------
O'Shea-Dunne-McShane-Finnan
---A.Reid--Carsley--Hunt---
---------Ireland-------
-----Keane----Doyle---
Good post. Ireland has been playing RM for City so far this season and has been doing fairly well. He was their best player in pre-season so he seems to have won a place in the starting line-up, although he will have to continite to be on his toes. I think we would be fine leaving him on the right and allow him to drift in, leaving Andy Reid in the centre. On the left we would need someone like Duff or Hunt to provide the width that we would be lacking on the left. I'd stick with the normall 4-4-2:

Ireland--A. Reid--Potter--Hunt

I'd have S. Reid and Duff if they were fully fit.

BTW interview with Stephen Ireland here- http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1013/1013598_ireland_steps_into_spotlight.html

[NeilMcD]

my team for the Denmark game would be


Doyle

O Shea Mc Shane Dunne Finnan

A Reid Potter

Ireland Keane Hunt

Doyle.

[dr_peepee]

In fairness Douglas hasn't done too bad for us...

But Colgan:rolleyes: and Alan O'Brien. I dunno. Just once I'd like to look at a Staunton squad without complete bewilderment at some of the selections.

[Dr. Ogba]

I'd be the first to say that Douglas was solid against the Czechs but he is a very limited player, has been injured for a while and is playing in the third tier of English football for a team that may well be relegated in the coming season. What do Glenn Whelan and Owen Garvan need to do to get called up? I'm finding it an increasingly worrying trend with Garvan as regards being snubbed by u19 u21 and senior squads - must be something very wrong there...

[Stuttgart88]

I'm not fussed about O'Brien, especially as Duff is out. He's the kind of player whose pace may win you a free kick or whatever.

But Colgan. Again. Oh my God.

[eirebhoy]

my team for the Denmark game would be


Doyle

O Shea Mc Shane Dunne Finnan

A Reid Potter

Ireland Keane Hunt

Doyle.
Good team.

[DeNiro]

Why no Folan or Norris (or whatever his name is :rolleyes:)? Staunton's great at talking about all these guys but never does anything about it. Not that I want him to, but it seems pointless. What is REALLY pointless is Douglas. He can't be serious with it surely. Then throws O'Brien in on top of it. I just wonder how much we would see of O'Brien if Devlin wasn't around. Anyone any info on how he's doing for Hibs?

[paul_oshea]

is s reid still injured?

also i assume carsley is in the team for september? we are very light weight in midfield, that squard is real lightweight.

[gustavo]

Republic of Ireland senior squad for friendly v Denmark in Aarhus, 22 August, 2007:

Goalkeepers:
Nick Colgan, Colin Doyle, Wayne Henderson.

Defenders:
Stephen Carr, Richard Dunne, Steve Finnan, Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, John O'Shea.

Midfielders:
Jonathon Douglas, Stephen Hunt, Stephen Ireland, Kevin Kilbane, Aiden McGeady, Alan O'Brien, Darren Potter, Andy Reid.

Strikers:
Kevin Doyle, Stephen Elliot, Robbie Keane, Andy Keogh, Shane Long, Daryl Murphy.

[paul_oshea]

BTW hunty had a great game yesterday from what i read and watchin the last few mins he was still full of running.

[Stuttgart88]

Why no Folan or Norris (or whatever his name is :rolleyes:)? Staunton's great at talking about all these guys but never does anything about it. Not that I want him to, but it seems pointless. What is REALLY pointless is Douglas. He can't be serious with it surely. Then throws O'Brien in on top of it. I just wonder how much we would see of O'Brien if Devlin wasn't around. Anyone any info on how he's doing for Hibs?

Wsa it Staunton who bigged up Norris, or was it the press doing a feature on Norris? I can't remember.

I think O'Brien has made a couple of sub appearances. He got injured late pre-season so wasn't expected to start for Hibs.

Douglas I can take or leave. Remember, here's a guy who played well against the Czechs and started against Wales. In hindsight, I wish he'd started in Cyprus.

For me Colgan is the really daft one. Why not bring Joe Murphy along? He can't argue that the keepers need experience among them for a friendly. Surely Alan Kelly can provide all that.

On the positive side, at least young guys like Murphy, Keogh, Long, Kelly, the 2 keepers and Potter are beginning to make an impact in the squad, and McGeady is now a core squad member. Now, and only now, is Staunton's Ireland beginning to look like the transitional squad he's claimed it was all along. Exciting times ahead hopefully. Even Tuff Paddy thinks so!

I'm hoping against hope that Liam Miller will take his (last) chance to prove himself capable at playing at a high level consistently.

[Noelys Guitar]

Why isn't Liam Miller in the squad? Has changed the game for Sunderland in their first 2 games.

[paul_oshea]

good posts stuts ( as always ), sometimes when i read these squads I honestly beleive that staunton reads stuff off hear or on the papers and then decides to pick a player. He honestly doesn't seem to know about irish players plying their trade in the first division. What does he do for 320 days of the year? He should be flying over checking out games in div 1 and the premiership ( along with EL games obviously :) ) instead of relying on his "sources", whatever, whereever and whoever they are.

I do think we are seeing consistency though, and a lot more so than kerr we are seeing a squad and team that WE the supporters would pick also. That really is a good thing, and shows that stauntons has got a strong idea of his team.

[Stuttgart88]

Noely, it could be an overhang from pulling out of the US trip for "family reasons" (holiday?) when if anyone needed to prove himself and make the effort it was him.

[Wolfie]

BTW hunty had a great game yesterday from what i read and watchin the last few mins he was still full of running.

From the highlights, Hunt appeared to play very well. Didn't allow the Chelsea hecklers phase him one iota. I think it spurred him on and that's the sort of character you want in a squad.

Without Duff, he could be crucial in September in running with the ball and taking pressure away from the defence.

In the qualifiers, a willingness to have a go at the Slovaks/Czechs to a certain degree will have a huge bearing on how we do.

Noone wants to face the prospect of another Croatia away. :(

[Torn-Ado]

Noone wants to face the prospect of another Croatia away. :(

Oh sweet Jesus No!

[ifk101]

I don't think Nick Colgan, Jonathon Douglas and Alan O'Brien should be in the squad. They're not good enough and there're better options available.

I'd also question the wisdom of including 6 strikers in the squad.

There's only 6 defenders in the squad and 4 of them are full-backs. Granted JOSH can play centre-half but surely in a friendly Stan should be looking for back-up players in defence. What happens if both Dunne and McShane get injured?

I'm worried about Finnan in the left-back position. IMO the only chances Slovakia had against us stemmed from Finnan favouring his right foot to clear the ball. The is a big problem area for me but it doesn't seem to be of concern to Stan.

Based on the Wales and Slovakia games we look a decent team with a 4-5-1 formation and I'd like Stan to continue with this formation with the two important games coming up. However looking at the squad he has picked, it's certain he'll revert to 4-4-2 formation for the Denmark game.

[bellavistaman]

I don't think Nick Colgan, Jonathon Douglas and Alan O'Brien should be in the squad. They're not good enough and there're better options available. .

I agree with alan o'brien big time,Think O'Halloran should be in ahead of him, our defence has no left leg there, and isn't potter there on the same credentials as Halloran very good USA tour and all. Halloran had a very good pre season, is in Villas squad for all games, surely he should be there.

[DeNiro]

Carsley obviously doesn't do friendlies anymore

Agree with Stokes omission. Saw him in the Sunderland game in Cork. He has a bigger mouth than the River Lee. Constantly arguing.

O'Halloran omission is dissapointing. Especially since McDonald is working at Villa. He obviously doesn't have the same influence as Devlin does :rolleyes:


Potter should start. We need someone younger in the Carsley mould that will be able to protect the vagaries of Stephen Ireland's play and defensive work.

It is a squad in transition, but one with potential. Team for game as

Colin Doyle

Steve Finnan, Richard Dunne, Paul McShane, Stephen Kelly,

Stephen Hunt, Stephen Ireland, Darren Potter, Andy Reid.

Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane,

[bellavistaman]

Agree with Stokes omission. Saw him in the Sunderland game in Cork. He has a bigger mouth than the River Lee. Constantly arguing.

:D:D Brilliant

S Ireland is flying at man city at the moment him and dunne wil be in top form for it. Expectin a good performance from doyle, hope hunt starts, really wouldnt surpise me if he didnt, seems stan doesnt like him or something

[youngirish]

I see Johnathan Douglas a lower league journeyman playing for League 1's Leeds gets into the squad again instead of Championship regulars Chris McCann and more worryingly Owen Garvan. Also Alan O'Brien instead of Jay Tabb? Where's Leon Best when Staunton is building for the future and trying to get those players to commit to us that are not Irish by birth?

The hamster spinning that wheel in du gafur's head mustn't have got beyond a slow jog again.

[Lionel Ritchie]

I see Johnathan Douglas a lower league journeyman playing for League 1's Leeds gets into the squad again instead of Championship regulars Chris McCann and more worryingly Owen Garvan. it's not that I disagree with your substantive issue -but "Lower League Journeyman"? He's had two clubs. Blackburn and Leeds United.


Also Alan O'Brien instead of Jay Tabb? Where's Leon Best when Staunton is building for the future and trying to get those players to commit to us that are not Irish by birth? .
Mythology. There's no "building for the future" in international football no matter what Stan says ...it's a fig leaf for his fcuk ups.

[carloz]

This squad glaringly shows the stupidty of Staunton in my mind. What can be gained from including Carr, nothing. He has been a disgrace for club and country for the past two years. Surely O'Halloran played his way into the squad after America. Dont even get me started on O'Brien. And 6 strikers!!! Garvan has obviously upset the FAI somehow and Staunton being the model employee that he is will not go near him. IMO Staunton seems to get the all the simple things wrong.

[Stuttgart88]

Garvan has obviously upset the FAI somehow and Staunton being the model employee that he is will not go near him. IMO Staunton seems to get the all the simple things wrong.There's definitely something up regarding Garvan alright, but it's very debatable he deserves to be in the senior squad. How he's not in the U21s and didn'tmade the U19s earlier is a disgrace though.

It's like a less high-profile version of Jack vs Dave O'Leary all over again.

[zenokelly]

Douglas, Colgan, O 'Brien - JOKE.

I have a feeling that Stan could be doing the same with Douglas - as he did with Breen for the Chile friendly last year - trying to find him a new club??? just a thought - probably wrong??

But I can't see him playing any part in any competitive match for the rest of this campaign as he is not good enough for an international side trying to qualify for a major championship not mentioning he is plying his trade in the third tier of English football.

Colgan will never ever play a competitive match so I don't get how he could be in Stan's big plan for the future.

O' Brien is playing for a very poor team in a league that is probably the equivalent to league of Ireland and Hibs would be strugglin if they were in the league of Ireland.

But I'm just praying that Stan is just resting Carsley because while he has said he will be part of the games in September, as far as I've searched I can't see any direct quotes from Stan saying that he's just been rested.

And I've looked at the comments from City fans on that interview with Stevie Ireland and th fans opinions are very mixed. A lot of them seem to think that he is not City standard or Premiership standard. IMO he looked very good in first couple of games

[tetsujin1979]

Where's Leon Best when Staunton is building for the future and trying to get those players to commit to us that are not Irish by birth?
Best confirmed his allegiance to Ireland before the summer friendlies.
Who would you drop from the 6 strikers in the squad for Best? Even if he was included, do you really think he would be in the squad for the qualifiers in September?

[tetsujin1979]

I have a feeling that Stan could be doing the same with Douglas - as he did with Breen for the Chile friendly last year - trying to find him a new club??? just a thought - probably wrong??
You really think that playing against Chile got Breen a move to Wolves?
AFAIR he signed a few days before Mick took over there. What a happy coincidence that was....


But I can't see him playing any part in any competitive match for the rest of this campaign as he is not good enough for an international side trying to qualify for a major championship not mentioning he is plying his trade in the third tier of English football.
And if Carsley gets injured, we'll only have Potter as experienced backup.


O' Brien is playing for a very poor team in a league that is probably the equivalent to league of Ireland and Hibs would be strugglin if they were in the league of Ireland.
Hibs won the Scottish Legue Cup last season, and are in the UEFA Cup this season,


But I'm just praying that Stan is just resting Carsley because while he has said he will be part of the games in September, as far as I've searched I can't see any direct quotes from Stan saying that he's just been rested.
from http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2280

On the omission of Lee Carsley from this squad:

“Lee wasn’t going to play in this match. I had a good chat with him and I didn’t see the point of him travelling and coming over there to sit around and watch the lads playing.

“Lee understands the situation. I’ve got to give other players experience in that (midfield) position because if Lee gets injured, we would be left short in that position. That’s the reason behind that but Lee will be in squad in September.”
And I've looked at the comments from City fans on that interview with Stevie Ireland and th fans opinions are very mixed. A lot of them seem to think that he is not City standard or Premiership standard. IMO he looked very good in first couple of games
you sure you did?
From http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_city/c/1013598_ireland_steps_into_spotlight.html?page_siz e=50

Keep at it, Stevie ! I thought you played really well last week !
City fans have always taken the micky out of themselves, moaned at the club but they've always stood by players who gave their all. Stevie Ireland comes into that category
if he was at the likes of united or arsnal people would be absolutely raving about him!
Ireland has class (ask anyone from the academy past or present and they'll say he has the most ability of all the graduates)
ireland is the "heir " apparent to barton, and i really feel he can make the position his own. He has plenty "up top" although his talent was a "bit thin" last season. maybe with a bit of "cultivation" he can improve and now that Steve "Wig"ley has gone, he will become more skilfull and move "ahead" of the other players who have stood in his way previously. Maybe with some training he can become our hairpiece...sorry "set piece" expert and "grow". better with time. He's hair he's there, he's every B****Y hair...steeeevie iiiireeeellland.I could keep going.
BTW if anyone's wondering about the "hair" references, check out Stevie's new appearance: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?syndicatorguid=&rmasiteinstanceguid=&pagegid={439A001B-9F18-408E-BD8E-8466AB3C97FD}&bioid=12809&siteid=502 (http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?syndicatorguid=&rmasiteinstanceguid=&pagegid=%7B439A001B-9F18-408E-BD8E-8466AB3C97FD%7D&bioid=12809&siteid=502)

[youngirish]

Best confirmed his allegiance to Ireland before the summer friendlies.
Who would you drop from the 6 strikers in the squad for Best? Even if he was included, do you really think he would be in the squad for the qualifiers in September?

Yes if Best is banging in goals for a decent Coventry team over the next few weeks (very possible) he should be included at the expense of one of the other strikers that either hasn't been playing regularly (probably Long, Stokes and Elliot) or alternatively has been playing but not scoring.

Why not? He offers something different than the rest of the strikers and is a better target man than Daryl Murphy. It's harder to make a case for him though if he hasn't been given a run out beforehand hence this is a waster opportunity.

[bwagner]

Guys for the life of me I cant understand why stan is leaving the defence so bare. We need to bring in O'dea and st.ledger for cover

[NeilMcD]

Maybe the gaffer is going to come out of retirement.

[tetsujin1979]

Yes if Best is banging in goals for a decent Coventry team over the next few weeks (very possible) he should be included at the expense of one of the other strikers that either hasn't been playing regularly (probably Long, Stokes and Elliot) or alternatively has been playing but not scoring.
It's equally possible that Long, Stokes and Elliot start banging in goals for very decent Reading, Sunderland and Wolves teams, or alternatively Best will have been playing but not scoring. Are you trying to justify Best's inclusion on something that may happen in the future?


Why not? He offers something different than the rest of the strikers and is a better target man than Daryl Murphy. It's harder to make a case for him though if he hasn't been given a run out beforehand hence this is a waster opportunity.
You say he offers something different to the rest of the strikers, and immediately compare him to Daryl Murphy?

[bellavistaman]

Maybe the gaffer is going to come out of retirement.

What a left leg!

[youngirish]

It's equally possible that Long, Stokes and Elliot start banging in goals for very decent Reading, Sunderland and Wolves teams, or alternatively Best will have been playing but not scoring. Are you trying to justify Best's inclusion on something that may happen in the future?


You say he offers something different to the rest of the strikers, and immediately compare him to Daryl Murphy?
All of the above have been tried and tested numerous times before. I wouldn't agree that it is equally likely that all three of Long, Stokes and Elliot are starting regularly and banging in goals. Long and Stokes at present don't even look like they'll be regular starters over the next few weeks nevermind scorers. Best already has scored for Coventry and should be playing regularly so why not give him a chance? This is just another case of arguing for the sake of it. Anyone should be able to see the advantages of trying him in a freindly except Stan.

Best is big and strong so he can play the Murphy role but he's younger, quicker, stronger and looks more clinical than the aforementioned who is at best (let's be honest) very, very average. So in that sense he offers us something different a clinical, quick, strong targetman. Reminds me of Morrison when he first started out at Palace. Unfortunately he didn't improve over the years as much as I'd have expected.

[paul_oshea]

where did he get the hair "chop", i could be in need of the same soon :D

big difference alright: http://www.cobhramblers.com/files/StephenIreland1.JPG

what a difference a day...i mean a summer makes.

[shakermaker1982]

Douglas and O'Brien.........I'm bewildered.

Who will start instead of Carsley? Potter or Zinedine Kilbane?

[Stuttgart88]

Best finished last season at S'hampton strongly after a very good spell at Yeovial where he seemed to get his mojo back. But I saw him in the Derby play off and he was really poor, even if you forget about his horror own goal.

Stan's entitled to make value judgments about fringe players and on this occasion I think he made the right ones, or at least I've no complaints.

Tabb has started the season well as you say, but it's only 2 games in.

I'd forgotten about St. Leger until bwagner mentioned him above.

[Stuttgart88]

where did he get the hair "chop", i could be in need of the same soon :DLet me know when you find out.

Do you remember Michailov(?) the Bulgarian 'keeper at USA '94? Now that was the syrup to end all syrups.

[shakermaker1982]

How Stan is going to line us up against Denmark.......

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

JOS --- Dunne --- McShane --- Finnan

McGeady--- Douglas --- Kilbane --- Hunt

----------------Ireland----------------

----------------Keane-----------------


Our MF looks lightweight and we'll get 'done' if he goes with that system.

[Wolfie]

Stan's entitled to make value judgments about fringe players and on this occasion I think he made the right ones, or at least I've no complaints.

That rules out Carsley.

[tetsujin1979]

How Stan is going to line us up against Denmark.......
Where did you get that?
I'd say Potter is more likely to start ahead of Douglas, and it's a judgement call between playing Ireland behind a lone striker, or going with Keane and Doyle up front

[Stuttgart88]

I'm not sure there is a MF line up we can select that isn't lightweight. Potter is tall, Kilbane is too but do we really want him in MF? S. Reid is injured, as is Joey O'Brien. O'Shea is derided as a midfield option.

[shakermaker1982]

Where did you get that?
I'd say Potter is more likely to start ahead of Douglas, and it's a judgement call between playing Ireland behind a lone striker, or going with Keane and Doyle up front

my crystal ball!!!

I'd personally have O'Shea at LB and keep Finnan at RB. In the centre of MF I'd have to think about it. Potter and A Reid looks lightweight as well. I think we'll miss Carsley.

[NeilMcD]

Who cares if its lightweight its a friendly. Carsley will be back for the other two games so give Potter another chance to impress.