Stephen Ireland

[tetsujin1979]

Trapattoni set to speak with Stephen Ireland, according to Tardelli: http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/tardelli-says-trap-set-to-meet-ireland-95614.html

[Manblue]

Trapattoni set to speak with Stephen Ireland, according to Tardelli: http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/tardelli-says-trap-set-to-meet-ireland-95614.html

Could be quite tough for him to meet with Ireland if he is due to spend next week in germany and following 3 in south africa, would they ever put this story to bed and stop printing lies.

[youngirish]

Could be quite tough for him to meet with Ireland if he is due to spend next week in germany and following 3 in south africa, would they ever put this story to bed and stop printing lies.
Unfortunately they never will unless/until he comes back or alternatively his form dips for his club and we get some decent alternatives in central midfield (McCann, Gibson and McCarthy all look promising) whereby his absence is no longer such an issue.

It's been 2 years now and it still doesn't look like fizzling out. Trap must be sick of hearing Stephen Ireland's name.

[DeNiro]

Could be quite tough for him to meet with Ireland if he is due to spend next week in germany and following 3 in south africa, would they ever put this story to bed and stop printing lies.


Well Trap is based in Milan. It's not that far to Germany. He may want to do it out of spotlight of Irish and English media. Seems to some momentum in the story, but hard to see him back in a green jersey.

[SUB of the day]

Could be quite tough for him to meet with Ireland if he is due to spend next week in germany and following 3 in south africa, would they ever put this story to bed and stop printing lies.

Only person who can put "story to bed" is Stephen Ireland, drop the "never say never" line and announce his retirement, due to more important things than playing for your country...end of !

[MeathDrog]

What has ****ed me off so much regardless of whether Steven returns or not, is the way he has allowed this fiasco to drag out for so long. All it takes is one interview to say are you coming back or not. But no. He's playing the FAI and the Irish fans for a fool and is allowing Trappatoni, Brady et al go on a wild goose chase for him. Almost an attention stunt.

[Manblue]

What has ****ed me off so much regardless of whether Steven returns or not, is the way he has allowed this fiasco to drag out for so long. All it takes is one interview to say are you coming back or not. But no. He's playing the FAI and the Irish fans for a fool and is allowing Trappatoni, Brady et al go on a wild goose chase for him. Almost an attention stunt.

Or perhaps he doesnt feel ready to come back and doesnt want to close the door forever, which he has informed trap previously.

[irishfan86]

Yeah, I don't really get the demand of some people to make him say "I'M NEVER COMING BACK."

I don't really see it as creating drama, I see it more that he doesn't (or didn't) want to come back, but that he realizes that if conditions change (whether that be within himself or the team setup), then he might want to play for Ireland in the future.

I can't read his mind, and I don't agree with everything he has done or said, but this demand to make a final decision on his international career at age 22 seems a bit extreme.

[bellavistaman]

Didnt he say in his last tv interview posted here, that he wasnt ready to go back playing for ireland, so i dont think he allowed it to drag on, i will be the happiest man in ireland if hes in the next squad, be superb news ahead of the key qualification games

[dr_peepee]

Didnt he say in his last tv interview posted here, that he wasnt ready to go back playing for ireland, so i dont think he allowed it to drag on,

Dude.. I dunno whether you've some kind of obligated loyalty to him, friend, family or whatever but you're insulting my inteligence with that statement.... You don't think he allowed it to drag on??? You for real?? How long ago was the issue with his Girlfriend/Granny??

[Thommo]

This indeed has dragged on so can he either say Yeah or Neigh and be done with the whole thing.
From a footballing side he's a top player no question so it would be fantastic to have him but I think if he is to come back hopefully it will be for one of the friendlies at Thomond Park don't want his first game to be against Cyprus on Sep 5th can you imagine the media.
It's a big enough game a must win game, without adding the "Stephen Ireland" equation to it.

[Manblue]

Dude.. I dunno whether you've some kind of obligated loyalty to him, friend, family or whatever but you're insulting my inteligence with that statement.... You don't think he allowed it to drag on??? You for real?? How long ago was the issue with his Girlfriend/Granny??

It is the media and people constantly debating it on sites like this that has dragged it on, not him. He said he wasnt ready and doesnt want to rule it out for the rest of his playing career by giving a definate (no) answer. He was told contact trap when ready. The option is his to make himself available at the end of the day.... like it is the managers to include him or not if he ever does.

[Superhoops]

.....I see it more that he doesn't (or didn't) want to come back, but that he realizes that if conditions change (whether that be within himself or the team setup), then he might want to play for Ireland in the future.....

I don't think he will come back before the Cyprus game. The result in Cyprus and probably more importantly the result of the Italy v Bulgaria game the following Wednesday will have a huge bearing on the group.

If we go into the last 2 games at home to Italy and Montenegro needing 2 wins to progress, SI will not come back. He won't want the pressure of proving that he will make the big difference that most people think he will, after all if he did come back and we didn't make it, many will change their mind on whether he should have been brought back. Under those circumstances the only 'win' position is if he plays and we get 2 wins.

If we did qualify without him, there is no doubt he would look to worm his way back.

[Manblue]

I don't think he will come back before the Cyprus game. The result in Cyprus and probably more importantly the result of the Italy v Bulgaria game the following Wednesday will have a huge bearing on the group.

If we go into the last 2 games at home to Italy and Montenegro needing 2 wins to progress, SI will not come back. He won't want the pressure of proving that he will make the big difference that most people think he will, after all if he did come back and we didn't make it, many will change their mind on whether he should have been brought back. Under those circumstances the only 'win' position is if he plays and we get 2 wins.

If we did qualify without him, there is no doubt he would look to worm his way back.

How do you know this? or more speculation

[DeLorean]

[/b]

How do you know this? or more speculation

I'd be shocked if he tried to get back in for the WC having played no part in qualification. I think he propably knows it's either now...or wait til the next campaign, if indeed he has any interest in coming back at all.

[Ghost2hammers]

Here is the video of him training with the martial arts expert. Terrible pity he wouldnt take his national team as seriously as pre-pre season training :mad:

http://mcfc.co.uk/Video/Features/Stephen-Ireland-Part-2?play=1

[MeathDrog]

Or perhaps he doesnt feel ready to come back and doesnt want to close the door forever, which he has informed trap previously.
Well don't bother coming back then. Playing for the Irish soccer team is an honour.

[Tipp Top]

He is like a spoilt child.. He knows at this stage that the irish management will have him back in a flash. I just worry about the reaction of some of the players if he does eventually come back.

[Scram]

Why is he thinking of coming back NOW?

I guess;

It's summer break, he's looking at The Confederation Cup etc., he's thinking that next year he could be sitting watching Ireland in SA wishing he was there, all his team mates, Robihno etc., etc. will be there. He doesn't want to be the Roy out walking the dog. He knows he'll be very welcome back and has given the first signals.

Welcome back, we do need him, now bring in Andy Reid too and we can shut this forum down ;)

And here we go, the Magic 11:

4-1-3-1-1

.............GIVEN.......................

Finnan, Dunne, S. Ledger, O'Shea

...............S.Reid.................

A.Reid... S. Ireland.....D. Duff

............R. Keane................
............K. Doyle.................

[newbie]

why dont you have Ireland in your magic 11??

Edit - now ya have it.................................finally ;o)

[Ghost2hammers]

.............GIVEN.......................

Finnan, Dunne, S. Ledger, O'Shea

...............S.Reid.................

A.Reid... S. Ireland.....D. Duff

............R. Keane................
............K. Doyle.................

That starting 11 looks good but as long as Trap O'Tony is in charge I cant see A.Reid get near the team.........mcgeady or hunt will have to fill in for ya.

[dr_peepee]

It is the media and people constantly debating it on sites like this that has dragged it on, not him. He said he wasnt ready and doesnt want to rule it out for the rest of his playing career by giving a definate (no) answer. He was told contact trap when ready. The option is his to make himself available at the end of the day.... like it is the managers to include him or not if he ever does.

And his Da... You forgot his Da.... So all in, it's everyone elses fault but his that it dragged on. Steven Ireland has been nothing but definitive in his stance from day one. I see now. So next time Yourself and Bellavista are basking in the reflected glory of his company you can tell him we said we're sorry.

[youngirish]

And his Da... You forgot his Da.... So all in, it's everyone elses fault but his that it dragged on. Steven Ireland has been nothing but definitive in his stance from day one. I see now. So next time Yourself and Bellavista are basking in the reflected glory of his company you can tell him we said we're sorry.

Manblue is Stephen Ireland.

[MeathDrog]

He is like a spoilt child.. He knows at this stage that the irish management will have him back in a flash. I just worry about the reaction of some of the players if he does eventually come back.
Initially I felt sorry for him because I just felt that he did a very stupid thing, and that maybe he's not the brightest lad, but now I just wish he woud put it to bed and say that he's not going to play. We're better off without him. He's an attention seeking whore.

[Manblue]

Manblue is Stephen Ireland.

Ya cause if i was getting 70k a week id be on this site checking wat everyone thinks,, especially at 9 0 clock in the morning

[irishfan86]

Ya cause if i was getting 70k a week id be on this site checking wat everyone thinks,, especially at 9 0 clock in the morning

Well, you already seem to be a highly motivated individual, what with your pre-pre-season combat training and numerous charitable endeavours, so what's the big deal with a two second post on foot.ie?

How are the hospice kids doing?

[Scram]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scram


.............GIVEN.......................

Finnan, Dunne, S. Ledger, O'Shea

...............S.Reid.................

A.Reid... S. Ireland.....D. Duff

............R. Keane................
............K. Doyle.................



That starting 11 looks good but as long as Trap O'Tony is in charge I cant see A.Reid get near the team.........mcgeady or hunt will have to fill in for ya.

Yes, it will NEVER happen under Trap, or anything like it, and in fairness it may be a little weak defensively, Trap would certainly see it that way, but with a holding midfielder and two strong wing backs, I would love to see that team given a try. Robbie and Doyler would get great service and there would be some great ground football played. Robbie and Andy Reid ahve a great understanding.

We will have a 4-4-2 always under Trap and probably no Andy Reid.


To be honest, I don't even see how he'll fit Stephen Ireland in to his system where he favours two strong defending midfielders. ANYONE??

[irishfan86]

We will have a 4-4-2 always under Trap and probably no Andy Reid.


To be honest, I don't even see how he'll fit Stephen Ireland in to his system where he favours two strong defending midfielders. ANYONE??

First, we play more of a 4-2-3-1.

Second, I think Ireland will be used as a second striker (Robbie's position), or as a winger, as he doesn't meet the specifications of a Trap-style central midfielder.

Statistically he may be a great tackler, but he doesn't have the discipline to protect a back four (this is not a knock on his abilities, I'm just saying that he is not suited to play in the middle in Trap's system).

[Stuttgart88]

I could see Ireland in McGeady's position, playing a bit like Pires did at times for Arsenal - cutting inside and finding different angles.

Hasn't Trap also said that he'd consider changing the set up of the team with Ireland available?

[irishfan86]

I could see Ireland in McGeady's position, playing a bit like Pires did at times for Arsenal - cutting inside and finding different angles.

Hasn't Trap also said that he'd consider changing the set up of the team with Ireland available?

I heard that too, but when somebody directed me to the article where that was supposedly mentioned, it seemed more a case of a journalist "reading in" to Trap's comments rather than reporting on them (unfortunately I don't have the link).

If the man didn't change his formation to get the best out of Pirlo, I sincerely doubt he'd change things for a young upstart like Ireland.

[Scram]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scram
We will have a 4-4-2 always under Trap and probably no Andy Reid.


To be honest, I don't even see how he'll fit Stephen Ireland in to his system where he favours two strong defending midfielders. ANYONE??


First, we play more of a 4-2-3-1.

Second, I think Ireland will be used as a second striker (Robbie's position), or as a winger, as he doesn't meet the specifications of a Trap-style central midfielder.

Statistically he may be a great tackler, but he doesn't have the discipline to protect a back four (this is not a knock on his abilities, I'm just saying that he is not suited to play in the middle in Trap's system).


Who are the "2" in the 4-2-3-1 ? I assume Ireland is middle of the 3, being


Andrews, S Reid
R. Keane ?,Ireland, Duff

Doyle

??

He won't drop either Doyle or Robbie.

[Scram]

I could see Ireland in McGeady's position, playing a bit like Pires did at times for Arsenal - cutting inside and finding different angles.

Hasn't Trap also said that he'd consider changing the set up of the team with Ireland available?

Staying with a 4-4-2 [AS LIKELY!] Ireland would replace Hunt/McGeady

So your 4 under Trap should be:

Ireland S. Reid Andrews Duff

Can't see him being any more adventurous than this and not all that bad of a proposition.

.............Given...............

Finnan...Dunne...St. Ledger*....O'Shea

Ireland... S. Reid...Andrews..Duff

...............Keane.......................
...............Doyle........................

Good height up the middle and footballing ability on both wings, with Duff's proven defensive capabilities on the left.

I'd be happy enough if we had that avaialble as a starting 11. A bit unfair on Whelan who hasn't done a lot wrong but sin é.

*I'm assuming St. Ledger has done enough to warrant this, I think he has, or at least to be given the chance in with this 11.

[Realramsfan]

:ball:The only reason hunt opened his big mouth again is because it could be his place in danger from S.I.He is the only current irish midfielder that is of any quality in the last year and would get a star with most premiership teams instead of playing championship football like mr hunt.:ball:

[Manblue]

:ball:The only reason hunt opened his big mouth again is because it could be his place in danger from S.I.He is the only current irish midfielder that is of any quality in the last year and would get a star with most premiership teams instead of playing championship football like mr hunt.:ball:

Hello Stephen

[republicofwhite]

Nice attempt at deflecting there Manblue. How's the martial arts training going? Looks like seriously hard work... Definitely deserve a good Nando's after a workout like that.

[Den Perry]

:ball:The only reason hunt opened his big mouth again is because it could be his place in danger from S.I.He is the only current irish midfielder that is of any quality in the last year and would get a star with most premiership teams instead of playing championship football like mr hunt.:ball:

Why, has Hunt been mouthing off again? or are you talking about his TV3 speech a few weeks ago?

[Manblue]

Nice attempt at deflecting there Manblue. How's the martial arts training going? Looks like seriously hard work... Definitely deserve a good Nando's after a workout like that.

It was an attempt at humour, Nandos....some stalkers on here

[carloz]

:ball:The only reason hunt opened his big mouth again is because it could be his place in danger from S.I.He is the only current irish midfielder that is of any quality in the last year and would get a star with most premiership teams instead of playing championship football like mr hunt.:ball:

I suggest you speak to any Reading fan who has witnessed his displays for the last year. Since Christmas especially he has been quite poor

[back of the net]

I could see Ireland in McGeady's position, playing a bit like Pires did at times for Arsenal - cutting inside and finding different angles.

Hasn't Trap also said that he'd consider changing the set up of the team with Ireland available?

havent heard trap say that but he may well have said it.

But even if he did i cant see him changing it to drastically.

If stephen reid is back in september , i can see him playing reid and whelan in centre

The only position i can see ireland playing in is on the wing with a licence to cut inside like stuttgart has said.

Cant see trap drastically changing our centre mid at all.

[DeLorean]

I agree. For some reason Whelan has become indispensable.

[Thommo]

At the moment were playing basically a defensive six with the back four and the two central midfielders both playing defensively, and both wingers given the freedom to join the attacking two.
The most adventurous I've seen this team play was in Italy when the Italians went a man down.
Surely if Ireland(Stephen) was to return Trap would surely play one holding midfielder(Whelan or Andrews) with Ireland being the attacking midfielder.
For me both Andrews and Whelan are average midfielders who will run all night but lack composure on the ball, the Bulgaria home match proved this Stilian Petrov ran the show.
I think if James McCarthy goes to the premiership or Celtic he may feature in one of the friendlies at Thomond Park and may play himself into the midfield.
Anyhow Stephen could please let us know is it a Yes or a No?

[tetsujin1979]

Roy Keane: Ireland return would be brilliant news: http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/keane-ireland-return-would-be-brilliant-news-1811241.html

[Ghost2hammers]

If S.Ireland were to come back into the set up id like to see Trap O'Tony use him in the "stevie gerrard" position just behind the loan striker........he'd have plenty of space.......reckon he would be lethal in this position.

Cant see trap ever getting rid of whelo from CM at this stage........even if Steven Reid came back...........he does what he is asked and doesnt get distracted to lose his position.

With all players available I would like to see a midfield and upfront something like this:

Duff............Whelo.........S.Reid..........McGe ady

.........................Ireland.................. ...........

..........................Keane................... ..........

[Superhoops]

....With all players available I would like to see a midfield and upfront something like this:

Duff............Whelo.........S.Reid..........McGe ady

.........................Ireland.................. ...........

..........................Keane................... ..........

and leave Doyle out to accommodate that toe-rag? Madness, pure madness

[elroy]

"I don't think there is a future there to be honest," Ireland told local reporters.

"It is unlikely I will go back. I am happy at the moment with my club and my family.

"It's a shame the way I left. It wasn't the right way to leave but even before that, I thought something was stirring up.

"It was a ticking time-bomb and I just didn't enjoy my time there," he added.

"Sometimes, it is hard to say I'll never go back because anything can change and it's got nothing to do with the staff, the management or the players. But right now I'm just happy with my club."


Im sure these have been posted about 20 pages back at this stage, these quotes are from May this year, end of imo. Never mind what his dad, pat dolan, his granny, mother goose says, the quotes above are loud and clear. In Trap we trust and SA here we come.....hopefully!

[Manblue]

and leave Doyle out to accommodate that toe-rag? Madness, pure madness

True id get rid of Keane he was past it last year

[Jicked]

True id get rid of Keane he was past it last year

How many international goals did Robbie sore last year?

[FarBeag]

True id get rid of Keane he was past it last year

Clueless. What else can i say?

[Manblue]

Ireland and keane would be well to lightweight in attack considering how defensive minded the players behind them are, thats why trap always plays a folan/best/doyle

[Scram]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Manblue
True id get rid of Keane he was past it last year


Clueless. What else can i say?

Sin é