Marc Wilson

[Supreme feet]

I'd like to see him get a chance for Ireland.

He's been included in a few squads now, like Coleman, and will get a chance sooner or later. It's hard to know who Trap will pick as his four/five central midfielders in February. The default incumbents (from last year's squads) are Whelan, Andrews, Gibson, Fahey and Green. Whelan is a Trap favourite and will keep getting picked regardless of regular football, and Fahey is playing regularly, so it would be baffling to see him dropped. If Andrews plays even one game for Blackburn in the next few weeks, Trap will pick him too.

The most vulnerable, you would think, are Gibson and Green - the former because of his lack of game time, and the latter for his incurable terribleness. For those possible two places, you have McCarthy, Meyler and Wilson competing. And I'd take the first two, as they have really strong attributes - McCarthy's passing, technique and footballing brain, and Meyler's energy and abrasiveness. Wilson, I think, falls somewhere in the middle. He's tidy and defensively sound, but not, in my opinion, a huge improvement on Whelan/Andrews in terms of our ability to win/keep possession in midfield. However, given the choice, I think Trap would choose Wilson for his versatility - which leaves McCarthy or Meyler in the cold.

[TrapAPony]

Stoke playing Man Utd tonight. Wilson starting with Whelan on the bench. With Wilson, McCarthy, Meyler, Gibson etc. coming through there really should be no reason why the likes of Green should get picked again.

[irishfan86]

The reason Trap would give if a match was played today is that Green is the only one out of those mentioned who has been playing regular first team football regularly.

McCarthy has been injured, Wilson and Gibson are in and out of their teams, and Meyler is just back from injury.

Not a big Green fan and want one of the young bucks to stake a claim, but they'll need to lock down a place and stay healthy to usurp the man in possession.

[liamoo11]

thought wilson played well tonight is well suited to defensive midfield role.I think he has far more about him than Whelan except the occasional long range goal.I think he would allow gibson to play as an attacking midfielder if we ever played five in the midfield and added maybe mccarthy to that central area.Gibson did good job as part of a two in the middle for utd today.Some nice passing and good tackling.He does look like he needs to lose a few pounds and work on his mobility though which a run of games away from united would hopefully give him.I think its fair to say on the evidence tonight gibson would play every week for stoke.Although im sure someone on here wil still maintain he would be lucky to get a game in the championship

[Alf Honn]

thought wilson played well tonight is well suited to defensive midfield role.I think he has far more about him than Whelan except the occasional long range goal.I think he would allow gibson to play as an attacking midfielder if we ever played five in the midfield and added maybe mccarthy to that central area.Gibson did good job as part of a two in the middle for utd today.Some nice passing and good tackling.He does look like he needs to lose a few pounds and work on his mobility though which a run of games away from united would hopefully give him.I think its fair to say on the evidence tonight gibson would play every week for stoke.Although im sure someone on here wil still maintain he would be lucky to get a game in the championship


Ireland's central midfield partnership v Northern Ireland, Aviva Stadium, May 2011 - Wilson and Gibson. Enough to bring tears to Nigel Worthington's eyes.

[Charlie Darwin]

Is Trap mischievous enough? He could go for the hat trick and play Shane Duffy.

[gastric]

If he is feeling really, really mischievous, in fact possibly malicious, he might throw in Daniel Kearns just to really p##s some people off!

[Sullivinho]

Is Trap mischievous enough?

http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/986/trapd.jpg

[Deckydee]

Where is he? Is he the no show that trap was talking about?

[BonnieShels]

Just thinking the same.

[DannyInvincible]

It's possible it might have been Wilson and not McCarthy after all considering Enda Brady reported that the FAI were contacted by Wigan on Sunday regarding McCarthy's knock and scan. Could well be another case of the media getting way ahead of themselves with McCarthy. There hasn't appeared to have been any explanation forthcoming for Wilson's absence from the match commentators unless I missed it.

[Deckydee]

Indeed nothing. I have been glued to this laptop looking for something but I cannot find it.

[backstothewall]

Has anyone checked the other dugout? Worthington hasn't got him tied up in a kit bag has he?

[Deckydee]

Nothing on OWC..........

[Deckydee]

As seen on YBIG:

he only arrived over this evening so was dropped,think it was he didnt have enough time to prepare.should start V Scots.Whelan and Walters came over aswel.

[DannyInvincible]

Any idea did Wilson come over with the rest of the Stoke players or did he make his own way and arrive after them, meaning he could have been the player who Trap was referring to when he said someone had been a no-show and failed to get in contact?

[Stuttgart88]

Lads, I've only just logged on and have dozens of posts to trawl through.

Is there a definitive story yet about Wilson's absence? Are he and the other Stoke players in Dublin yet?

[SwanVsDalton]

Just put this in the NI match thread (http://www.teamtalk.com/news/2483/6951340/Republic-row-keeps-rumbling-on)

Tardelli downplaying the whole thing, seems Wilson, Walters, Whelan and Fahey all didn't travel but claims Wilson and Walters are injured while Whelan and Fahey are coming over.

[Stuttgart88]

NI and us appear to have one thing in common - a hard core of committed players and some flakes who we could do without. Very surprised at Walters as he'd have a big role to play.

[an_ceannaire]

Trap and the whole set up have let it be known to anyone who will listen, that Anthony Stokes wasnt arsed playing (but i think there is a bigger reason than what Trap seems to infer for this), Wilson didnt bother to reply to his texts/calls and just didnt show, and more or less the same for Walters and McCarthy.
In fairness, Traps communicatino skills are legendary at this stage........

[drummerboy]

There is no way Trap can be blamed for this debacle. These players all knew what was expected of them as regards turning up on Monday. It shows a lack of common decency on their behalf. Walters seems to me as a person who has prostituted his talents via international football in the hope of making the big time. He now obviously perceives it that he has arrived and doesn't have to bother with Ireland. Wilson seems to have had a brainfart by putting drink before his international future. McCarthy seems to be in an environment which discourages players from playing internationals, Wigan certainly seem to encourage his behaviour. Wonder what his grandfather would think of McCarthy's carry on. Some blame has to go to the braintrusts who organised the tournament 2 days after the end of season.

[Stuttgart88]

I am so disillusioned with these cnuts and their total lack of respect and basic decency.

[SwanVsDalton]

It's very disappointing though there's still too many questions. If Wilson and Walters didn't show, what's the story with Whelan? He's never appeared anything other than very committed. Moreover what's going to happen for Scotland/Macedonia? Rumour is Wilson will be involved in the game, so then what of Walters? There's a lot more to come on this. Clear as mud. Though the players obviously have a lot of answer here. Not to mention the clubs, depending on whether McCarthy, Wilson and Walters are actually injured...

[Sullivinho]

NI and us appear to have one thing in common - a hard core of committed players and some flakes who we could do without. Very surprised at Walters as he'd have a big role to play.

What a difference a week makes. Walters behind Robbie, Doyle, Long and most significantly, Cox in the queue now I reckon. That's without even mentioning Best. Might find his opportunities a bit limited from here on out.

[jbyrne]

Some blame has to go to the braintrusts who organised the tournament 2 days after the end of season.

i agree with your post except wolves also had a massive match sunday similar to wigans situation but that didnt stop the 3 wolves lads turning up and making huge contributions last night

[drummerboy]

i agree with your post except wolves also had a massive match sunday similar to wigans situation but that didnt stop the 3 wolves lads turning up and making huge contributions last night

I can't see why the game wasn't played tonight instead of Tuesday. Wales v Scotland could have been played Thursday. NI v Wales on Saturday afternoon. The answer is probably Sky.

[TrapAPony]

Hamstring injury according to the examiner & Walters has a shoulder injury
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/tardelli-show-some-respect-155793.html

[DannyInvincible]

The Daily Mail is saying that the FAI may recall Wilson (along with Walters and McCarthy) again next week as they'd apparently be obliged to come under UEFA regulations and have their injuries assessed by the FAI doctor, presumably due to the Macedonia fixture being a competitive one: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1391039/Trapattoni-rules-McCarthy-Walters-Wilson.html

Essentially, it would be to prove that the claimed injuries are genuine. I can't seriously imagine how someone in Wilson's position would be stupid enough to feign injury in order to get out of playing for us at this moment in time. As of now, he has only appeared for us once at the tail-end of a friendly game against, so there's no indication whatsoever that he's the remotest bit indispensable, and then there's also the fact that there's a left-back slot up for grabs for the foreseeable future; now is someone's chance to stake a claim on it and take over the reigns from Kilbane. I just hope his injury is genuine as it would really show badly on him otherwise. The whole episode doesn't appear consistent either with his ambition and seeming willingness to make the effort of declaring for us at the cost of being at the receiving end of vitriolic abuse from NI fans. If he wanted an easier path in international football and a certain starting place, he could have stuck with NI, but in declaring for us, not only was he expressing his national identity, he was also declaring that he was up for a challenge.

[geysir]

It's not too late to save face, if there is a bluff to be called then those lads will have time to inflict the alleged damage onto themselves, should they feel it worthwhile.

[DannyInvincible]

Brief bit on Wilson from Carl O'Malley in the Irish Times: http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/deadrubber/2011/05/26/mixed-messages-not-helping-anyone/


...Trap suggested Wilson was missing [during Tuesday's post-match press conference]. After the conference one journalist checked to make sure this wasn’t the official line. It wasn’t, Stoke had been in contact claiming some sort of injury to the defender/midfielder and striker Jon Walters.

Does that clear up the hoo-ha surrounding Wilson then as an instance of some people getting a bit ahead of themselves, or is there still doubt within the FAI as to the veracity of the injury claims? After all, didn't a Stoke official originally deny they were aware of any injury? If it transpires that Wilson's injury is genuine, it appears contact from him wasn't actually an issue, so surely he's off the hook, so to speak, if we're to give him the benefit of the doubt? If there's an injury, then his situation is surely no different from that of Walters, whose been excused, and Whelan, who hasn't been at the receiving end of any consternation despite his absence; would that be a correct interpretation of the current circumstances in light of what we now know to be true?

[SkStu]

The Daily Mail is saying that the FAI may recall Wilson (along with Walters and McCarthy) again next week as they'd apparently be obliged to come under UEFA regulations and have their injuries assessed by the FAI doctor, presumably due to the Macedonia fixture being a competitive one: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1391039/Trapattoni-rules-McCarthy-Walters-Wilson.html

i really think this would be a major mistake. Trap and co. need to start keeping this stuff to themselves. Its just a bad way of dealing with people in such a public and scrutinised environment and a surefire way of leading to their permanent exclusion. I dont see it happening and i hope it doesnt - what is done is done. Deal with it quietly next time they join the squad.

[Noelys Guitar]

Stsku I'm not having a go. And I almost agree with your points but..My own reading of this is that Trapatonni feels he has enough good players available to get us to Euro2012. Players that turn up. Stephen Ward a player you have championed (correctly as it turns out) has a real chance of starting against Macedonia. Why should serial "injury" merchants rob someone like Stephen Ward of a deserved place in the final 16 against Macedonia? Ward has been outstanding for Wolves the last few games.

[BonnieShels]

Oddly ye are both right. Though I would edge with Noely at the moment. I think we should be using Sunday as an opportunity to firm up the team for the Macedonia game. Unfotunately Wilson will miss out along with the rest of em. It's important to get the three though no matter how we do it.

[SkStu]

i dont think me and Noely are on different pages at all. I agree that Trap probably feels that way and i agree that he is probably correct. What i wouldnt agree with is making it so public. It doesnt make anyone look good - the FAI, the management team, the players. Im not saying Traps feelings about the issue are incorrect, i just think there is a better way to resolve it other than parading them to FAI HQ for a medical test and making them publicly look like the liars they could very well be. That wouldnt be my style at all. That puts the other players off too.

To be clear, im not saying they should be in the squad, im simply saying that this should be let go now and dealt with privately (either through excluding them from the subsequent squad(s) entirely or through a quiet word after training).

[geysir]

Different strokes for different folks. Trap has his ways. There are other ways a manager could have dealt with it.
What Trap is making look good, is respect for the honour of representing your country and part of that is direct communication from the player, especially when it has to be repeatedly requested and the disrespect is to repeatedly snub it. This issue has been bubbling for some time, Trap has mentioned this before on numerous occasions, so maybe the quiet words had not sunk in.

[paul_oshea]

i dont think me and Noely are on different pages at all. I agree that Trap probably feels that way and i agree that he is probably correct. What i wouldnt agree with is making it so public. It doesnt make anyone look good - the FAI, the management team, the players. Im not saying Traps feelings about the issue are incorrect, i just think there is a better way to resolve it other than parading them to FAI HQ for a medical test and making them publicly look like the liars they could very well be. That wouldnt be my style at all. That puts the other players off too.

To be clear, im not saying they should be in the squad, im simply saying that this should be let go now and dealt with privately (either through excluding them from the subsequent squad(s) entirely or through a quiet word after training).

What really caught kerr and staunton out though was this guessing game from the media and the general public about disruption in squads and unhappiness at tactics etc etc. This in itself manifested itself in a bad way and in kerrs reign I believe it certainly came to a head where we really didn't seem to have any coherent or adhesive plan. The honesty with the media and general public ensures that nothing manifests itself.

I'm not sure I agree with Geysirs assessment that its Traps way of letting players know how important and how much of an honour it is to represent your country. I think that could backfire on him if thats the case. At the end of the day no matter how much you tell someone, they should automatically feel honoured, its an innate feeling, not something learned or acquired like a skill....

[Stuttgart88]

...which is why I kind of think that Trap wants a squad of happy, committed and keen players. If one or two better players are left on the outside as a result then that's probably better. That's probably what we have right now.

Nobody doubts Andy Reid's enthusiasm but his attitude on duty undermined the boss. You can't have that.

The absentees are no big deal right now. I'm disappointed in Walters' loss but Cox and Ward could do a job if called upon. We have enough still here to make Sunday's a good game and if we have no more injuries we have a good enough team, and bench, to get a win in Macedonia, even if it's an ugly and workmanlike win.

[geysir]

I'm not sure I agree with Geysirs assessment that its Traps way of letting players know how important and how much of an honour it is to represent your country.
If a player doesn't respond to basic attempts to communicate, he taking his commitment to the national squad with evident flippancy.


I think that could backfire on him if thats the case. At the end of the day no matter how much you tell someone, they should automatically feel honoured, its an innate feeling, not something learned or acquired like a skill
I didn't hint at that Paul, you are surmising incorrectly.
What are you saying, that Trap should ignore these players without trying, or try some other strategy?
Trap can tell a player how he should behave with respect and he can lay down the ground rules.
It's up to the player after that. But the basics of respect have to be there first.

[Noelys Guitar]

There are going to be a few "players" who won't have to worry about answering texts, faxes, emails, flying pidgeons from the FAI in the next few years. Lets go with what we have and those that really want to play(and like Stuttgart I believe good enough to get us the three points in Macedonia). Wilson might come back in or not. Nobody will be losing any sleep over it. Stokes never again (we're all tired of him). McCarthy who knows. If he has a Stephen Ireland like phobia for international football then he is never going to make it as a great player. We could have another few players back from injury/granny rule/through the ranks come September and the cry offs will be history.

[TrapAPony]

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/wilson-still-hopes-for-trap-call-2960142.html

Wilson still hopes for Trap callStoke ace insists he will jump on plane to Poland if selected after injury 'mix-up' last May
IT WAS another case of mixed messages and lost messages which has temporarily cost an Irish-born Premier League star his international career.
(http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/wilson-still-hopes-for-trap-call-2960142.html)But despite spending a period in the cold of exile, Marc Wilson insists that he remains as committed as ever to the Republic of Ireland cause and is desperate to get back into the green shirt once again.
The story of Wilson is one of the most lop-sided careers on the Ireland scene right now. At club level he has a proud CV, with 70 Premier League appearances and two European campaigns with his two clubs, Portsmouth, and his current employers, Stoke City.
But his international achievements do not match up as all he has to show for his five-year stint with the Republic is a measly two caps, one in an U21 friendly and another from a senior friendly against Wales.
Sadly, Wilson -- who took a very brave step in spurning his native Northern Ireland to declare for the Republic some years ago -- has been cast, in some parts, as one of the bad boys, one of the players whose commitment was in doubt after failing to turn up for international duty last summer.
Robbie Keane appeared to have players like Wilson, James McCarthy and Jon Walters in mind last May when he said, "if people don't want to play for Ireland, don't declare yourself to play for Ireland".
But Wilson, speaking today to an Irish media outlet for the first time since the issue, says he was injured last summer but that his fitness status was lost along the way.
"I'm still not sure what happened. During the summer there was a bit of a mix-up, but I was injured. It was pointless for me to go over for international duty when I wasn't able to play, I had an injury," Wilson told the Herald.
"I don't know if the manager took that the wrong way, maybe he did.
"If I am fit and in the squad, I will be there without a doubt. But if I'm just not fit then there's nothing I can do about it.
"I think there was just a lack of communication. To my knowledge, the club physio at Stoke spoke to the doctor with the FAI, Alan Byrne, so he knew I was injured. That was the matter done as far as I was concerned.
"I had said I wasn't going to come over. There was no point in being there if I was injured, so I never came over. I didn't think any more of it.
"I wouldn't say that the manager has a problem with me. I think he's a great manager who has done a great job with Ireland. But it seems he took something up the wrong way and we'll just have to try and deal with that.
RESPONSE
"I got phonecalls and messages from people, asking me had I seen what had been said and written in the papers over in Ireland. But I didn't say anything in response, I just wanted to get my head down, get fit and get back playing.
"All I can do is concentrate on my football and hope it's good enough," added Wilson.
His non-involvement with the Republic led to fears in some quarters that he may consider an offer from Northern Ireland -- Wilson was born and reared across the border, in Co Antrim, but he flatly denies that.
"There was certainly never a question of changing my mind and playing for Northern Ireland, it never even entered my mind," says Wilson. "I have had no contact at all from the FAI since the summer. It's disappointing but I just try to concentrate on my football. Playing for Ireland would be a great achievement and I would love to do it, but it's out of my hands. All I can do is go out every week, play as well as I can for Stoke City and see where that takes me.
"Every time I have gone over with the Irish squad I have enjoyed it, no doubt about that, I love going over and love being with the lads.
"But I would like to have a lot more caps under my belt and that hasn't happened for me yet," added Wilson, who was an unused sub against Brazil, Slovakia and Norway before finally making his debut against Wales.
Demoralising
"There were times before when I was told I was playing but in the end I didn't even make the bench and that is frustrating. I haven't even been picked for the friendly games let alone the competitive matches.
"It was demoralising a bit but it's one of those things I have to deal with and get on with.
"So will just keep working hard with Stoke, doing what I do every week and if the manager picks me for the Irish squad, I'll be there.
"Being honest, it's not easy seeing lads like (Stoke team-mates) Glenn Whelan and Jon Walters go off on international duty with Ireland but I just have to deal with that.
"I can't give up hope of making the Euros. If I am playing every week, playing well in a good team then I'd like to have a chance, but ultimately it's the manager's decision and I have to respect that.
"I think I would be an addition to the squad, I can play in a lot of positions across the back or the midfield. I have played a lot of games at left back this season, I've played at centre half and in midfield so I am versatile.
"It would mean the world to me to go to Poland with the squad. I would see it as the best achievement of my career without a doubt. Apart from the World Cup, the European Championship finals is about as big as it gets in football. Every player wants to play in it and I am no different."
(http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/wilson-still-hopes-for-trap-call-2960142.html)

[Murfinator]

Funny how its all a misunderstanding and he's desperate to play for us after we've qualified, I don't recall him selling his story to tabloids about his burning desire to travel to Macedonia.

[Sullivinho]

I hope Stephen Ward doesn't forget to send Marc a Christmas card this year. If I'm not mistaken, our current first choice left-back got his break after replacing Wilson who had been named in that position before pulling out prior to the NI 'friendly'. Anyway, a decent versatile player who I hope manages to find his way back in somewhere down the line.

[liamoo11]

I think he will b an excellent irish international. For a right footed player he has done great at left back. Tink he willmakean excellent defensive midfielder

[tricky_colour]

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Wilson-deserves-credit-consistency/story-14101728-detail/story.html

Marc Wilson has been proclaimed as Stoke City's unsung hero of the season so far.

And boss Tony Pulis is surprised his versatile midfielder-cum-defender is not in the Ireland team, never mind the Ireland squad.

​Wilson arrived in the Potteries from Portsmouth 15 months ago with a reputation as a midfielder who could slot in at centre-half.

But the 24-year-old has now figured in 36 games at either right-back or left-back since first playing there as an experiment in the Premier League at Birmingham City last February.

"Nobody mentions Marc at all," said Pulis, "but I think he's been outstanding this year when you think he hasn't played full-back before.

"For me, he doesn't get the credit he deserves.

"He's more of a midfield player than a full-back, but he's done fantastically well in defence.

"I thought on Sunday at Everton he showed he's got so much quality when he's in possession.

"It's not just about his defending and that is a great asset for this football club."

Wilson, though born in Northern Ireland, opted earlier in his career to play for the Republic instead.

He has featured under Giovanni Trapattoni since joining Stoke, but his name appears to have fallen off the Italian's radar this season.

But Pulis, pictured below, believes he should be part of the Italian's line-up, with a trip to next summer's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine looming large on the horizon.

"I think he should be in their team now, but I don't pick it," Pulis asserted.

The City manager remains coy on where he thinks Wilson will eventually end up in the Stoke line-up long term.

"You can play him centre forward, you can play him right-wing," added the Potters manager.

"Eventually I see him growing into a particular position, but for now he just wants to play, which is fantastic for us."

Comparisons with the versatility Phil Jones has been showing for Manchester United this season are met with a firm response from the manager, however.

A response unprintable here as he steers clear of any possible over-hyping of his quietly effective and under-rated young Irishman.

Wilson's versatility is such that with an injury doubt over defender Andy Wilkinson for tomorrow afternoon's home clash with high-flying Spurs (4pm), he could switch from left-back to right-back to accommodate Danny Higginbotham's return to the back line.

Mind you, after those previous comments, there's always a chance of seeing him pop up on either flank or even in attack.



A little bit of his play was highlighted on MOTD.

He certainly would be a useful player to have in the squad given he can play right back and left back, it strange that at the moment we seem to have too many decent
players!! Perhaps we could ask FIFA if we could send two teams to Euro 2012 :laugh:

[TrapAPony]

He certainly would be a useful player to have in the squad given he can play right back and left back, it strange that at the moment we seem to have too many decent
players!!

Centre half and midfield too

[ifk101]

If I'm not mistaken, he played a bit at full back for Portsmouth? Certainly played wide midfield for Portsmouth.

[kennedmc]

Funny how its all a misunderstanding and he's desperate to play for us after we've qualified, I don't recall him selling his story to tabloids about his burning desire to travel to Macedonia.

Was Wilson actually not injured at the time? As opposed to somebody like Stokes who withdrew as he was tired.

[drummerboy]

Wilson not for turning. Good to hear.

http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/sport/wilson-not-giving-up-on-euro-2012-2985306.html

[Carrigaline]

Marc Wilson is making all the right noises there. I really hope he can get a chance against the Czech Republic, he is the only player for me that Trap has mistakenly overlooked.

[DannyInvincible]

"I made the decision a few years ago without having my head turned by anybody, and I am sticking by that. It is something I am comfortable with."

Brady didn't even offer him a Fruit Pastille? There must be some mistake.