Keiren Westwood G Crewe Alexandra b.1984

[CraftyToePoke]

i think the standard is better then league 2 look at europe results. shams vs juve 0-2 0-2 they had a hard time with rovers. Or sporting fungs against that pourtuguese side the euro results were very good or decent at least. how good would a league 2 or blue square side do in europe? lincoln city vs juve no contest there. the league has improved over the years. also the players who went to england like kevin doyle who left the loi and had no trouble fitting in or adjusting to the prem. a lot of the former loi players do well in england and even do well in the top flight with little or no trouble that shows that the loi is a decent standard. no longer are we a "pub league" or even pub teams( well maybe mons lol) our european results shows that we are a decent level. i think the loi is better than people think it is


In recent seasons we have seen, Long, Doyle, Fahey, Dicker, Murphy, Mooney, Powell, O'Flynn, Conneely, McCallister, O'Shea, Myler, McGinn, McCourt, Keegan, Kavanagh, Gartland, Coleman, Doherty, Hoolahan, Sammon, Murphy(GK), Behan, Bennet, O'Donovan, O'Callaghan, Gamble, McChrystal, Madden, Hoban, Keohane, Forde, Dillon, Byrne, Foran, Kelly (Crumlin/Oldham) and several more besides that I have probably omitted leave the league.

Thats a lot of talent to have lost.

Of those, only Long, Doyle and Fahey and Coleman play for sides in the upper Champoinship or EPL or are presently likely to play for Ireland regularly, although Sammon and Myler will hopefully do so also. The others although some of them stars in their LOI sides have found their levels further down the divisions in England.

I think it has seen LOI shorn of its better players which has in turn definitely weakened the standard of the league. The flipside being we have about half a dozen extra players for Ireland who would regretably not be considered if still in the LOI.

[Noelys Guitar]

Has started today against Hull

[rebelmusic]

On Sky score center it says he's scored one goal this season? Anyone know when that was? I know he sometimes goes up for corners

[tetsujin1979]

On Sky score center it says he's scored one goal this season? Anyone know when that was? I know he sometimes goes up for corners
It was an OG against QPR in December: http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/PlayerDetails?playerID=37039&seasonID=140

[paul_oshea]

wasn't shams 0 - 2, 1 - 0?

[CraftyToePoke]

Being linked with Leicester City - http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/sport/coventry-keeper-target/article-3497632-detail/article.html

The rumour has also got a six pager here - http://www.foxestalk.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=72568&st=0

Seems first team football at a Premiership bound Leicester as opposed to a back up at a Prem side is the angle with Everton and Man City also 'linked' .

[DannyInvincible]

Leicester have another Irish keeper in their squad; Conrad Logan (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/logans-run-of-form-keeps-him-on-trail-of-donegals-poster-boys-2596220.html) from Ramelton in Donegal. He's 25, but is currently a back-up keeper and is regularly put out on loan.

How likely is it that Leicester will the the Premier League any time soon?

Manchester City would be a bad move for Westwood, I feel. We all know what it'd be like for him there from Given's situation. Westwood would play understudy to Hart just as Given has done; not what we need for who many view as our future goalkeeper-in-waiting.

Sunderland and Villa are also on his tail: http://www.joe.ie/football/football-news/sunderland-swoop-for-irish-international-westwood-0012521-1

Where would he be most likely to see first-team Premier League action?

[CraftyToePoke]

Leicester have another Irish keeper in their squad; Conrad Logan (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/logans-run-of-form-keeps-him-on-trail-of-donegals-poster-boys-2596220.html) from Ramelton in Donegal. He's 25, but is currently a back-up keeper and is regularly put out on loan.

How likely is it that Leicester will the the Premier League any time soon?

Manchester City would be a bad move for Westwood, I feel. We all know what it'd be like for him there from Given's situation. Westwood would play understudy to Hart just as Given has done; not what we need for who many view as our future goalkeeper-in-waiting.

Sunderland and Villa are also on his tail: http://www.joe.ie/football/football-news/sunderland-swoop-for-irish-international-westwood-0012521-1

Where would he be most likely to see first-team Premier League action?

Logans future isnt at Leicester, and I think the way they spent last season, they are serious about going up, the club have a good chance of promotion this season, bookies favourite at present, or were recently at least.

[tetsujin1979]

I'd definitely have Leicester in the favourites next season, Sven in charge, money to spend, looking good for promotion IMO

[SwanVsDalton]

Sunderland and Villa are also on his tail: http://www.joe.ie/football/football-news/sunderland-swoop-for-irish-international-westwood-0012521-1

Where would he be most likely to see first-team Premier League action?

If he comes to Villa it would almost certainly be as replacement for Friedel and number one. Can't see the club having the cash or inclination to buy two keepers.

[Kingdom]

The Guardian had him being linked with Sunderland, as Gordon is out till the autumn and as competition for Mignolet. Wouldn't be a bad move for him, but the suspicion would be as soon as Gordon gets fit, he'd slot straight in. Westwood needs to be first-choice whereever he goes next.

The Villa move would be interesting, Friedel by all accounts is Liverpool bound because of his bankruptcy and the long term security 2 years there would add (also talk of a coaching role in the future) so there would definitely be a spot available.

[dr_peepee]

Being linked with Leicester City - http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/sport/coventry-keeper-target/article-3497632-detail/article.html

The rumour has also got a six pager here - http://www.foxestalk.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=72568&st=0

Seems first team football at a Premiership bound Leicester as opposed to a back up at a Prem side is the angle with Everton and Man City also 'linked' .

I remember years ago when Dean Kiely was highly rated at Bury, and was disapointed when he joined Charlton in the Championship. Worked out in the long run though... Leicester could be a good move. Can't see the Sunderland thing materialising.

[Noelys Guitar]

On his Way to Sunderland according to latest reports http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2000561/Keiren-Westwood-poised-Sunderland-switch.html? According to this article Wolves failed with a late bid.

[BonnieShels]

And in as number 1. Brilliant.

[Charlie Darwin]

Gordon's never really been number 1 at Sunderland under any manager. Big price tag but always seemed to get too comfortable and lose his place. Big opportunity for Westwood as Mignolet seems to have a touch of the Barthezes about him.

[dotts101]

ASTON VILLA, is the best place for westwood, number 1 spot will bring out the best in him and also for ireland. Gordon is good player but will he stay fit, mignolet has showed promise also. best to play than warm a bench so villa or fulham should be his destination

[Mr A]

Deal for a move to Sunderland has gone through according to this: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/oshea-digs-in-heels-over-black-cats-move-2669974.html

[tetsujin1979]

Celtic rumoured to be bidding for Craig Gordon: http://www.journallive.co.uk/safc/safc-news/2011/06/13/vulnerable-craig-gordon-is-a-target-for-celtic-61634-28867078/

Uncertainty surrounds the future of Gordon as Sunderland close in on a free transfer swoop for Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.
Despite interest from Manchester City, Wolves and Everton, Westwood has been sold on a move to the Stadium of Light by the promise of starting the season as number one, and that leaves question marks surrounding Gordon.

[irishfan86]

Sunderland could be quite an Irish team again if all these signings go through. Westwood in goals, O'Shea in defence, and Gibson with Meyler in midfield.

Will all those Sunderland jerseys from the Roy Keane era come back out of the woodwork?

[John83]

He's supposed to be completing the Sunderland move today, according to this (http://football365.com/story/0,17033,8671_6993154,00.html).

[centre mid]

Confirmed

http://www.safc.com/news/20110622/safc-confirm-deals-agreed_2256213_2380550

[Lionel Ritchie]

Now Shay ...your move. (no puns)

[Serb]

Now Shay ...your move. (no puns)

I think puns are a Given.

[Murfinator]

Westwood on the bench for Sunderland today, doesn't look like he was bought for the first team...

[Closed Account]

Westwood on the bench for Sunderland today, doesn't look like he was bought for the first team...
Bit early to say that. Mignolet was the incumbent so deserves to start. He'll get an opportunity this season and just has to be ready to take it.

Brian Murphy on the bench for QPR incidentally, now he was bought as a back up to compatriot Kenny.

[Murfinator]

He was bought to compete with Radek Cerny for 2nd spot at QPR so its definitely a plus for him that he made the bench.

[Charlie Darwin]

I wonder if this has anything to do with Mignolet's stinker against Newcastle...

http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/08/23/Keeper-urged-to-grab-his-chance/gnid-105880/

[Kingdom]

Steve Bruce is a chancer.

[BonnieShels]

Works for me Kingdom. :)

Any idea how he's playing tonight?

[Murfinator]

From a sunderland forum on last night (RTG)


Cant catch a ball, hesitant and erratic. If Gordon is to be sold then another goalkeeper is needed as Westwood and Mig are not good enough.




he did okay but got away with a few we'd be punished for in the Prem (palming balls back out towards the penalty spot, not letting his defenders know he's coming for a ball and colliding with them etc).

[dotts101]

not good reading there!!!! need a few running games id say

[Acornvilla]

not good reading there!!!!

Unbelievable Jeff

[drummerboy]

Saw the highlights last night and Westwood looked all over the place.

[TrapAPony]

Brought on after 52mins for Sunderland today as Mignolet broke his nose. Lets hope he keeps the spot.

[theworm2345]

Just came on for Mignolet to make (what I believe is his) Premier League debut...against Shay and Villa of all people.

EDIT: Excellent point blank save with his foot from Darren Bent

EDIT2: Beaten by the Dunney Monster! Some say Collins some Dunne, looked like Collins but Dunne may have got a touch

[SkStu]

most def Dunnes goal and i thought Westwood did well for the time he was on.

[Charlie Darwin]

Just made a fantastic double save from Rooney and Evra. One for the highlights reel I think.

Commentators gushing over an ineffective performance from Rooney. United dominating but creating little.

[SkStu]

wait til you see some of the save Swansea keeper Vorm pulled off - all that said, Swansea may have deserved to win the game! Great nil all draw.

[seanfhear]

Just made a fantastic double save from Rooney and Evra. One for the highlights reel I think.

Commentators gushing over an ineffective performance from Rooney. United dominating but creating little.
Fantastic save there and some other good ones as well. Shay better keep on his toes and its good to see that we have potentially another fine goalkeeper.

[Sullivinho]

Looks like he could outkick Bonner too. Not that I'm advocating a return to such direct means..

[SkStu]

playing fantastically for Sunderland today. Although Fulham have been playing in fits and start, when he has been called upon to make saves he has done so very well. Really solid. Great to see.

[SkStu]

just got some high praise from the commentators talking about his long road back to the Premiership, how good he has been and how hard he will be to shift and "looks the real deal to me".

[Sullivinho]

Beaten twice as Sunderland lost to Wolves earlier but that save from Hunt was something else.

[geysir]

Did they say he was their 3rd choice keeper? I thought he was very good.

[Sullivinho]

They mentioned on MotD2 that Sunderland had a few keepers. No kidding. Far be it from me to chose Martin O'Neil's team for him but Westwood has to be in pole position now. Pulled off a contender for 'double-save of the season' a couple of months ago too if memory serves.

[theworm2345]

Beaten twice as Sunderland lost to Wolves earlier but that save from Hunt was something else.
Just seen it now on MOTD2, must've switched to Stoke match when it happened, quality save but Hunt has to score that...at least he hit the target I guess, which is what they always say, "just hit the target."

[tricky_colour]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znbhuc46Dyw

2.50 ish.

Think you have to give credit to Westwood I don't think many keepers woudl have stopped that.

[DannyInvincible]

'Westwood's sunny outlook captures the mood': http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/euro-2012/irish-news/westwoods-sunny-outlook-captures-the-mood-3119679.html

[IsMiseSean]

Westwood on the bench today. He said during the week if he started on the bench on Saturday he would assess his situation (can't find the link).
Hopefully he'll be heading out the exit door at Sunderland before the end of August and getting some first team action.

[DannyInvincible]

Looks like he could outkick Bonner too. Not that I'm advocating a return to such direct means..

That's certainly something I noticed the other evening against Serbia. He has a massive kick.