Irish Abroad 2008/2009

[eirebhoy]

McShane played in the centre tonight away to Newcastle. Apparantly he miskicked a clearance which led to a chance for Owen but was otherwise excellent. Clean sheet.

People on Hull forum also saying that was McShane's last game for Hull as he has been recalled by Sunderland.

That's his 2nd game for Hull at centre half, both the cup games against Newcastle and 2 clean sheets. The only 2 clean sheets Hull have kept since October. Here was the comments after his first game at centre half 2 weeks ago:

"McShane and Turner both did well today"

"I must admit i was worried when i saw Mcshane at CB but he did well"

"Mcshane seemed a bit more comfortable at centre back rather than on the wingback position"

"I thought McShane and Boateng were our best players today."

"McShane was better in the centre than at fullback"

http://www.hull.vitalfootball.co.uk/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=9088&posts=14

[the doc]

McShane played in the centre tonight away to Newcastle. Apparantly he miskicked a clearance which led to a chance for Owen but was otherwise excellent. Clean sheet.

People on Hull forum also saying that was McShane's last game for Hull as he has been recalled by Sunderland.

That's his 2nd game for Hull at centre half, both the cup games against Newcastle and 2 clean sheets. The only 2 clean sheets Hull have kept since October. Here was the comments after his first game at centre half 2 weeks ago:

"McShane and Turner both did well today"

"I must admit i was worried when i saw Mcshane at CB but he did well"

"Mcshane seemed a bit more comfortable at centre back rather than on the wingback position"

"I thought McShane and Boateng were our best players today."

"McShane was better in the centre than at fullback"

http://www.hull.vitalfootball.co.uk/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=9088&posts=14

From what I saw thought he was poor position wise, got caught for pace on a number of occassions too.

But hey if thats the type of player you want in the Ireland team.......

[Stuttgart88]

Report I read (Daily Mail - I didn't buy it, it was left on the tube :)) said that McShane & his CB partner were in a terrible defensive mix up from a high ball that allowed Owen to outmuscle them and nearly score.

[dr_peepee]

This must be about the 10th time I've seen a very similar post to this from you on this forum. We know by now he's the Championship North Player of 2008. We know he won a load of other awards. We know you think he's better than McShane and Bruce. Move on a bit now. By all means keep us updated on his every game. I'm biased towards McGeady but I'll still post here and tell you if he has a poor game.

I dunno EB.... You used to be all hot for Richie Partridge at one stage!!!!

[bwagner]

Potter to the owls and Killer gone to Hull ..hopw they gey a lot of game time.
I hope for Potter he can get things back on track.

[zackmorris]

Report on Keiren Westwood on IM SCouting, He is their player of the week to watch:

http://www.imscouting.com/player_to_watch.aspx?id=jwfk8Gs1u+A/anS3rSh0Jg||&name=Keiren+Westwood

[eirebhoy]

I dunno EB.... You used to be all hot for Richie Partridge at one stage!!!!
Not based on much more than reports though. :)


From what I saw thought he was poor position wise, got caught for pace on a number of occassions too.

But hey if thats the type of player you want in the Ireland team.......
Most inexperienced centre halves need to be led. Look at Micah Ricards. Positional sense in that position only comes with experience and some players like Bobo Balde and Phil Babb require an organiser beside them their whole career but with the right player beside them they can be brilliant.

[paudie]

John O'Flynn has scored for Barnet today to put them 1 up. his 8th goal of the season.

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Wednesday, 14th January 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=138&date=2009-01-14
John O'Shea (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=18121) made his 18th start of the season, and completed 90 minutes for the 15th time. By comparison last season he only made 17 starts in total, and completed 13 of these
Sean Scannell (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=48096) scored his third goal of the season, Palace have won both home games, and lost the only away game, in which he scored
Caleb Folan (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=28492) played his first minutes of football since the 8th November 2008

Irish Abroad for Friday, 16th January 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=138&date=2009-01-16
Alan Power (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=46458) came off the bench for his first minutes of senior football since the 6th September 2008
In the same game, Colin Larkin (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=17403) made his first start since the 18th October

Irish Abroad for Saturday, 17th January 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=138&date=2009-01-17
Rory Delap (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=1999) scored his second of the season
Richard Dunne (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=10583) was sent off for the second time this season. He's now the joint leader in Premiership red cards, with Duncan Ferguson and Patrick Vieira
Andy Reid (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=23629) came off the bench for the tenth time this season. He hasn't started a game for Sunderland since the 26th December 2008
Stephen Kelly (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=34486) started his first game since the 20th September 2008
Keith Fahey (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=32429) made his debut for Birmingham in the same game, introduced as a late second half substitute
Andy Keogh (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=39039) completed 90 minutes in consecutive games for the first time since October.
Owen Garvan (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=40419) scored his sixth goal of the season, Ipswich have not lost a game in which he has scored
Wes Hoolahan (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=43134) scored his first goal for Norwich
Darren Potter (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=35630) made his first appearance of the season, and marked the occasion with a goal
Mark Yeates (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=35004) scored his ninth of the season
Anthony Pilkington (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=45924) scored his third goal in two games
Patrick Cregg (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=39953) marked his first start since the 6th December 2008 by getting sent off

Irish Abroad for Sunday, 18th January 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=138&date=2009-01-18
Aiden McGeady (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=38265) was booked for the third time this season. All of these have come away from home. Similarly, last season, eight of his eleven bookings were away from Celtic Park
James O'Brien (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=47373) made his fourth start of the season for Motherwell. The Steelmen have not lost any of these games

Irish Abroad for Monday, 19th January 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery
Robbie Keane (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=11957) was substituted for the 18th time this season
After completing 90 minutes for the previous two games, Aiden Downes (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=48921) was substituted for the first time since the 13th December

[Closed Account]

Cassidy relishing Cypriot chance (http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=791444.html)


Friday 9 January 2009
In the last few years Matthew Cassidy has been making his way up the ranks with Bolton Wanderers FC and the Republic of Ireland youth teams. So it was something of a surprise this summer when he opted to join Cypriot club Enosis Neon Paralimni FC.
Cyprus chance
Born in Blackpool to an Irish mother and English father, Cassidy signed for Liverpool FC as a nine-year-old before a move to Bolton at Under-14 level. He seemed to be heading for a Premier League breakthrough but a change of manager late in 2007 altered his fortunes and left him contemplating moves to lower-division teams Northampton Town FC and Doncaster Rovers FC before the recommendation of a Bolton official who once played in Cyprus meant a new direction.
Bolton exit
"Up until Christmas [2007] I was with Bolton but after Sammy Lee left, I fell out of favour under new manager Gary Megson," the 20-year-old told uefa.com. "After being told that it wasn't working out with me, I was allowed to go on trial at several other clubs in England. I went to Northampton and Doncaster and was offered a contract by Doncaster. But then Peter Farrell from Bolton told me about the prospect of playing in Cyprus. He had played here and recommended I come out to Cyprus because he knew somebody there who knew a club. I did, liked what I saw and signed with Paralimni."
'Very professional'
Instead of a northern English winter Cassidy now lives a ten-minute drive from the resort of Ayia Napa, but he is not there for a holiday and has been impressed by the level of Cypriot football with Anorthosis Famagusta FC making it to this season's UEFA Champions League group stage. "I was very surprised by the standards of the club," he said. "It's very professional, as are the training sessions. I really like the town and it's a good place to start up your career because there good prospects of moving up if you play. Also the league has improved a lot and you only have to see that a Cypriot team played in this year's Champions League."
Frustration
However, it has not been plain sailing at Enosis, who lie ninth in the 14-team league, just two points above the relegation zone, and are on to their third coach of the season with the December appointment of Eduard Eranosyan. Cassidy has managed just a couple of substitute appearances, making his league debut in a 7-1 loss at leaders AC Omonia, but the arrival of the Armenian coach has given him hope of a breakthrough. "I feel I am ready and am just waiting, really," Cassidy said. "I hope the new coach gives me a proper chance. I like the look of him because he has good authority and I like the training sessions."

[Closed Account]

Kelly set for massive debut (http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306%7E1527088,00.html)


Posted on: Wed 21 Jan 2009
Royals boss Steve Coppell is likely to give Julian Kelly his full League debut in next Tuesday's top-of-the-table clash at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Liam Rosenior misses the game through suspension, and Graeme Murty cannot be recalled from Charlton, so 19-year-old Kelly is set to take his place at right back.

Coppell has handed Kelly four starts in cup competitions this season, as well as allowing him three substitute appearances in the League, but this would be the first Coca-Cola Championship start in his career.

Steve said, "I shall more than likely go with Julian Kelly.

"You groom a player in order to have him progress.

"He's played in the first team this season and he's been in the squad all year long so we'll find out."

[tetsujin1979]

Good news for Kelly, really came out of nowhere after some decent performances in pre-season.

[dr_peepee]

I was just thinking we're short on right fulls!!!!:)

My first instinct is that why couldn't he be a player in another position. But when you think about it we've allot of Championship level depth in most positions, centre half aside..

[dr_peepee]

I see Marlon King has gone to Boro.... Might mean more game time for Folan, hopefully.

[richieos]

I see Marlon King has gone to Boro.... Might mean more game time for Folan, hopefully.

i dont think so unfortunatley, phil brown signed manucho to replace king

[Irish_Praha]

I see Marlon King has gone to Boro.... Might mean more game time for Folan, hopefully.

There has been reports that QPR are after Folan.

http://www.eleven-a-side.com/acrossthewater/news.asp?n=35593

[Carrigaline]

I watched Blackpool against Birmingham today. O'Donovan did fairly well for 'pool, worked very hard and created a few decent chances. Saw Ian Harte playing for the first time in years as well. Did well with the set-pieces and was solid at left-back.

Carsley didn't have the greatest of games for Birmingham, he doesn't look to be able to cover as much ground as he used to. Fahey also come on for the last half hour or so and was pretty ineffective.

[bwagner]

13.23 Skysports.com understands Bolton Wanderers are the latest club to have made an offer for 17 goal Swindon striker Simon Cox.

[Qwerty]

13.23 Skysports.com understands Bolton Wanderers are the latest club to have made an offer for 17 goal Swindon striker Simon Cox.

This is a thread about Irish players playing abroad. You wouldn't be mixing up this Simon Cox with the Simon Cox who played for us in goal at underage level would you?

[Razors left peg]

13.23 Skysports.com understands Bolton Wanderers are the latest club to have made an offer for 17 goal Swindon striker Simon Cox.

Says on the Swindon website that his nationality is English
http://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10341~35281,00.html

[tetsujin1979]

Just noticed Mark Kennedy is playing at left full for Cardiff against Arsenal, has he been playing there a lot recently?

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Tuesday, 20th January 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=138&date=2009-01-20
Scott Davies (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=46717) scored his 11th of the season, only his second away from the Recreation Ground
John O'Shea (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=18121) scored his first goal of the season, his first goal since the 28th April 2007
Can anyone confirm if Dean Brill (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=33656) qualifies for Ireland or not? I believe he was approached when Staunton was in charge. If so, Luton join Charlton in having a starting Irish goalkeeper (Conrad Logan (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=38734)) and a substitute Irish goalkeeper (Brill)

Irish Abroad for Wednesday 21st January 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=138&date=2009-01-21
Chris McCann (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41613) scored his fifth goal of the season
McCann picked up his second booking of the season in the same game

Irish Abroad for Saturday, 24th January 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=138&date=2009-01-24
Roy O'Donovan (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=47075) made his second start for Blackpool, and picked up his second consecutive booking
In the same game, Keith Fahey (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=32429) made his second appearance from the bench
Lee Trundle (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=12919) started consecutive games for the first time since the end of October
Billy Clarke (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41447) marked his debut for Northampton with a hat trick, reportedly the first one for the club in the league? Should Clarke score after returning to Ipswich, he'll have scored in League 2, League 1 and the Championship in one season
Aidan Downes (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=48921) was shown the first red card of his career
Michael Liddle (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=50551) was substituted for the first time, on loan at Carlisle
Billy Mehmet (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=34664) scored his ninth of the season, and his first goal since 18th October
Alex Bruce (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=40576) scored his second of the season

Irish Abroad for Sunday, 25th January 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=138&date=2009-01-25
Jamie McCarthy (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=44290) picked up his fifth booking of the season
Cardiff have yet to lose a home game that Mark Kennedy (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=4136) has started. He played at left full against Arsenal, has he been playing regularly there for the bluebirds?

[EastTerracer]

Just posted this article in the Barry Maguire thread but probably more appropriate here. The Evening Herald did a pretty extensive list of the Irish (or potentially Irish) players with clubs across Europe.

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/whos-playing-where-1608735.html

[bwagner]

ITS A DISGRACE KEILY CANT GET A GAME (another 5 goals) watch the Tevez goal lol ...he drops it so badly. he had conceeded some amount of goals. Dean is a class keeper and deserves a run!

[bwagner]

Championship side Blackpool have signed Manchester City midfielder Paul Marshall on a one-month loan deal.

[bwagner]

Jim O'Brien made all 3 goals in the game last night for Motherwell

[zackmorris]

Keith Treacy returns for Blackburn tonight whilst Aaron Doran makes the bench, he is very highly rated at Ewood and recently signed a new contract. Also, Garry Breen terminated his contract with Hereford

[bwagner]

Lowry was on the bench for Villa

[zackmorris]

David Hutton is on trial at Exeter with a view to signing on loan, he is very
highly rated at Tottenham.

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/football/Spurs-winger-arrives-City/article-672700-detail/article.html

[SkStu]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/peterborough_united/7875534.stm

Frecklington to join Peterborough

[paudie]

ITS A DISGRACE KEILY CANT GET A GAME (another 5 goals) watch the Tevez goal lol ...he drops it so badly. he had conceeded some amount of goals. Dean is a class keeper and deserves a run!

I'd forgotten kiely was sub keeper at WBA. Carson really is brutal.

[paudie]

http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=47075&seasonID=138

Roy O'Donovan is now on loan to Blackpool.

[Wexford Delboy]

Trap is at reading v preston...hopefully st ledger will provide him with some food for thought...doyle after taking a knock,back on the pitch do so hope he will be ok

[the doc]

Trap is at reading v preston...hopefully st ledger will provide him with some food for thought...doyle after taking a knock,back on the pitch do so hope he will be ok

Eddie Nolan called up into the senior squad, St Ledger overlooked again, despite putting in a performance which Alan McInally descibed on Sky TV "Sean St Ledger, a player in the championship putting in a Premiership performance.

[FarBeag]

Eddie Nolan called up into the senior squad, St Ledger overlooked again, despite putting in a performance which Alan McInally descibed on Sky TV "Sean St Ledger, a player in the championship putting in a Premiership performance.


Do they know he is Irish? It would not surprise me if they didnt. I cant understand why he is not given a chance.

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad statistics for January 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/january.xquery
John O'Shea (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=18121) and James McCarthy (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=44290) won seven and five games respectively, no other player won more than three games
Chris McCann (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41613) and Jon Macken (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=10775) both lost four games in January
McCann and O'Shea both started the most amount of games - eight
The Manchester United defender also completed every one of those eight games
Stephen Elliot (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=37913) was withdrawn from the action more times than any other Irish player. The Preston front man was called to the bench four times, twice at Deepdale, and twice more away from home
Conversely, Matt Holland (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=3567) and Adam Rooney (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=43228) were introduced from the dugout four times each
Dean Kiely (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=4190) was an unused substitute seven times in January, to add to the 20 other games before the New Year where he remained on the bench
The first month of the year was frugal in terms of goals scored, Billy Clarke (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41447) and Scott Davies (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=46717) both notched three. Only Stephen Elliott, Wes Hoolahan (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=43134), Graham Barrett and Andy Keogh (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=39039) managed to get more than one

[tetsujin1979]

Jim O'Brien happy with progress at Motherwell: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11781_4907229,00.html

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Saturday, 7th February 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=138&date=2009-02-07
Andy O'Brien (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=9719) started his first game since 17 January 2009
Shay Given (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=2898) made his debut for Man City
Stephen Kelly (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=34486) made his debut for Stoke City
Damien Duff (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=10515) scored his third of the season, and the first since 21st December 2008
Michael Doyle (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=35384) scored his second goal in two games
Gary Doherty (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=12910) was sent off for the second time this season
Liam Miller (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=20718) started his third consecutive game on loan at QPR, he hasn't done that since the end of last season
Darren O'Dea (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41533) made his third start of the season
Adam Rooney (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=43228) scored his first goal since 27 December 2008

Irish Abroad for Sunday, 8th February 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=11957
Robbie Keane (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=11957) completed 90 minutes for the first time since the 26th December 2008
Manchester United have not lost a league game away from home when John O'Shea (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=18121) started this season

[theworm2345]

Garry Breen on trial at Macclesfield
http://bullsnews.blogspot.com/2009/02/news-round-up_12.html
http://www.macclesfield.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=143384

[co. down green]

Stephen Carr coming out of retirement (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5icw57zWDeiEL6PXYATZj_seVhtBg)

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Had the misfortune of going to the Wolves v Burnley game yesterday, with the only shining light being the performance of Chris McCann - Looks like he could become an important player for us in a few years if he keeps up that level of performance.

Seems to have a ballsy attitude and is full of energy totally over-running our more experienced (although relatively woeful) midfield duo of Quashie and Henry. A lot taller than I thought he was (looked to be over 6ft) and quite wiry but strong in the tackle. Passed it well and broke on the attack well having a couple of long shots. Lost his marker(Stearman) well and got the crucial/wounding header.

As for the Wolves - wheels could be falling off but there's still a bit to go. Foley and Ward were the better of the performers although were not so eager to attack like they were earlier in the season - possibly due to a collective lack of confidence in the team. Keogh remained on the bench and McCarthy proceeds in making strange decisions (playing 2 defensive midfielders) at crucial times just when it seemed like he was maturing as a manager. Personally, would love to see Gleeson thown in - another kid with a bit of attitude who performed well against Germany.

As for Owen Coyle - looks like he has assembled a very good team and tactically got it spot on by nullifying our wingers and outbattling us. Would be more than happy to see him get the Irish job in the not to distant future.

[Closed Account]

Lowry and Wallace on the bench for Villa and Everton respectively

[Paddy Garcia]

Had the misfortune of going to the Wolves v Burnley game yesterday, with the only shining light being the performance of Chris McCann - Looks like he could become an important player for us in a few years if he keeps up that level of performance.


A few years - I wonder if he is a better bet today than Whelan who looks well out of his depth.

[Stuttgart88]

Personally, would love to see Gleeson thown in

Is he back at Wolves? I thought he was at Stockport or somewhere liker that.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

A few years - I wonder if he is a better bet today than Whelan who looks well out of his depth.

Definitely think he could do a job at present, although in a few years I really think he'll be in a position to dominate games at the highest level. Personally, don't think that Whelan has been all that bad, however agree that it is only a matter of time with McCann, Gibson, Garvan, McCarthy and O'Toole gaining more experience by the day.

[eirebhoy]

Is he back at Wolves? I thought he was at Stockport or somewhere liker that.
Back from his loan.

"Stephen Gleeson was also involved for the whole match.

The 20-year-old Irishman is back at Molineux after spending the first half of the season on loan with Stockport County. "

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/wolverhampton_wanderers/7841630.stm

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Is he back at Wolves? I thought he was at Stockport or somewhere liker that.

He was recalled by Wolves and is currently training with the first team squad. He has just signed a one year deal with the club running up to next summer - so it really is make or break for him, however McCarthy recommended him to Staunton for his US Tour call up and made him captain of the reserves so obviously rates him. Hopefully it's just designed to give him a kick up the ar*e to make the step up and grab his chance when it comes.

He's small, but stocky, and his passing and ability to drift into space is great to see - playing a game possibly more suited to the Premiership. Only worry is that McCarthy has not brought through many of our youth team yet and may well panic and err on the side of caution with experienced players at the expense of cocky youthfulness which we could do with right now. The fact that he has said that we need to be playing more defensively after losing the last two matches despite playing two defensive central midfielders does not bode well. However hopefully he will be given a chance and take it.

[Stuttgart88]

Whatever role Gleeson plays I hope Mick can turn this slump around.

I have to say I thought Gleeson was on that slippery road to anonymity but I didn't realise he was still U21 eligible so he still has a chance. Look accomplished against Germany U21s,

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Saturday, 14th February: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=138&date=2009-02-14
Stephen Ireland (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41708) picked up his seventh booking of the season, six of these have been away from hom
Keith Fahey (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=32429) scored his first goal for Birmingham
After being substituted in the same game, Brendan Moloney (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=46368) still has not completed 90 minutes away from home for Nottingham Forest
Chris McCann (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=41613) scored his sixth of the season
Paul Heffernan (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=17996) scored his fifth goal in his last twelve games
Richard Keogh (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=34464) scored his first goal of the season
Cillian Sheridan (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=46153) started his first game for Motherwell
Michael Timlin (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=39651) picked up his sixth booking of the season
Alan Power (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=46458) played his first minutes of football in almost a month
Richie Foran (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=21187) picked up his first booking since moving to Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Michael Doyle (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=35384) scored his third goal in three games for Coventry
Caleb Folan (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=28492) made his first start since the 30th August 2008

Irish Abroad for Sunday, 15th February: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=138&date=2009-02-15
Willo Flood (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=36241) made his first start for Celtic, having moved to them during the transfer window
Darron Gibson (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=42488) scored his second of the season for Man United. Both of these have come away from home, and United have gone on to win both games
James Wallace (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=49717) was an unused substitute for Everton for the seventh time this season
In the same game, Shane Lowry (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=50776) was an unused substitute for Aston Villa for the fourth time this season

[the doc]

Had the misfortune of going to the Wolves v Burnley game yesterday, with the only shining light being the performance of Chris McCann - Looks like he could become an important player for us in a few years if he keeps up that level of performance.

Seems to have a ballsy attitude and is full of energy totally over-running our more experienced (although relatively woeful) midfield duo of Quashie and Henry. A lot taller than I thought he was (looked to be over 6ft) and quite wiry but strong in the tackle. Passed it well and broke on the attack well having a couple of long shots. Lost his marker(Stearman) well and got the crucial/wounding header.

As for the Wolves - wheels could be falling off but there's still a bit to go. Foley and Ward were the better of the performers although were not so eager to attack like they were earlier in the season - possibly due to a collective lack of confidence in the team. Keogh remained on the bench and McCarthy proceeds in making strange decisions (playing 2 defensive midfielders) at crucial times just when it seemed like he was maturing as a manager. Personally, would love to see Gleeson thown in - another kid with a bit of attitude who performed well against Germany.

As for Owen Coyle - looks like he has assembled a very good team and tactically got it spot on by nullifying our wingers and outbattling us. Would be more than happy to see him get the Irish job in the not to distant future.

Whats going on at Wolves? Mancs, you haven't been the same since Preston beat you at home.

Is it just bad luck or have the team just not played well?