Ireland Squad named

[EalingGreen]

Fairly poor Irish squad all round I reckon. How many of the squad are even playing with decent premiership sides? And why so many similar defenders? Hopefully the starting 11 will be able to get past a tough Georgian side!:cool:

Maybe not the best Irish squad in recent years, but having seen Georgia in Belfast earlier this year, so long as you don't let them play - and they're a very young and inexperienced team - then you should be comfortably too good for them.

That said, they do have a fair bit of ability, so that when we took our foot off the pedal in the second half (following disruption caused by a rash of second-rate substitutes), they showed they could be tricky enough.

I'd say Trapattoni will play it cautiously/defensively, as he gradually imposes himself and his ideas after the two wasted years under Staunton.

In which case, my bet would be on a narrow victory over Georgia, though the peculiar circumstances (recent war, venue etc) might just cause the Georgians to raise their game?

[third policeman]

[quote=EalingGreen;1010021]Maybe not the best Irish squad in recent years, but having seen Georgia in Belfast earlier this year, so long as you don't let them play - and they're a very young and inexperienced team - then you should be comfortably too good for them.


As ever this is a well reasoned and appreciated contribution to the thread, but at the risk of opening up an old and fruitless disputation, why exactly do you read this site at all. Surely the prospects of the Ireland (Republic of) football team are of no more interest to yourself than those of any other foreign nation. If it is just neighbourly interest then I assume that you keep an equally close eye on the respective sites for Wales, Scotland and England supporters? Or might it just be that your attitude towards the ROI is a little bit more equivocal than you care to admit. This is compared to recent decades a poor Ireland squad and it would clearly benefit from the services of a few capable northerners (Evans, McCartney, Lafferty, Brunt would all be in contention for selection for this game). The paradox is this. The more inclusive that Northern Ireland seek to be in encouraging cross-community support / participation in their team, the less point there is in having two international teams when our combined resources are so slender.

We already live in strange islands where there is no correlation between national boundaries and footballing jurisdictions. We also live with the paradox of a rugby team that represents all of one state and a small part of its neighbouring state. I wonder whether amongst the majority of reasonable people on both sides of the border the idea of a combined football team called Ireland would not have considerable support.

[carloz]

Lads we all know what Carsely can bring to Ireland, but in all seriousness it isnt a massive mistake not having him in the squad. He rarely plays above average for us and in all seriousness it is time we looked at different options in that position.
I personally dont have many issues with the squad, would have liked to have seen lawrence there but the rumour is he is quite a disruptive influence. Im sure Trap is trying to recreate a good atmosphere in the group so maybe that was his reasoning for not calling up Lawrence.

[EalingGreen]

Maybe not the best Irish squad in recent years, but having seen Georgia in Belfast earlier this year, so long as you don't let them play - and they're a very young and inexperienced team - then you should be comfortably too good for them.


As ever this is a well reasoned and appreciated contribution to the thread,
Thank You.

but at the risk of opening up an old and fruitless disputation, why exactly do you read this site at all. Surely the prospects of the Ireland (Republic of) football team are of no more interest to yourself than those of any other foreign nation. If it is just neighbourly interest then I assume that you keep an equally close eye on the respective sites for Wales, Scotland and England supporters? Or might it just be that your attitude towards the ROI is a little bit more equivocal than you care to admit. This is compared to recent decades a poor Ireland squad and it would clearly benefit from the services of a few capable northerners (Evans, McCartney, Lafferty, Brunt would all be in contention for selection for this game). The paradox is this. The more inclusive that Northern Ireland seek to be in encouraging cross-community support / participation in their team, the less point there is in having two international teams when our combined resources are so slender.

We already live in strange islands where there is no correlation between national boundaries and footballing jurisdictions. We also live with the paradox of a rugby team that represents all of one state and a small part of its neighbouring state. I wonder whether amongst the majority of reasonable people on both sides of the border the idea of a combined football team called Ireland would not have considerable support.
Unless you either start a separate thread in the appropriate section, or PM me (and I've the time and inclination to reply), then your post is, as you fear, "fruitlessly disputatatious".

I don't see many other posters having to justify their membership of this Board and so long as I remain within the letter and spirit of the Rules, I don't see why I should have to do so, either.

[third policeman]

Thank You.

I don't see many other posters having to justify their membership of this Board and so long as I remain within the letter and spirit of the Rules, I don't see why I should have to do so, either.


There is a significant difference between "explaining" and "justifying." Your well argued and informative contributions are more than adequate justification for your presence on this site. I just remain curious as to why you give us so much of your time when your allegiances lie firmly elsewhere.

I think that our (Republic of Ireland) squad is at present extremely weak (a fact compounded by Trap's seemingly eccentric selection policies) and maybe there is now a pragmatic case for two small nations who share an island, a rugby team and quite a bit else to consider pooling their resources. As someone with an obvious interest in what might be termed "Irish soccer" I thought you might have some thoughts on the subject. A lot of rational Irish football fans on both sides of the border will cheer on the "other Irish team" when their side fails to qualify for major tournaments. I think we are now looking at a scenario where it will become increasingly difficult for either side to qualify as standards across Europe improve and nations with bigger populations and better developed domestic structures squeeze us out. Would you rather see a combined Irish side taking part in World Cup and European finals or see Northern Ireland and Ireland failing to qualify over and over again?

Clearly a lot of die-hards in both camps would never countenance comprimising their stance on flags, anthems and all the historic baggage, but your very presence on this site suggests that you are not of this ilk.

[geysir]

There is a significant difference between "explaining" and "justifying."
3rd policeman, do you know where you are? get a grip of yourself there and take it to another thread.
Otherwise I'd have to assume you are a figment of EGs imagination or an OWC agent provocateur on a dastardly mission to sabotage this forum/thread.

[Irish_Praha]

There is a significant difference between "explaining" and "justifying." Your well argued and informative contributions are more than adequate justification for your presence on this site. I just remain curious as to why you give us so much of your time when your allegiances lie firmly elsewhere.

I think that our (Republic of Ireland) squad is at present extremely weak (a fact compounded by Trap's seemingly eccentric selection policies) and maybe there is now a pragmatic case for two small nations who share an island, a rugby team and quite a bit else to consider pooling their resources. As someone with an obvious interest in what might be termed "Irish soccer" I thought you might have some thoughts on the subject. A lot of rational Irish football fans on both sides of the border will cheer on the "other Irish team" when their side fails to qualify for major tournaments. I think we are now looking at a scenario where it will become increasingly difficult for either side to qualify as standards across Europe improve and nations with bigger populations and better developed domestic structures squeeze us out. Would you rather see a combined Irish side taking part in World Cup and European finals or see Northern Ireland and Ireland failing to qualify over and over again?

Clearly a lot of die-hards in both camps would never countenance comprimising their stance on flags, anthems and all the historic baggage, but your very presence on this site suggests that you are not of this ilk.

Please don't mix sport and politics, this sort of discussion has destroyed lots of interesting threads on here already. If you want to ask EG a private question PM him as he suggests.

[EalingGreen]

There is a significant difference between "explaining" and "justifying." Your well argued and informative contributions are more than adequate justification for your presence on this site. I just remain curious as to why you give us so much of your time when your allegiances lie firmly elsewhere.

I think that our (Republic of Ireland) squad is at present extremely weak (a fact compounded by Trap's seemingly eccentric selection policies) and maybe there is now a pragmatic case for two small nations who share an island, a rugby team and quite a bit else to consider pooling their resources. As someone with an obvious interest in what might be termed "Irish soccer" I thought you might have some thoughts on the subject. A lot of rational Irish football fans on both sides of the border will cheer on the "other Irish team" when their side fails to qualify for major tournaments. I think we are now looking at a scenario where it will become increasingly difficult for either side to qualify as standards across Europe improve and nations with bigger populations and better developed domestic structures squeeze us out. Would you rather see a combined Irish side taking part in World Cup and European finals or see Northern Ireland and Ireland failing to qualify over and over again?

Clearly a lot of die-hards in both camps would never countenance comprimising their stance on flags, anthems and all the historic baggage, but your very presence on this site suggests that you are not of this ilk.
I seem to spend half my time on this Board "justifying" myself, but fair enough, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you were genuinely seeking an explanation.

However, so as to keep it brief/on topic/uncontroversial etc, and also to prevent this thread being locked, I shall merely say two things.
1. As a lifelong NI fan, I have absolutely no wish to see my team disappear, whether into a United Ireland team or into a United Kingdom team. As such, that has nothing whatever to do with our "success" or the lack of it. Rather, I am quite happy with our own occasional, moderate achievements. And even if you were to tell me that we would never win another game, then the only difference this might make would be to cause me to drift away, not call for a new team, or switch to supporting else. (Note my use of "might", btw)
2. There are a number of reasons why I frequent this site. Partly these are to do with the inescapable fact that football in Ireland is inevitable linked to some extent across the two jurisdictions, both historically and currently. Partly it is because I am a football nut generally and this is one of the best run such sites I've found. And I guess is it partly because I like airing my own opinions - and I'm hardly alone in that in this company! ;)

[back of the net]

this liam miller issue just annoys me - his continuous inclusion in the ireland squad is baffling - the guy is cleary limited and is far off the required standard of international football.

how he gets in the squad ahead of carsley is mind blowing. If he is picked for the team against georgia and mont: , it will be very worrying

i didnt think liam brady rated him? did he? he is a limited championship player

[kingdomkerry]

I think there have been stronger squads. but our best 11 out of that squad is as good a team as we could produce in recent years. Pity a few judas' wont play. Their loss.

[irishfan86]

i didnt think liam brady rated him? did he?

As a pundit, Brady always went on about him, so I assume he's a fan.

Definitely agree he should be further down the pecking order- probably wouldn't have him in the squad either.

Really hoping Andy Reid gets into the team for these qualifiers.

[third policeman]

2. There are a number of reasons why I frequent this site. Partly these are to do with the inescapable fact that football in Ireland is inevitable linked to some extent across the two jurisdictions, both historically and currently. Partly it is because I am a football nut generally and this is one of the best run such sites I've found. And I guess is it partly because I like airing my own opinions - and I'm hardly alone in that in this company! ;)


That's cool with me. I just happen to think that the "inevitable, historical and current" links establish a powerful case for having a single international team. I think it would benefit Irish football and also improve relationships across communities in Ireland without it necessarily threatening political or constitutional structures. It is just another instance (the Celtic League being the other one) of where Rugby could teach us a thing or two.

[third policeman]

To return to te main topic of this thread. Watched O'Shea last night for Man Utd. He actually looked quite accomplished when he came on and made a difference for Utd in the midfield area. What's the latest with Andy O'Brien. If he was available (or the hugely promising St Ledger picked) then I think that even O'Shea would be an improvement on Whelan. This is definitely Trap's blind spot. It's not even as if he has done anything to vindicate his selection. He is a competent championship player who has been relegated to the bench at Stoke. The problem with some coaches is that they feel obliged to make eccentric selections to prove their genius.

[Razors left peg]

To return to te main topic of this thread. Watched O'Shea last night for Man Utd. He actually looked quite accomplished when he came on and made a difference for Utd in the midfield area. What's the latest with Andy O'Brien. If he was available (or the hugely promising St Ledger picked) then I think that even O'Shea would be an improvement on Whelan. This is definitely Trap's blind spot. It's not even as if he has done anything to vindicate his selection. He is a competent championship player who has been relegated to the bench at Stoke. The problem with some coaches is that they feel obliged to make eccentric selections to prove their genius.

The latest with Andy o Brien is that he has said that he is definately not coming back, so forget about him. And we cant say that this is Traps blind spot until we see if it gets results.If we qualify out of the group with Whelan in midfield we will all be saying that it was a stroke of genius

[geysir]

Is that later than Joey O'Brien saying he thought it was not a final decision based on his discussions with Andy?

[Razors left peg]

Is that later than Joey O'Brien saying he thought it was not a final decision based on his discussions with Andy?

Fair enough didnt hear that... I was going on what Trappatoni said and the fact that he's not been in squads recently

[back of the net]

As a pundit, Brady always went on about him, so I assume he's a fan.

Definitely agree he should be further down the pecking order- probably wouldn't have him in the squad either.

Really hoping Andy Reid gets into the team for these qualifiers.


fair enough then - but am surprised with brady thinking this especially considering his experience at spotting talent while working with the arsenal academy

yeah agree with you on reid - we really need his vision - he deserves his chance to stake and nail down a regular place in the team - quality player

[third policeman]

The And we cant say that this is Traps blind spot until we see if it gets results.If we qualify out of the group with Whelan in midfield we will all be saying that it was a stroke of genius


Hope you are right about Whelan, but if we didn't believe we knew better than the manager(s) we probably wouldn't be on this site in the first place. Seems like a big risk leaving out one of our most talented and consistent Premiership players for a seemingly limited player with little top flight pedigree.

[Noelys Guitar]

Hope you are right about Whelan, but if we didn't believe we knew better than the manager(s) we probably wouldn't be on this site in the first place. Seems like a big risk leaving out one of our most talented and consistent Premiership players for a seemingly limited player with little top flight pedigree.

Whelan again not in the starting eleven for Stoke. Not a good sign.

[Razors left peg]

Hope you are right about Whelan, but if we didn't believe we knew better than the manager(s) we probably wouldn't be on this site in the first place. Seems like a big risk leaving out one of our most talented and consistent Premiership players for a seemingly limited player with little top flight pedigree.

I totally agree that Andy Reid should be in the team and Im very dissappointed that hes not(he's possibly my favorite Irish player at the moment)... but I just dont want to get into critisizing the manager before we have played a single qualifier, and I was very impressed with the potential we showed in the first half against Norway

[geysir]

He might yet be picked in place of Duff.

[Razors left peg]

hatrick for Doyler today, hope that bodes well for his form going into next week

[Noelys Guitar]

hatrick for Doyler today, hope that bodes well for his form going into next week

Great to see. I hope Villa sign him. I was watching the West ham v Blackburn game and although WH won 4-1 the Irish threesome of Reid, Andrews and especially Treacy played well. Treacy's crosses from the left caused in the WH defense. He looks like avery good prospect.

[SkStu]

thought Andrews looked like a tidy player, maybe a little bit off the pace. Next 5-6 games will tell us more but he showed a couple of lovely flick passes in midfield, reminded me of SkStu in his prime...

Treacy has deceptive pace and a great cross off either foot. Looks like he might come good.

Reid is a superb athlete - love watching him play.

[irishultra]

Yes I'm so happy for Doyler.

[Wexford Delboy]

delighted for doyle hope hel prove all the doubters on this forum wrong in the upcoming qualifiers

[elroy]

I think Im going to start a campaign to get Lawrence in the squad, by all accounts played a good game for Stoke again today and has not looked out of place since the move up. And unlike some other players he has expressed a real desire to get back in the Irish set up.

Anyways, the next two weeks is huge for us, i think we really need to get at least 4 and hopefully six points out of these games to give us a good start to the group and to keep the good feeling that has been in place since Trap took over. I think we can take Georgia, they didnt look anything to worry about against Wales (particularly the keeper), am a bit more concerned about Montenegro, not to mention our recent away record.........when was the last time we won two away games in a row?????

[DmanDmythDledge]

I think Im going to start a campaign to get Lawrence in the squad, by all accounts played a good game for Stoke again today and has not looked out of place since the move up. And unlike some other players he has expressed a real desire to get back in the Irish set up.
Did very well today for Stoke's goal- got away from the full back and delivered an excellent cross to the far post.

[ancapall]

I think it is high time that the Managment told, both him personally, and us why Lawrence is not in the squad. It has to be for non football reasons.

If they are not going to pick him for something he has done in the past, or they fear he might do in the future, then they should be fair to the lad, and us, and say so. He certainly seems to be working on the assumption that if he keeps doing his stuff he will get in but must wonder when he sees some of the people who get ahead of him in the squad.

Anyone who thinks any of our current squad is better as a right hand side midfielder, with the possible exception of S Reid, has clearly not been watching him amd the other options for a while.

This disruption accusation might be part of it, but we should be told.

He is certainly a bit lippy and gets booked for arguing with refs but usually has a case when he does.
The corollary of that is that in a battle he does not go missing and will fight his corner as good as the next man.
With Duff missing, a decent option on the right is what we are crying out for.

He is the best one we have available at the moment.

[Stuttgart88]

Yep, I think Lawrence is worth considering for the RHM spot. Strange that he's not in the squad.

I hope Delaney will play LB with O'Shea and Dunne at CB.

I'm actually not too put out by Duff's loss. I expect Hunt will play on the left now, McGeady on the right.

I don't think a traditional winger is ideal to service our front two. I'd like to see us narrower and tighter in midfield with the full backs getting forward.

[Scram]

Yep, I think Lawrence is worth considering for the RHM spot. Strange that he's not in the squad.

I hope Delaney will play LB with O'Shea and Dunne at CB.

I'm actually not too put out by Duff's loss. I expect Hunt will play on the left now, McGeady on the right.

I don't think a traditional winger is ideal to service our front two. I'd like to see us narrower and tighter in midfield with the full backs getting forward.

O'Shea has gone from bad to awful to disaster to bad and back to disaster at center back, I'd rather have Andy O'Brien, McShane or Anyone! (I know they may not be available!). I'd nearly put Kilbane in CB before O'Shea, that's how bad he has been

[Stuttgart88]

O'Shea has gone from bad to awful to disaster to bad and back to disaster at center back, And your solution is McShane?

O'Shea has a careless error in him in every game, so has Dunne - still. But these are by far and away our best CBs available. Like Breen before him, O'Shea has never been as bad as many here make out. I'd like to have a 27 year old Kenny Cunningham available again but we don't.

[irishultra]

lol at boards.ie

not a thread about the ireland squad named last week, yet the england squad has 20 replies in like 20 minutes.

[gally]

Great news if this is true, taken from FAI website...

[NeilMcD]

http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3506

What a legend.

[boovidge]

kilbane should go down as one of the great Irish players.

[geysir]

It's been a long time coming.
As it looks now, these are 2 good games to start our campaign.

Trap rightly dismisses any talks of advantage with playing in Mainz.
And as clear as anyone could be without saying it, he indicates that Andy Reid will not play. Two wingers is us, in place of Duff will be either Keogh or Hunt.
It's a huge game for Glenn Whelan and a huge ask. I'd prefer Carsley but I can see that there are good reasons to move on even if Whelan is raw at this level.

Not many managers would get away with dropping Carsley from the squad and Reid from the team. He has explained in simple terms his reasons for doing so which makes a nice change from hiding from the question.
Everybody is holding fire waiting to see how it will work.

[Dotsy]

I would prefer to see A Reid replace Duff but I can live with Hunt if that is what Trap goes for. But under no circumstances should Keogh be played as a winger. He is a good player but it's not his position and he won't provide the required service to the front two.

[shakermaker1982]

I would prefer to see A Reid replace Duff but I can live with Hunt if that is what Trap goes for. But under no circumstances should Keogh be played as a winger. He is a good player but it's not his position and he won't provide the required service to the front two.

I have a fear the Trap might go for this option. McGeady will then switch to left and Keogh comes in on the right. Hunt will be p*ssed for the second time this week if it does indeed happen.

[cudsy1]

playing keogh ahead of a reid would not be cool

[RedBobby]

playing keogh ahead of a reid would not be cool
I don't know, I'd like to see a more attacking options in the middle of the park.
Long gone are the days of matty holland holding the ball in midfield, we need some fresh blood in there to create a buzz, and hopefully give the georgians and serbians something which they wouldn't have planned for.
Sure you still need some expierence on the field, but surely, Keane and the back 4 (or 5) enough for this.
IMO i'd play a 4-5-1 option, with keane up front alone, to stop him wandering back into midfield, with 2 wingers supporting him, McGeady and Murphy, and 2 attacking midfielders, Keogh and Hunt and then stephen reid to hold down the fort in midfield.

Still i'm not trap yet, so lets see what happens.

[lionelhutz]

I'll be very worried if I see Keogh line up on the wing - anyone remember the home game against Germany?? He was a disaster out wide. A blind man can see he's not comfortable there. Can someone please send Trap a video of that game?

And if both Hunt and A Reid are fully fit and left on the bench while inferior players are starting, it'll remind of the Slovakia away game when I was never more furious coming out of a stadium after Stan left Hunt and Reid warming the bench while the likes of Douglas and Gibson strutted their stuff...

[Stuttgart88]

With regard to the wide options, I think it's important to differentiate between a winger (e.g., Duff) and a wide midfielder. Duff and McGeady are more like traditional wingers. Kilbane too.

In the past we've used Finnan, Miller, S. Reid. A. Reid and even Keogh and Elliott as "wide midfielders". Liam Lawrence is a classic wide midfielder. Poor Rory Delap was often used RHM, in fact any position other than where he plays naturally, CM.

I'd see Hunt as having the attributes of both - a winger/wide midfielder hybrid if you like.

Replacing a winger with a good wide midfielder doesn't reduce the balance of a team, but putting a square peg in a round hole (S. Reid / Miller / Keogh out wide) has never worked.

In my opinion the only credible candidates to replace Duff (whether it be RHS or LHS) are Hunt, Kilbane and A. Reid. Andy Reid has played wide for Ireland before and has done quite well.

[geysir]

Trap appears to be quite fixed on not having Andy Reid play wide.
When mentioning who would replace Duff he quoted Hunt, McGeady and Keogh.

Not only is A Reid behind Miller at CM but behind Keogh at RM,
'tis strange.

[dr_peepee]

In the past though trapp has spoken of the importance of patience and retaining posession... I don't think Hunt is condusive to that kind of game so, for me, it's a bit of a contradiction if he plays him.

Could it be that Trapp is unhappy with Reids physical condition???

[Razors left peg]

If Trap doesnt see Reid as a central midfielder even ahead of Miller and doesnt see him as a winger capable of replacing Duff, I really wonder what position he sees him in...Im not gonna start critising Trap but it really makes no sense to me

[paul_oshea]

freezing out could be the correct term it looks as though a. reid has no hope of getting anywhere near this team unless two wingers are gone

[Brendan 82]

Looks like we will be seeing very little of Andy Reid then. The Lawrence omission seems a little strange too. I cant wait for Saturday to see how Trap's strategies really play out. This is the big-time on Saturday and it is a must win game.

Will Trap not select Lawrence, Treacy, and Andrews even if they continue to play well in the Premiership?

[Stuttgart88]

In fairness, Treacy & Andrews have an awful lot to do before they'd be considered controversial ommissions.

"Freezing out"?

Trap was quite clear in saying that he felt A. Reid's most likely role was behind a main striker.

I have already answered the question about what Andy can do for me.

It's about balance. I saw many, many times before here that Andy is a good player.

But if I decide to play Andy in a game, maybe it would be with one striker. That's my opinion.

At the moment, I look forward to building a big strong team with spirit but every game is different.

The Nordic game is about strength but against one of the Latin sides it's possible to play a Latin game, like against the Portuguese. That is my experience.

Personally I think Reid is good as an orthodox central midfielder (the best we have - he was superb in that role against Germany) or as an advanced playmaker. I'd have less confidence in a deep lying role where although his distribution and composure on the ball would be useful, you'd prefer someone better able to offer defensive protection. Also, Trap does have a point in that when you have 2 relative lightweights on the wings, you can't afford any weakness in the middle.

Whelan is a poor man's Andy Reid when it comes to dictating midfield but is far more mobile and in Norway he showed he could put in hard tackles when needed. He is good on the ball, protects it well and plays good, crisp & accurate passes.

Miller is a different story. I don't know what Trap sees in him!

[Brendan 82]

What about Keogh, a benchwarming striker from the Championship, getting a midfield role ahead of Liam Lawrence, a Premiership right midfielder?