Keith Andrews

[rebelmusic]

We completely discounting Fahey in the middle?

[SwanVsDalton]

Don't think so. I think both him and Andrews will be in the squad, but Fahey will actually make the bench but Andrews won't. Check this thread (http://foot.ie/threads/147913-Predict-the-Squad-Starting-Lineup-for-Macedonia)for team/squad in general.

[Charlie Darwin]

I think Trap has discounted Fahey in the middle judging by his squad selection for the Wales game.

[Stuttgart88]

I thought Fahey was left out because Brum had a game the preceding Sunday. No way Fahey would be out of the squad after impressing against Russia and Slovakia. Can't remember how he did against Norway!

[tetsujin1979]

I thought he was really good against Norway, linked well with Whelan beside him in central midfield, held possession well

[Alf Honn]

I thought Fahey was left out because Brum had a game the preceding Sunday. No way Fahey would be out of the squad after impressing against Russia and Slovakia. Can't remember how he did against Norway!


Yeah, that was the excuse he got.

Bizarre the same logic didn't apply to Robbie Keane who played (and got injured) in that same game for West Ham against Brum.

[Noelys Guitar]

He played well again yesterday against Arsenal. I'm a big believer in looking at the oppositon, occasion, home/away/neutral when judging Irish players. And Fahey played well for 70 mins+ yesterday. There was a article in one of the papers suggesting that Trapatonni sees Fahey as a wide player but for me he is a central midfielder. He also gets into better goal scoring positions than our other 4 midfielders. For me he just shades it over Gibson for the spot alongside Whelan.

[Stuttgart88]

Noely, I'll have to go looking for the quote, but fahey himself said that he prefers to play wide. This surprised me, but it's what he said.

[Noelys Guitar]

Noely, I'll have to go looking for the quote, but fahey himself said that he prefers to play wide. This surprised me, but it's what he said.

I believe your right Stuttgart. I just thought he covered a hell of a lot of ground yesterday (almost box to box) and he tends to support the front one/two very well. I feel he's the player most likely to get us a goal against Macedonia out of our 5 midfielders. Probably just behind Gibson in Trap's mind at this stage.

[Stuttgart88]

Yep. Though in my mind I think I'd trust him a bit more than Gibson, although once or twice when presented with a bit of time in midfield for Ireland he rushed his pass. Gibson has more composure, but is less tenacious. Both decent players, but I think Supreme Feet's "description of two Robins but no Batman" would fit regardless of which partners Whelan.

[Sullivinho]

Fahey on his position/s. (http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/disappointed-fahey-sends-a-message-with-goal-on-return-2531878.html)

"I can play on the left or right side and I am more comfortable there"

[Stuttgart88]

Yeah, that was the excuse he got.

Bizarre the same logic didn't apply to Robbie Keane who played (and got injured) in that same game for West Ham against Brum.Maybe Trap had already decided that

(a) Gibson would get a run alongside Whelan
(b) Coleman was deserving of a look
(c) Duff needed time in the green shirt again

- all of which would have rendered Fahey obsolete on the day. As it happens he was called up and came on as sub.

It's different with Keane - he's captain.

I'm not saying this is wright or wrong, just discounting the notion that there's no method to Trap's thinking. I have become disillusioned with many aspects of Trap's management but I honestly can't see Fahey being dropped from the main 23 for a qualifier. There were extenuating circumstances last time out - or at least there might have been if they were only communicated (to player and media).

[Noelys Guitar]

Getting stick from a section of the Blackburn supporters. Never nice to see.

Meanwhile, Keith Andrews' adviser has insisted that the Ireland international will not be driven out of Ewood Park by Blackburn fans.

A section of the Rovers support have targeted Andrews for abuse at various stages of his time at the club and they turned on the Dubliner again last month following his return from injury.

There was even a claim in a British newspaper that Blackburn boss Steve Kean had decided not to play Andrews in home games to spare him the abuse of supporters.

That prompted speculation that Rovers would offload Andrews on loan, but the player's agent says that Andrews will see out his contract at Ewood Park.

“Keith loves the club. He has a contract for two more years at the club and he wants to stay. Keith is not looking to go anywhere,” said Andrews' agent, Will Salthouse.

“There has been interest from other clubs but Keith has not even spoken to them.

“The club have said they want him to stay and I can dismiss the rumours that he will be leaving.”

[irishultra]

hes been gettin stick ever since he moved there.

[theworm2345]

Just came on in the 70th minute, first appearance since February.

[irishbaz]

He came on in the 70th minute and was shocking responsible for Blackburn been pushed back couldn't hold onto the ball, poor in the tackle and just runs up and down the pitch- As a Blackburn fan he is our worst player and that was emphasized against Fulham (I think) when he was booed by his own fans. While I don't condone the booing of your own players I could understand the fans frustration with his lack of ability-he is at best a championship player.

[DannyInvincible]

Andrews on for Blackburn for the last 13 minutes against United. 1-1 at the minute.

[DannyInvincible]

Very little happening in the game now with United needing just a point to win the title so they're passing the ball back and forth across their defence with Blackburn in lazy chase.

Edit: The final whistle goes but not before the fourth official decides that an additional three minute-long farce of United passing the ball around their defence while Blackburn settle for the draw must be endured.

[Philly]

Moving to Ipswich Town on a 6 month loan according to SSN just now. If he plays alot I guess it is a good move.

[Sullivinho]

Decent move, needs games.

[dr_peepee]

I'd say he's enough to offer a premier league team just trying to stay up. Blackburn have ideas above their station in my mind. I think they'll go down and miss what Andrews has to offer en route!!

[seanfhear]

Keith has done a good job for Ireland and would be a good signing for any club looking for a midfielder with what Keith offers.

I think Blackburn are turning into a nut-house club !

[elroy]

Good move for Keith. Blackburn has become a bit of a poisonous club for him in recent times. Getting some grief from the fans he doesnt deserve.

Gives his all for us and has done reasonably well in fairness.

[Wolfie]

Gives his all for us and has done reasonably well in fairness.

Indeed. Great goal against Italy. How many Championship players can say that???

[an_ceannaire]

Lads, Stop, he is feckin useless!!
He wont get near a premier league team

[Wolfie]

Indeed. Great goal against Italy. How many Championship players can say that???


Lads, Stop, he is feckin useless!!
He wont get near a premier league team

Well, I'd be resigned to thinking he's headed for the Championship but I think calling him "useless" is a bit harsh.

[tetsujin1979]

Well, I'd be resigned to thinking he's headed for the Championship but I think calling him "useless" is a bit harsh.
this, to drag yourself from non-league football to full international means he must have something.

[Stuttgart88]

Useless shot against Italy.

He's no great shakes in reality, but I think we're a better team with him playing than when he's not.

[tetsujin1979]

Useless shot against Italy.

He's no great shakes in reality, but I think we're a better team with him playing than when he's not.
just on that goal against Italy, he used the same set piece against Scotland and it went just wide. Clearly, he worked on it before playing the Italians

[SwanVsDalton]

He's no great shakes in reality, but I think we're a better team with him playing than when he's not.

Loads of cult Irish footballing heroes you could say that about.

[irishfan86]

Andrews offers solidity in a position where we have poor depth. I don't think anyone here would claim he's a top-level player, but he gives his all for us and when it mattered most in Paris he showed up in a big way.

Hope he finds a club that appreciates what he brings to the table. Personally think he'd be an asset to teams fighting relegation or seeking promotion to the Premier League.

[Cuyahoga]

Gone to Ipswich on loan.

[Supreme feet]

Lads, Stop, he is feckin useless!!
He wont get near a premier league team

Have you ever actually acknowledged any degree of talent, honesty or application from any current Irish footballer? Agree totally with Stutts and Irishfan86. Andrews isn't great, but given his efforts in a position where there are few alternatives, he deserves better than cheap shots from so-called 'fans'.

[mastershake]

Lads, Stop, he is feckin useless!!
He wont get near a premier league team

No your feckin useless.Your the guy who would love to have Nolan and O'Hara play in center-mid for us.The level of abuse dished out to Whelan and Andrews is ridiculous. Loved seeing two Irish born and bread players climb the football ladder and watch them compete, and well might I add against the likes of glorified players like de rossi and diarra.

[Colbert Report]

Andrews is far better than Paul Green, who is hands-down the worst player we've had turn out for us since Joe Lapira.

[SkStu]

scored tonight for Ipswich.


Goal scored by Keith Andrews from just outside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Ipswich 1-3 Southampton.

[Yard of Pace]

It was a great strike! Don't recall him ever scoring a mundane penalty area goal....

[IsMiseSean]

Just seen his goal against Peterbrough on Saturday, another cracker!!

[tetsujin1979]

it's available here: http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,26691,12606_7117159,00.html
Andrews' goal is just after the 50 second mark. Quality finish.

[magicman]

Watched the match and taught Andrews was impressive throughout. It was nearly benificial for us to see him spend the game trying to protect the back four from constant pressure!
On a serious note though, did anybody else see the game/ highlights? Delaney was brutal. Offered no cover to his other centre half, constantly caught ahead of the other 3 defenders and his chasing back was non existant

[theworm2345]

Watched the match and taught Andrews was impressive throughout. It was nearly benificial for us to see him spend the game trying to protect the back four from constant pressure!
On a serious note though, did anybody else see the game/ highlights? Delaney was brutal. Offered no cover to his other centre half, constantly caught ahead of the other 3 defenders and his chasing back was non existant
The whole match was brutal, Ipswich were completely torn to shreds. Not entirely they fault as they were very unfortunate to have their first man sent off and when the next guy was sent off it shouldn't have been a penalty but they were going downhill before any of that.

[tommy_c12000]

Just scored winner for Ipswich. Great timing with the two crucial qualifiers coming up.

There should really be a "Match Day" thread for Irish players. I don't think the "Irish Abroad" thread quite captures it. Just a suggestion. Gets tedious scrolling down finding individual players threads

[tetsujin1979]

Just scored winner for Ipswich. Great timing with the two crucial qualifiers coming up.

There should really be a "Match Day" thread for Irish players. I don't think the "Irish Abroad" thread quite captures it. Just a suggestion. Gets tedious scrolling down finding individual players threads
Keep an eye on the live tracker I've set up on the site: http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/Live

updated in as near as dammit to real time.

[tommy_c12000]

Jesus Tets, you've really outdone yourself this time. Will save me a lot of time going to and fro on the Skysports Sports Centre. Will be putting my feet up next sat and watch the magic unravel on http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/Live methinks

[tetsujin1979]

Jesus Tets, you've really outdone yourself this time. Will save me a lot of time going to and fro on the Skysports Sports Centre. Will be putting my feet up next sat and watch the magic unravel on http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/Live methinks
Thanks man, it's updated every day with that day's fixtures at 12 (today's are already there) and then the players and events are added when available. The ticker at the top is the site's twitter feed, I found it hard to keep track of the bookings, goals, and sending offs when there's a lot of games on so I added that for clarity

If you could send around the link on facebook, or twitter if you use it, I'd be much obliged.

[seanfhear]

I think Keith provides some legs for us in midfield and I think thats needed with our curent system and players. He also has produced some goal threat from shooting around the box

[elroy]

I think Keith provides some legs for us in midfield and I think thats needed with our curent system and players. He also has produced some goal threat from shooting around the box

Between the end of last season, his performances against Macedonia/Italy and his good start to the new season, he is in great form ahead of our massive two games.

[Philly]

His goal at the weekend is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aOJuvOiEyE

I think he has found his level in the Championship, and I don't mean that in a particularly bad way. It's great to see him playing every game and scoring plenty. He will be more confident in the Irish game for it.

[Charlie Darwin]

I think Keith provides some legs for us in midfield and I think thats needed with our curent system and players. He also has produced some goal threat from shooting around the box
He's a leader. When he's in the team he will always burst a gut to arrive at the edge of the box when Doyle or Keane holds the ball up and it's something we miss badly when he's not playing as out forwards get very isolated. For some reason, Whelan makes the same runs but only when Andrews is in the team.

[Kingdom]

He's a leader. When he's in the team he will always burst a gut to arrive at the edge of the box when Doyle or Keane holds the ball up and it's something we miss badly when he's not playing as out forwards get very isolated. For some reason, Whelan makes the same runs but only when Andrews is in the team.

Where he showed his true self was when that tosser Diarra tried to do him in the home playoff leg. I've never seen one or our players get as upset as Andrews did and feared that it could the worse of two ways in the return leg - it didn't and he owned Diarra in Paris. We missed him at the start of this campaign, Paul Green isn't even a poor imitation.