Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane

[DannyInvincible]

Kerr wasn't in Saipan though, so where would he have gotten his "inside info"? He was in Japan at the time and had no official connection with the senior team by that point. He was still manager of our under-20s until 2003.

In one of Tom Humphries books ('Laptop dancing and the nanny goat mambo' I think) he says that, when ghostwriting Niall Quinn's book, Quinn told him that at no point did Keane question McCarthy's nationality. Humphries was kicking himself because he was the one who wrote it in the Times, having trusted his source at the time.

I don't see why Quinn would lie for Roy as it's not as if he was on his side back in 2002.

[DeLorean]

[paul_oshea]

Why is clark laughing he is on the bench.

[DeLorean]

He must have one of those sense of humour things.

[liamoo11]

Why is clark laughing he is on the bench.

has had a bad pre season it seems 5th choice centre half. hopefully like duffy he can get move to prem club

[paul_oshea]

ya liamo I'm worried I think his time at villa could be coming to an end. I mean first team game time. He was given more than enough chances though. vlaar having a great world cup probably didn't help but he wasnt competing directly with him

[ArdeeBhoy]

Kerr wasn't in Saipan though, so where would he have gotten his "inside info"? He was in Japan at the time and had no official connection with the senior team by that point. He was still manager of our under-20s until 2003.

I don't see why Quinn would lie for Roy as it's not as if he was on his side back in 2002.

It was when he was at an Irish supporters do around 10 years ago, when he got asked the inevitable. Maybe he milked it a wee bit.
Tbf, it was only the third most controversial question he fielded...

As for Quinner, he was in Japan...met his folks and him at their hotel, between games. Didn't strike me then as a fan of RMK at that time. But then who was?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

If I had to pick a 23 man squad and place 7 players on standby, this would be my selection.

Goalkeepers: Forde, Randolph, Westwood
Defenders: O'Shea, Wilson, Clark, Delaney, Coleman, Ward, McShane, O'Brien
Midfielders: McCarthy, Hendrick, Meyler, Reid, Hoolahan, McGeady, Quinn, Pilkington
Strikers: Long, Keane, Walters, Stokes

Standby
Gibson (view to prove fitness)
McClean (same)
Brady (same)
Doyle (club situation)
Grealish
Mason
Whelan

Pity that Doyle hasn't sorted out his club future. He won't get to capitalise on that goalscoring performance in the Costa Rica game.

One player who may not be in the squad is Paul Green who was on the end of an "X rated" tackle from Keith Andrews at the weekend.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/little-change-expected-in-o-neill-s-ireland-squad-1.1903157

[ArdeeBhoy]

Another, slightly questionable link?
http://www.thescore.ie/5-players-wed-like-see-ireland-squad-today-1629558-Aug2014/

[Olé Olé]

I'd be shocked if Whelan was left out.

I'm sure a few defenders will be considered for standby; Keogh and Pearce.

I can't see there being any surprises anywho. Anyone know what time it's named?

[Stuttgart88]

Interesting comments here from McGeady

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/oneill-will-get-us-right-for-tbilisi-clash-mcgeady-30557342.html

O'Neill versus Trap at the Euros
Celtic O'Neill versus Ireland O'Neill

O'Neill also hinting that 3 at the back is feasible, perhaps as a back up. Irish Times said this too.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/oneill-looks-at-bigger-picture-as-oman-test-bridges-gap-to-georgia-30557341.html

[paul_oshea]

"McGeady accepts expectations will be high considering two teams qualify automatically from the group but warned that Ireland face a higher calibre of opponents than they did en route to the 2012 jamboree."

The players felt that was an easier group too.

[DeLorean]

See who's lurking with intent in the background?

[Stuttgart88]

That picture deserves a caption competition.

I'll start: Hey, Aiden, did you see that Keogh fella in the play-off final?

[tetsujin1979]

it looks like MON has said something and laughed, which McGeady initially found funny, but now isn't sure if the manager was joking or not.
I'm going with "for corners against Germany, I want you to mark Mertesacker"