Matt Holland

[R&T Flanders]

If Joey Gud.. doesn't sign (and who are we to douby Deadly Doug) Healy might get a look in too, I know Villa released Ian Taylor and Leonhardsen at the end of last season so they're not exactly brimming over with decent central midfielders.

[John83]

Originally posted by R&T Flanders
If Joey Gud.. doesn't sign (and who are we to douby Deadly Doug) Healy might get a look in too, I know Villa released Ian Taylor and Leonhardsen at the end of last season so they're not exactly brimming over with decent central midfielders.

I'm struggling to think of any others. Gareth Barry, in a pinch. Lee Hendry... in a pinch. Am I missing any? That young German bloke?

[R&T Flanders]

Hitzberger? I think he played against the U21's a couple of weeks back. There's the Morrocans Kachloul & Hadji who can play there at a push but no real ball winners in there.

Barry's been playing left side of midfield, be intresting to see how Dave'O does without much money and a very average squad.

[Cityace]

Holland is a t*ss*r and i think we'd be better off seeing the back of him.

[John83]

Originally posted by Cityace
Holland is a t*ss*r and i think we'd be better off seeing the back of him.

Exactly what has he done to raise your bile? I'm not his biggest fan (when he's in green anyway) but I struggle to think of anything to merit calling him a tosser.

[gspain]

Come on guys he had a great world cup. What's the problem - he hasn't been the best lately but he hasn't had a break either - plays every week. Still don't have too many options in central midfield although hopefully Healy will get a club soon.

[Junior]

Originally posted by gspain
Come on guys he had a great world cup. What's the problem - he hasn't been the best lately but he hasn't had a break either - plays every week. Still don't have too many options in central midfield although hopefully Healy will get a club soon.

As Healy is a free agent, does anyone else on here think its a bit strange that he hasn't been snapped up, a few half hearted attempts by Everton,Villa and Sunderland but nothing else.

'Tabloid rumour' last year was that his off the field habits weren't quite in the mould of an international footballer (Charlie etc etc....)

Its not as if anyone would have to pay a signing on fee now, something doesn't seem right on this one. any views?

[sadloserkid]

Originally posted by Junior
any views?

He's over-rated in Ireland maybe? He's not overly blessed with flair or pace. I suppose he's in the same mould as Holland and Kinsella but they've hardly played with the giants of the English game either. Healy will find his level I'd imagine but I don't know if it'll be in the Premiership to be honest (and I know he was excellent against Georgia but that doesn't really prove much)

[John83]

His agent seemed to be digging around for offers. Maybe his wage demands are too high? Clubs are poor this year.

Poor he says.

[SÓC]

I think with a bit of luck we could have an amazing midfield in a few years time.

Healy if he can find himself a premier or good 1st division side

Seán Thornton is a great great player, seen him a good few times now at underage for Ireland, he ran the show each time. He broke into the Sunderland team towards the end of the season.

Liam Miller is another good hope if he can get away from Celtic

Duff on the left

Reid on the right

[Seamus #1]

Originally posted by SÓCcfc
Seán Thornton is a great great player, seen him a good few times now at underage for Ireland, he ran the show each time. He broke into the Sunderland team towards the end of the season.

Yep he is class. Should give us a bit of variety on free kicks - he fancies himself as someone who bends it like beckham.

[Slash/ED]

I think Thornton just fancies himself as David Beckham full stop really, looks a great prospect though.

[Éanna]

I don't rate holland, I never have. He looks like a china doll and doesn't play much better than one

[Junior]

Originally posted by SÓCcfc


Liam Miller is another good hope if he can get away from Celtic

or break in to the first team???

[tiktok]

Liam Miller seems to be more a part of Martin O'Neills plans than Colin Healy at the moment, he's expected to play in their pre-season friendly against man utd in seattle tonight.

from www.eleven-a-side.com

Irish under-21 international Liam Miller is in line for one of the biggest games of his fledgling career at Scottish giants Celtic when the Bhoys meet a strong Manchester United line-up early tomorrow morning.

The match, part of a seven-team pre-seaosn tournament, takes place in Seattle, USA, at 4am Irish time, and could see Cork lad Miller go head-to-head with fellow Rebel and Manchester United legend Roy Keane in the centre of midfield.

Miller has already made a couple of appearances for the Celts this pre-season, turning in a brilliantly promising 45-minute stint in last week’s friendly defeat of Premiership side Fulham.

And Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has revealed that he will have no qualms about throwing the 22-year-old in against United.

“Liam has always had the ability to make the grade, that has been evident for some time,” said the Ulsterman. “He’s 22 now and he’s had injuries in the last couple of seasons that didn’t help. But he’s getting stronger now and I’m hopeful that he will break through this year.”

Miller has been at Parkhead since 1997, and made two first-team appearances last season, in a Uefa Cup early-round meeting with Lithuanian side FK Suduva and a League Cup victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

But with midfield pairing Paul Lambert and Neil Lennon reaching veteran stage, and Colin Healy apparently not part of O’Neill’s plans, the stage could be set for Miller to make an impact in the coming campaign.