Stapleton recommends NOLAN

April 22, 2004
Former Irish international goalscoring hero Frank Stapleton, who spent time in a coaching capacity at Bolton Wanderers earlier this season, has appealed for Brian Kerr to have a closer look at Trotters midfielder Kevin Nolan, who is believed to qualify for Ireland under a once-off Fifa ruling that will expire in December.
Under old rules, Nolan would not be eligible to declare for the boys in green as he has represented England in a competitive international at under-21 level in the past.
But a once-off Fifa ruling allows players of all ages who possessed dual nationality at the time of their initial international appearance to change allegiance.
Stapleton has worked first-hand with Nolan, Bolton’s top scorer with 10 goals in all competitions this season, and believes Irish boss Kerr could do worse than have a closer look at the talented Liverpudlian.
He told the Irish Sun: "He is a big guy who does well in front of goal and flits comfortable between the attack and midfield. Bolton have played him on the right side of attack in a 4-3-3 formation but you could never call him a winger. He does have ability though. Kevin is a good pro too ... he has done really well this season and is well worth Brian Kerr having a look at."

Difficult. On the one hand he's an excellent young player but on the other hand it galls me when someone wants to come play for Ireland as second choice. All for using the parentage rule but for me despite his obvious talents it's a no to Nolan.

if he declares, have a look at him, if he doesn't, IMO the days of Charlton scrounging the english leagues in search of Irish surnames is long gone and we can do without pandering to those who'd rather be playing for someone else.

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Originally Posted by Bowsy

Difficult. On the one hand he's an excellent young player but on the other hand it galls me when someone wants to come play for Ireland as second choice. All for using the parentage rule but for me despite his obvious talents it's a no to Nolan.

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Get him in. He isn't the first player to opt for Ireland as a 2nd choice and he won't be the last. Many of our past heroes and present squad wouldn't have picked Ireland first. Just cause he's played for England doesn't make him much different to the rest.

No, just becuase he has not the english team dont come hear because you didnt make the grade. We are not the England B team :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

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Originally Posted by ElSieteSecretos

No, just becuase he has not the english team dont come hear because you didnt make the grade. We are not the England B team :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

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Good observation but if a player is good enough for the squad, qualifies to play and wants to play then he should play. Nolan is streets ahead of Kinsella, Healy, S. Reid.

The Scottish were happy to take Matteo and Quashie!

I'd take him. It doesn't matter if he'd rather play for England. I can guarentee you that Kilbane, Breen and Holland would all be playing for England if they were good enough.

An English player, good enough to make the English team has not declared for Ireland since Aldridge and he only made his name after he declared for us, same story with Mark Lawrenson.

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Originally Posted by carnstien

I'd take him. It doesn't matter if he'd rather play for England. I can guarentee you that Kilbane, Breen and Holland would all be playing for England if they were good enough.

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Apart from Kilbane, who turned down the chance to play for the England u-21 side whilst at Preston to opt for Ireland instead, and, er, Gary Breen, who made the same choice whilst at Peterborough.

Not all us plastics would take the Queen's shilling, y'know. ;)

:) PP

Not me either !!! Kevin Nolan is not a great player and Frank Stapleton probably owes him a favour.

Indeed, they were both seen at a notoriously popular homosexual hangout... by Steve Staunton (who just happened to be passing)

Kevin Nolan is not spectacularly good but he has more talent than likes of Matt 'can't stop getting ahead of the play' Holland and Kevin 'kicks the ball 30 yards and gives chase' Kilbane. He'd be a very good squad player and someone good to bring on as a sub in games. He seems to pop up for Bolton now and again and get crucial goals.

I would rather Matt 'can't stop getting ahead of the play' Holland and Kevin 'kicks the ball 30 yards and gives chase' Kilbane than a homosexual on the team.

But it is not so difficult to be better than Holland,Kilbane who are both complete diasters.

The only problem with Nolan is that he was in a Kerr youth squad for a friendly about 3 years ago, he made the bench and when Kerr asked him to go on, he wouldn't. That's it. I can't see Kerr asking him again especially as he played once for England U-21.

If he had never been in an Ireland squad but played for England U-21 then maybe. :mad:

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Originally Posted by ElSieteSecretos

I would rather Matt 'can't stop getting ahead of the play' Holland and Kevin 'kicks the ball 30 yards and gives chase' Kilbane than a homosexual on the team.

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What utter ********. Why should a player's sexual preferences matter to you? Open your curtains and look out the window. It's the 21st century out there. Even in Port Lairge. :mad:

Adam, do the decent thing and at least have a word with this cretin.

:ball: PP

I dont mind so much that he likes all the boys in the changing room, (i wont be there !!) but I have a critical problem with the fact that he wants (dreams) of playing for England... We arent that stuck

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Originally Posted by carnstien

I'd take him. It doesn't matter if he'd rather play for England. I can guarentee you that Kilbane, Breen and Holland would all be playing for England if they were good enough.

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Carnstein, you badly need to see your local shrink about that terrible inferiority complex you have. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by ElSieteSecretos

I would rather Matt 'can't stop getting ahead of the play' Holland and Kevin 'kicks the ball 30 yards and gives chase' Kilbane than a homosexual on the team.

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Gilipollas, vete por la mierda! POR FAVOR!

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Originally Posted by ElSieteSecretos

I would rather Matt 'can't stop getting ahead of the play' Holland and Kevin 'kicks the ball 30 yards and gives chase' Kilbane than a homosexual on the team.

But it is not so difficult to be better than Holland,Kilbane who are both complete diasters.

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Your having a laugh? You've come out with some ridiculous comments on the forum. You didn't even know if Andy O'Brien had played for Ireland, are you a supporter or not? We don't need gay bashers like you here.

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Originally Posted by 1MickCollins

The only problem with Nolan is that he was in a Kerr youth squad for a friendly about 3 years ago, he made the bench and when Kerr asked him to go on, he wouldn't. That's it. I can't see Kerr asking him again especially as he played once for England U-21.

If he had never been in an Ireland squad but played for England U-21 then maybe. :mad:

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He was over for an international all right but on the eve of the match decided to return home. I don't think he was actually on the bench.

Where did this gay slur come from.

finlma I am entitled to my own opinion and dont have to be PC ... but I really dont care if he is gay or not.

But Ireland isnt a England B team :mad: