Printable View
I think out of all of the players we have, the ones that can come into our starting eleven are...
Joey O'Brien (Finnan and Carr not up to it IMO)
Stephen Ireland
Kevin Doyle
Anyone else, I know we'll have lots of squad players, but who can strengthen our starting line-up?
No offence but that is the most ridiculous football statement I've read on this forum in a while. :) Finnan is one of the most solid right back's in Europe. Benitez said recently:Quote:
Originally Posted by ThatGuy
"He will be seven, eight, nine or even ten out of ten every week. This is really important for the team. Some players find a good level for individual games, but don't do the same every week. Finnan does it for a whole season."
Joey O'Brien (Finnan and Carr not up to it IMO)
You are off your rocker son if you really think that!
Totally ridiculous Statement on Finnan, He is one of the best pro's around, and probably the best Irish performer in the premiership this year!.
Back to the topic of the thread, Joey O'Brien, Stephen Ireland, and Kevin Doyle should all feature in next months friendly, plus if he wasn't injured McGeady could be used as a super-sub or potential match winner..
Yeah lets play joey o brien who is actually a centre midfielder ahead of finnan who has been one of liverpools best players this season and mr consistent .. other than that ireland might get in squad and kev doyle should be fighting for starting 11 ..Quote:
Originally Posted by ThatGuy
Have to agree with everyone here. That is one of the most stupid comments I have read on this forum in a very long time. I woudl love to know the basis of this argument that Finnan is not up to it. The guy is Mr. Consistancy very much in the Denis Irwin mold of never putting a foot wrong type of guy.
To add to the Finnan debate, he has actually become a more rounded footballer in the last 12 months, his crossing has improved considerably and as a consequence the number of "assists" he offers makes him an extremely valuable player.
He has improved for Liverpool but we'll have to wait and see if he has improved for Ireland. I'd have him ahead of O'Brien though. The lad is only 19 and we've no reason to rush him into the starting XI.Quote:
Originally Posted by beautifulrock
My opinions on Finnan and Carr are based on Ireland performances rather than Premiership performers. I don't know why but neither have delivered the goods for Ireland recently.
Finnan has been pretty consistent for Ireland as well as L'Pool. He might not have played particulary well in the last two games of the campaign but aside from Given and maybe Elliot I can't think of anyone who did. He is one of the best right fulls playing in the premiership and far and away the best available to Ireland.Quote:
Originally Posted by ThatGuy
I have no problem giving Joey O' Brien a run as he can provide cover for Finnan and can play in midfield (his favourite position AFAIK). Definitely agree that Steven Ireland, Doyle and McGeady (if fit) should also be included. I would like to see Trundle get a run also at some stage. We are not blessed with attacking midfielders who can score goals so I think he is worth a look.
If these guys perform well in the friendlies and continue to play well for their clubs for the rest of the season then IMO they would all be in the frame for a starting place in the first competeive XI
Think Joey O’Brien will eventually play in midfield
Unlike Obrien who has not played for the senior side yet ... Think Finnan has done alright for the senior side and by far is our best right back ... OBrien again is a centre midfielder ..Quote:
Originally Posted by ThatGuy
IMO finnan will probably be one of the first names down on the Irish team sheet for our next qualifying campaign. O'Brien will come into the squad but as a midfilder, not as a right back as he currently plays for Bolton
The only game that Finnan was terrible was the Cyprus away match. he was a disgrace that night as he was not even trying. I was sitting on the same side that he was playing and it was one of the worst and laziest performances I have seen from a player. However maybe he was injured or that the incident with the old man getting killed was playing on his mind I dont know as it its not usual for him to play like that.
Don't forget Steven Reid, who has been playing well, week in, week out for Blackburn.
stephen reid who has played upwards of 20 games this season and is currently help spank manutd?
I'd give him a run .. yeah
doyle for me is our main contender , one defensive spot is up for grabs and both centre mid spots. I'm not sure who we should be looking at in centre mid. no confidence in miller, kav is good but a tad on the elderly side.. leaving me a tad confused. possible andy r on the right, stephen r in the middle with kav or ireland.
given
finnan
o'shea
dunne
o'brien/an other
duff
reid
centre midfielder
centre midfielder
Robbie
Doyler
Either you have no clue about the Irish team, or you just have a personal problem with Limerick people(:D) because that is really a ridiculous thing to say!Quote:
Originally Posted by ThatGuy
btw, Carr has retired anyway, so he doesn't need to be "up to it" anymore
Clive Clarke played 75minutes in the Arsnl/West Ham game at lft back and appeared to have played a reasonable game,did nothing wrong anyway.Hopefully he continues to keep his place which will be good for us.
In terms of becoming a regular 1st XI near term I think Steve Reid, Kevin Doyle and Joey O'Brien are the best bets.
With younger players it is always hard to tell, McGeady and Stephen Kelly were all the rage last season like Liam Miller was the year before and John O'Shea before that. You sorta expect the kids to grow exponentially but it rarely happens like that, they seem to plateau sooner than expected.
I think it is now or never for Reid, I thought he was going to be huge when he first came into the squad, maybe it was injury or moving to Blackburn but he seems to have got his act together this season.
Doyle and O'Brien have been revelations this year. I think Ireland and McGeady deserve some playing time as well.
Didn't he play right back? Konchesky started anyway. He talks about waiting for his chance here: http://www.unison.ie/wicklow_people/...issue_id=13573Quote:
Originally Posted by FarBeag