If we were going to the World Cup
I know that this is the sort of thing that is liable to just remind us of our failings but was just thinking if we were going to the world cup who would be playing in our opener and how would we be feeling
My suggested starting XI for our theoretical World Cup opener would be:
GK Given: would be one of our strongest links, on great form:
RB: Finnan: Under-rated, looked OK today
CB: Cunningham, presumably wouldn’t have retired but being the centre of the Birmingham defence would be no comfort.
CB: Dunne, though of course if we had qualified Kerr would be in charge and he would no doubt pick O'Brien!
LB: Would be O'Shea though not his position and his more likely position CM is probably gone(see later). Harte is too risky. A real weak spot.
LM: Duff but this would be the big talking point, would you be on the not match fit or fresh side of the argument?
CM: Keane. Simply for the nostalgia of a Keane race against injury.
CM: S Reid: Would be the real plus point of the last 6 months. This looks a good Midfield Partnership.
RM: Another weak point options would be O'Brien (Inexperienced), A Reid (No matches), Kilbane?? and Finnan (if Carr was available to play RB). Would probably see A Reid here
CF: Keane. One of 3 form players (Given and S Reid). A lot would rely on him if Duff played as per Chelsea.
CF: Toss up between Morrison and Doyle but if it were Kerr in charge, presume it would be Morrison. In reality a choice between experience and potential.
In all we'd be crossing our fingers that Duff could hit top form and Roy was able to do it one more time
