From soccerscene.ie:
Alan Mahon has urged Republic of Ireland's manager-in-waiting to promote Burnley team-mate Chris McCann to the senior ranks.
McCann was overlooked by former national boss Steve Staunton, who often went for youth over experience, but Mahon feels a change in management could herald a new era for the 20-year-old midfielder.
Mahon, whose last appearance for his country came some six years ago, told the Lancashire Evening Post: "The country is in a bit of a transition and a there are a lot of younger players than me coming through.
"I am surprised that Chris McCann is overlooked though. I know what he can do as a player and to not even get a mention is beyond comprehension.
"I think he's only ever had one U21 call-up and I don't know why that is. For me he should be in that squad at least."
He added: "He is playing first team football at a very good level and has been for the past few seasons and I can't believe there are better all-round, goalscoring midfielders to choose from.
"But as I say it's a transitional period and Steve Staunton was blooding younger players.
"It's out with the old and in with the new and I will be hoping to see Chris get a call up sooner, rather than later."
I have to say I agree with Mahon entirely and I also find it odd that McCann never seems to feature under Givens. This just illustrates the folly of Stan’s “building for the future” policy. It was indiscriminate, haphazard and inconsistent, or at least consistently unusual. It gave the impression of being poorly informed.
What is it with the FAI that 2 of our most obviously talented players in positions we are crying out for talent have not even got games at underage level when both are credible options for the senior squad? I have no doubt the U19s would be in the next Euro finals if Garvan had been selected against Germany at Dalymount. He wasn't even in the squad. Both Garvan and McCann look big enough (amazing) to make the cut at a high level. Maybe that's why they're omitted, the FAI have a height complex?
Jay Tabb looked really good in the 20 minutes I saw last night. Quick, good feet, good on the ball and clever off it – evidenced by the run he made for Coventry’s goal. What’s more, he’s comfortable wide right and is far better equipped to play there than Andy Keogh, a talented forward who plays centrally. I think Tabb was a late call up for one senior home game, Czech Rep. or San Marino maybe.
Thank God that twit is no longer in charge.
