Pretty much expected we would start unchanged. Barring injuries we'll probably start with the same line-up away to Slovakia as well.
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Pretty much expected we would start unchanged. Barring injuries we'll probably start with the same line-up away to Slovakia as well.
The only viable solution would be for Steo Kelly to go left full, and tbh I'd prefer him at right full if anywhere. Pity full back is bogey at the moment, cause I'd love to see O'Shea and DUnne at centre half, the best partnership we have, and one of the best in Europe I believe.
McShane can't keep in this squad.
Delap in right back and O'Shea in left back!
Just did a quick count, and it seems that in the last two-and-a-half years, Trapattoni has called 55 different players into Ireland squads - not counting those tried out in 'B' friendlies under his reign. It's some job to whittle that number down and come up with a settled team. Staunton used around the same number during his reign, and we never had anything close to a settled squad, let alone first eleven. Looking down through my list, there are a lot of players who Trap has dropped, which shows he's not afraid to drop those who aren't up to it, or who don't fit the system, and try out new players.
The squad has changed an awful lot since Trap took over, but the change has been so gradual that most people don't notice, instead choosing to believe that there's a whole wealth of talent out there which Trap is choosing to ignore, and has chosen to ignore since the beginning. It's not true. The only reputable (non-retired) Irish players to never receive a call-up under Trap are Rory Delap and at a stretch Jon Walters, and the latter will be in the Norway squad, it seems. So basically, Trap and his coaching team have worked with pretty much every viable option at some stage of their tenure so far, and are in a good position to judge what's best for the team. Which debunks the claim that Trap's scouting network is anything less than comprehensive.
Am I right in thinking Whelan picked up a yellow against Andorra? He will be a strong candidate to pick up another against Russia.Quote:
Originally Posted by ifk101
From the games I've seen Cunningham play for Ireland and City, Killer looks like an objectively better player. Which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone given his superior physical condition and experience.
think it was Armenia? he's definitely on a yellow anyway, which was why he was substituted against Andorra, to keep him available for RussiaQuote:
Originally Posted by JGKyne
Whats not logical Shels? Are you afraid to speak up like most yes men on here. Anybody with a different point of view and doesn't go back slapping about how great the squad and Trap are is not considered here. I've been going to Irish matches for 23 years sure what would I know. The only reason I'm posting this stuff is because I feel Green was fastracked into the squad and team over the likes of Gibson, and McCarthy. Gibbo might see 10 minutes thats it. Green and Kilbane will be exposed over the next 2 games. I'm hoping for 2 great wins lets wait and see but we are more likely to see 2 points.Quote:
Originally Posted by BonnieShels
You haven't been paying enough attention. There are lots of views on both sides of the Trap issue.Quote:
Originally Posted by ShamrockIreland
Any chance you've saved the list? It'd be interesting to see.Quote:
Originally Posted by Supreme feet
Have to laugh at this ridiculous argument, like when people say "Ah sure Trap wouldn't know who Jon Walters even is" when he's playing a guy like Paul Green most people hadn't heard of 6 months ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by ShamrockIreland
If you actually think Gibson is being ignored in favour of a player who's been fast-tracked in to the side...can you not think back 2 years ago when Gibson was thrown in to a starting position in a big qualifier at home to Cyprus (I believe it was). Like every other performance Gibson has had in a green shirt, he was ok, didn't get close to imposing himself in an attacking sense and failed to act as the effective defensive shield that we like to operate with. If Gibson played tomorrow I've no doubt he'd get the usual 5/10 and people saying he didn't get involved enough. If he doesn't play at all and we don't win, naturally he'll ave been the man who would have got on the ball, sprayed passes around, used his impressive physical build in a destructive capacity and scored a winner from a long range shot.
I watch all the Irish players in England Prem-Div 3 and the SPL and the LOI and I always have. I run an Irish board you have to keep on top of these things and I know exactly who is and isn't up to the job at Inernational level. Gibson has had some 50-50 performances but so has Kilbane and look how long he's in the Irish shirt. Even if he was playing in the blue square Premier he'd be picked. Gibson will make it he looks like a good player and has just taken time to grow. Green is 27 and is about a 2-10 player if Gibbo is 5-10Quote:
Originally Posted by Jicked
There's a lot of people in too much of a rush to rubbish Green.
I'd reserve judgement to see how he fares tomorrow. Personnally, I'd be happier with Andrews starting but he's just not available.
Noone will know better than Green himself that he needs to turn in the performance of his life tomorrow.
All and sundry can make a better informed judgement on Green after the game tomorrow night.
Team confirmed as:
Shay Given (Manchester City), John O'Shea (Manchester United), Sean St Ledger (Preston NE), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Kevin Kilbane (Hull City); Liam Lawrence (Portsmouth), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Paul Green (Derby County), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow); Robbie Keane (Spurs), Kevin Doyle (Wolves).
www.fai.ie
Agreed. Whelan got very similar criticism when he came in and he's turned into our most consistent and important midfielder imo. When he's not there, we really miss him. Here's to Green picking up his game.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolfie
Again, as many on this thread (and elsewhere) have said, no one is really making a compelling case to replace Killer. Cunningham is too young, Ward is error prone and Delaney has disappeared. As good a servant he's been, I think it's time for Kilbane to be moved on, certainly, but not before we have a reliable player to take his place. I believe Cunningham, and perhaps Ward, will get game time in the upcoming friendlies but until then Kilbane's the best we've got and we just have to get behind him.Quote:
Originally Posted by ShamrockIreland
As for Green, I'd rather have Andrews to be honest, and possibly Gibson, but again no one is really making a case for the system Trap plays. Possibly McCarthy, but I would imagine Trap considers him too inexperienced and possibly too attack-minded to have the discipline to do the job Trap wants (protect the CB's, defend the middle). Again, expect him to be involved in the friendlies and I've no doubt if he makes a good case he'll get more chances (like Lawrence, Sledge and the others Trap have brought in).
Now at this point you can have an issue with Trap's selection policy - many do, me included - but the evidence indicates he's picked a slew of players and he has, contrary to some, blooded a lot of them into permanent squad members. I don't think that's lazy management - stubborn or entrenched, sure, but not lazy.
And his results, with what many would consider a generally middling bunch of players, back his methods. You, or others, might suggest an extra bit of attack here, a blooding of McCarthy there and we could be in the World Cup. Or winning it. But just as likely we could be back losing 5-2 to Cyprus.
No point what if-ing. We're doing OK - the squad is not perfect but is progressing and so far the results have been good. The next two games will give us the perfect chance to see how far the squad, team and manager have come but until then come on YBIG.
Hopefully he does well but you would have to be a bit worried. He looked out of his depth at times against Armenia and you have to think the Russians will be a lot more clever around the middle.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolfie
I wouldn't be over-critical of Green against Armenia. The Armenians were technically good, as most European nations are, but they only really went side to side which is basically the situation our midfielders are required to create. The Russians will be better but it only means Green will have to do what he does more often, not necessarily better. Better would be nice too though.
I think he misjudged a few balls and was hesitant to go into contact at times but I'd just put it down to him being a bit nervous and inexperienced (I want to say green but it's too awful a pun) at this level.
Russians to target Kilbane:
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/s...ne-132783.html
Ooh, crafty.
Regarding Paul Green, I think he froze in the Armenia game. Shellshock from the first whistle. Can't make much in the way of observation when Andorra is the opposition but tomorrow should be the pudding from which the proof is derived.
It would be no big earth shattering revelation to Trap or Killer, if Russia use their speedy winger to make waves down the right.
I assume McGeady will be targeting a path around their full back, that hardly bears a mention because it is so obvious.