Friendlies

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Originally Posted by thejollyrodger

I disagree. There is no point in playing the usual suspects as it serves no purpose whatsoever bar a game or two before the competive matches. We all know what the likes of Duff, Robbie Keane, Kilbane, Given, Finnan and few other players are going to produce. Nothing new will be learnt and its just a waste of time.

Personally I would rather see the manager take the team by the balls and get the likes of Eliott and Doyle playing a lot more. In midfield Miller,S.Reid and A.Reid kavanagh and a few other players should be tried out and figure out where their best position is. We were too one dimesional and predictable in the last campaign and we need to try something new.

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Stephen Reid may control a game along with the likes of Alan Quinn and Liam Miller, we still wouldn't have a clue how he gets on with the usual suspects. Playing a team full of reserves serves no purpose. Look at how Chelsea are playing since the players have gelled. Look at the difference between the start of Celtic's season and now. That's what happens when players get used to each other. That's 2 reasons why you have to play most first team players in friendlies.

we have to blood new players. Mc carthy did it very well and was left with a very good squad at the end. Kerr didnt really do it. We have to give out as many new caps as possible and broaden the squad.

I wouldnt throw out a 11 second choice players but the main emphasis should be building up player loyality and having players who can come in to do a job.

At the end of the day, the starting 11 picks itself. Nothing to figure out there

Kerr gave international debut's to 11 players, the majority of which aren't good enough.

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Originally Posted by thejollyrodger

....At the end of the day, the starting 11 picks itself......

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And that 11 is?

Never agreed with Brian Kerr's attitude to Friendlies... No more than I agreed with Mick McCarthy's which was the polar opposite to Kerr's.

The backbone of the team should play whenever possible and should be supplemented with fringe players in potentialy 'problem' positions. Admitedly players availibillity for freindlies makes this difficult but Kerr's 89th minute sub craic and McCarthy's 13 substitutions were fruitless exercises.