Duff injured?

All those going on about how duff has lost it and saying how poor he has been for ireland, and how he doesn't play for ireland anymore, will realise in a weeks time what a difference he actually makes to Ireland. This is a huge loss. Really ****ed off about this, why couldn't mcshane or someone get a hamstring injury instead. AH no seriously though its a balls. IF newcastle get relegated duff will find it hard to get a transfer due to his wage demands first and foremost but also because of his injury record....

Wounder - although both teams have got their fair share of injuries

Games like this are won and lost on brave decisions - so will Trap swallow his pride and recall Andy Reid? Reidy is playing relatively well at Sunderland and has certainly got something to prove. Could be the perfect opportunity to welcome him back into the fold - we can't afford to have no Plan B if Hunty has a shocker. Personally, can't see it - Traps too proud and Givens and Brady are hardly renowned to be the open arms type. Pity, because if the game needs something special with 20 minutes to go, there might be a few regrets that we haven't got him at our disposal.

I'd suggest Killer down the left is still an option but we don't exactly have great cover at left-back either.

I think paul_oshea is right - we are going to realise how important Duffer is to us.

say thanks then ET, no one thanks me :(

Only messin, killer is an option, but he is only slightly less limited than Hunt, though he is more likely to use his head and not give away a foul at exactly the wrong time. He(hunt) is the paddy wallace of Irish soccer!

This is not me saying Keogh should play but I seem to Remember Trap having a liking for him.

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Originally Posted by paul_oshea

say thanks then ET, no one thanks me :(

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Funny, I only realised what that thumbs up was for this morning - you have been duly thanked!

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Originally Posted by ainsie

This is not me saying Keogh should play but I seem to Remember Trap having a liking for him.

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Yeah I'm seriously worried that he's going to opt for Keogh on the right and move McGeady to the left. The only positive is that this might make McGeady more of a goal threat as he can cut in and shoot on his stronger side.

It's offical from the good ole BB of C

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ls/7966762.stm

Damien Duff has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy by a hamstring injury.

Nah, Hunt is clearly Trapp's 3rd choice winger. He started in Podgorica with McGeady over his competitors. Don't think much has changed

oh dear :(

I just thought I would stick the squad in here to refresh my memory.

Goalkeepers
Shay Given
Dean Kiely
Keiren Westwood
Defenders
Alex Bruce
Damien Delaney
John O'Shea
Kevin Foley
Paul McShane
Richard Dunne
Stephen Kelly
Steve Finnan
Kevin Kilbane
Midfielders
Aiden McGeady
Damien Duff
Darron Gibson
Glenn Whelan
Keith Andrews
Liam Miller
Stephen Hunt
Andy Keogh
Forwards
Caleb Folan
Kevin Doyle
Robbie Keane
Shane Long
Noel Hunt

Surely Trap will have to call up a replacement, the obvious choice being Andy Reid, but there may be a 'political' problem with that. Maybe he will leave the squad as it is but with two games that would not be sensible.

He'l have to call up a replacement you would think, hopefuly he gets on the phone to Andy Reid cant see it though

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Originally Posted by tricky_colour

Surely Trap will have to call up a replacement, the obvious choice being Andy Reid, but there may be a 'political' problem with that. Maybe he will leave the squad as it is but with two games that would not be sensible.

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I think he will leave the squad as it is because, as Manc Irish Wolf has mentioned, he is too proud and if he calls up a different replacement he would have to deal with endless questions about not picking Reid. It's unfortunate as Reid should be next in line for a place on the wings.

Wonder if he'll give Ireland a call...

This is very bad news. Duff and MacGeady have become crucial, albeit too obviously, to our qualification hopes. Alot of responsibility falls on MacGeady's shoulders now, lets hope he's up to it.

You do have to wonder about some people's overall appreciation and critique of football if they think Hunt is a better player than Duff, whether it be now or otherwise. He isn't. I hope he performs well in Duff's absence, but I do worry. Hunt is an impact sub at this level, no more - no less!

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Originally Posted by The Fly

This is very bad news. Duff and MacGeady have become crucial, albeit too obviously, to our qualification hopes...

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This is a good point and highlights the flaws in the Trap's system.

With two central midfielders who tend to sit back more often than not it places huge importance on the wingers as they are our two players who will create chances for us. Our options after Duff and McGeady, bar Andy Reid, are not strong enough to win games for us. Also add the fact that Bulgaria will double up on McGeady now that Duff is out will make it difficult for us to create clear cut chances on Saturday. I've always had reservations with the system that we use as it has little flexibility and no plan B from the bench when missing our starters and I think that is going to show at the weekend.

I'm not sure this would work but Kilbane on the left and O'Dea at left back ? He's did ok at Celtic in the position, it'd be a big gamble though.

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Originally Posted by Colmcc

I'm not sure this would work but Kilbane on the left and O'Dea at left back ? He's did ok at Celtic in the position, it'd be a big gamble though.

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I always believe that a team should never make any more changes than it has to. Obviously has more significance in club football as it is every week but making a second change by unnecessarily changing the defence is completely out of the picture.

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Originally Posted by The Fly

This is very bad news. Duff and MacGeady have become crucial, albeit too obviously, to our qualification hopes. Alot of responsibility falls on MacGeady's shoulders now, lets hope he's up to it.

You do have to wonder about some people's overall appreciation and critique of football if they think Hunt is a better player than Duff, whether it be now or otherwise. He isn't. I hope he performs well in Duff's absence, but I do worry. Hunt is an impact sub at this level, no more - no less!

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I agree. Another major advantage Duff has over Hunt is a vast amount of experience of playing at the highest level. He's not the player of old but has more skill and intelligence than Hunt. He has played in a WC and lots of away champions league games for Chelsea. This is the kind of experience that we need for the game against Italy. Not Hunt getting all excited and kicking the legs from underneat an Italian. That said, with the players currently in the squad Hunt deserves to take Duff's place.

In fact according to Sportinglife he is going to start. I don't know how they know that though.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football...blic_Snap.html

Brady confirmed that Hunt will play on the left in place of Duff. Which makes sense, as mentioned above the fewest changes the better.
Had forgot that Duff missed the first two games against Georgia and Montenegro through injury as well. Hunt did quite well in those games so hopefully will do the same again.

Cant believe some people think this is a good time to call Andy Reid back up, it'd completely change the atmosphere of the camp in the middle of a massive double header.

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Originally Posted by DmanDmythDledge

Just heard Tony O'Donoghue on RTÉ Radio 1. Can't remember exact phrase but said something like shocking scenes at Irish training. Sounds like it's not injury related. Sounds like a bust up to me.

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Where did you get that from? Here's the report from Six One News:

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0326/6ne...15443,null,230

Would it not be a good opportunity to call up Fahey if Andy Reid is out of the question

Lads, this could be the difference we have been looking for ( others who could make a difference is andy reid & stevie Ireland but not gonna happen) in this qualification bid. Stephen Hunt is the type who will be in the bulgarians and the italians faces for however many minutes he stays on the pitch. the only thing id be worried about is his temperament, if im not mistaken he was sent off last year against the Czechs, admittedly harshly, but he does get kind of excited when he plays for ireland.
However the chap just offers something different and is a livewire. as much as people wanna say about Duff being this and that, im not knocking the chap but he has hardly set the world alight in the last few years. To be honest, im quite happy with McGeady and Hunt playing on Saturday

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Originally Posted by carloz

Would it not be a good opportunity to call up Fahey if Andy Reid is out of the question

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???????:confused:

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Originally Posted by ainsie

???????:confused:

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Why are you confused. It looks like Andy reid wont get called up under Trap so why not call up Keith Fahey

I'd say if Trap was to call up a replacement, it's be Wes Hoolahan. Already played for Trap last May, and in the 'B' friendlies, and playing at the same level as Fahey. Won't happen though.

Hunt is third in the Championship index, a place behind Doyle, Duff is not in the Premiership top 100. Also Reading supporters player of the year last season. Bulgaria might have prefered Duff was playing!

Because we already have a bunch of players in the squad that dont deserve to be there but at least they have experience sitting on the bench.. do you honestly think Trap would call up someone that has had no training with the team and has not had the experience working with the rest of the squad 2 days before such a big game. He'll stick with 23 players and make do unless maybe mc geady pulls out and then he'll go for a player he has had some experience with.

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Originally Posted by Supreme feet

I'd say if Trap was to call up a replacement, it's be Wes Hoolahan. Already played for Trap last May, and in the 'B' friendlies, and playing at the same level as Fahey. Won't happen though.

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Hoolahan is injured.

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Originally Posted by ainsie

Because we already have a bunch of players in the squad that dont deserve to be there but at least they have experience sitting on the bench.. do you honestly think Trap would call up someone that has had no training with the team and has not had the experience working with the rest of the squad 2 days before such a big game. He'll stick with 23 players and make do unless maybe mc geady pulls out and then he'll go for a player he has had some experience with.

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Please.......don't even mention the possibility that MacGeady might pull out - we could be up the proverbial without a paddle in that case.
How depressing................:(

Suddenly our midfield looks extremely weak.

Hunt was dropped by Coppell in Reading's last 2 games which doesn't augur well for his form, I'm a big fan of how Andrews has played this season but he was also dropped by big Sam for his last 2, though he was sprung from the bench at half time in the last game and scored, Whelan is not going to command possession in the centre of the park and as has been the case can be a wayward passer,while I think some people on here have been blinded by the mere 45 mins of brilliance from McGeady against Georgia. Reality is McGeady had been one of the most consistent Irish under performers in recent times. Even his 1st 45 against Georgia was abismal.

I think we still should beat Bulgaria but I'm not nearly a confident without Duff.
The goal he created against the Cypriots says it all about him and you must remember he was man marked by 2 players against Georgia.

Robbie has also suddenly become a much more important player as all the creativity will come through him.

Andrews to put in a MOTM performance and our men to win 1-0.

By the way Andy Reid should be called in and Trap should eat his humble pie if we want to have a chance of topping Italy but it won't happen, simple as...

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Originally Posted by zenokelly

Suddenly our midfield looks extremely weak.

Hunt was dropped by Coppell in Reading's last 2 games which doesn't augur well for his form, I'm a big fan of how Andrews has played this season but he was also dropped by big Sam for his last 2, though he was sprung from the bench at half time in the last game and scored, Whelan is not going to command possession in the centre of the park and as has been the case can be a wayward passer,while I think some people on here have been blinded by the mere 45 mins of brilliance from McGeady against Georgia. Reality is McGeady had been one of the most consistent Irish performers in recent times. Even his 1st 45 against Georgia was abismal.

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Were you not going for 'most inconsistent' there Zeno or did you mean consistently poor :rolleyes:.
His first half against Georgia was hardly abysmal. In any case, despite my belief that he is our most naturally talented player, in terms of form he has certainly been on an upward swing for us of late.
I would even go as far as to say that he will become our most important player.

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Originally Posted by zenokelly

Suddenly our midfield looks extremely weak.

Hunt was dropped by Coppell in Reading's last 2 games which doesn't augur well for his form, I'm a big fan of how Andrews has played this season but he was also dropped by big Sam for his last 2, though he was sprung from the bench at half time in the last game and scored, Whelan is not going to command possession in the centre of the park and as has been the case can be a wayward passer,while I think some people on here have been blinded by the mere 45 mins of brilliance from McGeady against Georgia. Reality is McGeady had been one of the most consistent Irish performers in recent times. Even his 1st 45 against Georgia was abismal.

I think we still should beat Bulgaria but I'm not nearly a confident without Duff.
The goal he created against the Cypriots says it all about him and you must remember he was man marked by 2 players against Georgia.

Robbie has also suddenly become a much more important player as all the creativity will come through him.

Andrews to put in a MOTM performance and our men to win 1-0.

By the way Andy Reid should be called in and Trap should eat his humble pie if we want to have a chance of topping Italy but it won't happen, simple as...

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Nothing sudden about our mid feilds weakness. It looked good there for a few weeks when Stephen Reid was about but since then.... well say no more.

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Originally Posted by zenokelly

Suddenly our midfield looks extremely weak.

Hunt was dropped by Coppell in Reading's last 2 games which doesn't augur well for his form, I'm a big fan of how Andrews has played this season but he was also dropped by big Sam for his last 2, though he was sprung from the bench at half time in the last game and scored, Whelan is not going to command possession in the centre of the park and as has been the case can be a wayward passer,while I think some people on here have been blinded by the mere 45 mins of brilliance from McGeady against Georgia. Reality is McGeady had been one of the most consistent Irish performers in recent times. Even his 1st 45 against Georgia was abismal.

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I never even cotemplated that Whelan would be starter actually, i rate him as astonishingly poor, in fact i would consider andrews and gibson the best of a bad bunch considering our best midfielders imo are not even in the squad for one reason or another ( ireland, reid x 2 , garvan should have been given a chance too) . the most annoying thing about whelan, is that he never f**king shoots for ireland!! apart from the lucky goal against georgia away, he dont remember him having a shot, and should have done plenty of times in his last few games. strangely, he shoots no problem for stoke

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Originally Posted by rocketballs7

I never even cotemplated that Whelan would be starter actually, i rate him as astonishingly poor, in fact i would consider andrews and gibson the best of a bad bunch considering our best midfielders imo are not even in the squad for one reason or another ( ireland, reid x 2 , garvan should have been given a chance too) . the most annoying thing about whelan, is that he never f**king shoots for ireland!! apart from the lucky goal against georgia away, he dont remember him having a shot, and should have done plenty of times in his last few games. strangely, he shoots no problem for stoke

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Gibson might compensate for that!

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Originally Posted by carloz

Would it not be a good opportunity to call up Fahey if Andy Reid is out of the question

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please god tell us all that you are taking the p*ss!!!!

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Originally Posted by bohsRap

Where did you get that from? Here's the report from Six One News:

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0326/6ne...15443,null,230

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Duff injury had not been reported at the time when Tony O'D was on the radio, at around 5.30pm.

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Originally Posted by back of the net

please god tell us all that you are taking p*ss!!!!

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what:confused:

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Originally Posted by The Fly

Were you not going for 'most inconsistent' there Zeno or did you mean consistently poor :rolleyes:.
His first half against Georgia was hardly abysmal. In any case, despite my belief that he is our most naturally talented player, in terms of form he has certainly been on an upward swing for us of late.
I would even go as far as to say that he will become our most important player.

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Sorry it was meant to be 'under performing'.

It shows how such a short term memory some people have. I think back to the 2 games in the East against the Czechs nd Slovaks, I'm not going to go over the top, but his performances were pathetic. I can't say he has put in a complete performance in green or anywhere near it. Ye he put in a great 45 minute shift against the weakest team in the group at home last time out, but that mightn't be good enough against Bulgaria or Italy.
By the way I agree he has been improving which is positive but I wouldn't go far to say that he is aa key player for us.