Mark Bunn

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Originally Posted by Olé Olé

I cannot comprehend on what basis you feel that Mark Bunn offers Ireland a realistic chance of a Premier League goalkeeper, some who "plays at the top regularly". He has played 6 Premiership games in his career and the man is 27 years of age. He has been signed as back-up to John Ruddy and untill further evidence presents itself, he is not the messiah of Irish goalkeeping.

I didn't insist you "discounted" any goalkeeper. I felt you clearly expressed a belief that Bunn should bypass all the other goalkeepers who have represented Ireland (at under-age level and above) to the top of the queue, and with no evidence to demonstrate thereby.

I can't see any reason why I am being negative. Furthermore, I can't see any reason why you have fabricated that Bunn managed to "commit to us." The man is 27 years of age and has been playing professional football for quite a while, and his eligibility has been apparent for a while also. So, if his eligibility has been clearly established (and I'm sure it has been clearly established to Mark Bunn himself), then why hasn't Mark Bunn initialized the communication? I am not prejudging Bunn. I am stressing the fact that I am sceptical as to his commitment and why he would commit now and why it should take a phonecall towards him to initialize communication.

In relation to my comments regarding Stephen Henderson, Stephen Henderson has been a committed Irish international for all his career and is younger and has demonstrated his capabilities at Championship level and under-21 level for Ireland. He is second choice keeper to one of the most consistent goalkeepers of the past decade at the moment. I'd rather he filled the void and I have no problem admitting it. He's younger and is currently committed to representing the FAI, those are the facts. That I'm being negative is not a fact, it's your opinion which you are most certainly entitled to.

And it's on all of the above dubious grounds that you brand me a "little Irelander"? That's a pretty brash statement and utterly groundless. I am most receptive towards any player that has shown pride and determination and commitment when representing Ireland, no matter where they have been born. I would regard players like Kevin Kilbane and Gary Breen with as high esteem as anyone, not to mention the current crop such as James McCarthy, Aiden McGeady, Kieren Westwood and others. Simon Cox is proving himself as a worthy contributor and Clinton Morrison did likewise.

My argument towards you was due to my reservations as to his ability and commitment in equal measures. He is untested at Premier League level (even though you insisted he could usurp Westwood) and has never claimed for Ireland in all his years as a professional footballer and the articles that are currently referring to him in this context outline that communication was made by Trapattoni to Bunn. Should evidence that he is a quality goalkeeper (better than the currently solid Kieren Westwood) and has clear commitment and desire to play for Ireland present itself, I will gladly accept him as an Irish international footballer. Until then, I feel it is unfair that you skip him up the queue for international honours, which it my opinion you hastily did in your original post.

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And what is your definition of commitment? Is there an age limit too as you seem to infer? How do you define nationality? How do we know yet that Bunn did not make approaches to the FAI in the past? These seem to be the questions that we disagree on. For me, commitment is shown on the pitch and starts at any age. In terms of nationality, you cannot quantify it. It doesn't start at a particular age, but is a journey and changes with age, so please don't use that as an argument against Bunn. On merit alone, I feel he can be a competitor to Westwood and gives us another genuine option. Trap must share my views too as why else would the FAI approach him? Lastly, I will be intrigued to know how all this came about which I am sure will be revealed soon. I would not surprised if Bunn did approach the FAI in the past.

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Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

FAO Olé Olé:
http://www.medindia.net/patients/Firstaid-gastric.htm

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Very humorous! Ther sort of humour I would expect from a Finn Harps supporter called Nigel. Life must be tough!;)

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Originally Posted by gastric

And what is your definition of commitment? Is there an age limit too as you seem to infer? How do you define nationality? How do we know yet that Bunn did not make approaches to the FAI in the past? These seem to be the questions that we disagree on. For me, commitment is shown on the pitch and starts at any age. In terms of nationality, you cannot quantify it. It doesn't start at a particular age, but is a journey and changes with age, so please don't use that as an argument against Bunn. On merit alone, I feel he can be a competitor to Westwood and gives us another genuine option. Trap must share my views too as why else would the FAI approach him? Lastly, I will be intrigued to know how all this came about which I am sure will be revealed soon. I would not surprised if Bunn did approach the FAI in the past.

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Commitment? Applying to FIFA to ally himself with the FAI.
Age limit? Doesn't exist. I'm sure had he made contact with the FAI as an under-21 he would have been encouraged to commit to Ireland in light of the fact he was gaining regular football with Northampton Town at the age of 21.
Nationality? This isn't a specific answer but one which comes close in this context: Does he carry or have applied for an Irish passport?
Why did Trap contact him? Why does Trap do anything?
What I don't comprehend is where are you dreaming up Bunn's "merit" from? He has barely featured for Blackburn. He will more than "merit" his place if he plays for Norwich this season on a continuous basis and demonstrates better ability than Darren Randolph, David Forde and Stephen Henderson. He probably won't though. John Ruddy is England's number 2 and made 37 Premier League appearances last year which was sufficient evidence for Hodgson to call him up.

Is it not fair that a level of loyalty be served to David Forde and Darren Randolph? Not that either of them is a completely exceptional goalkeeper but they've done fine when called upon.

Westwood has bided his time behind Given and has proved more than capable in goals for Ireland.

Not on the bench today. Looks like he is 3rd choice keeper for Norwich behind Ruddy and Rudd

I know this is by no means the first but I've my doubts whether there should be threads for players who might qualify for us or might be interested in playing for us.

There should maybe be a single thread for "possibles" and "eligibles" and hold off on the individual thread til the individual concerned has been included in a squad at whatever level.

Well I was looking thetorugh the Irish Daily Star and there were no Bunn's there just a couple of flabby white baps.

Not even the second choice goalkeeper. Declan Rudd is. I wonder why they even signed him - and why we're talking about a guy who is at best, the third choice goalkeeper for a relegation threatened side.

Hang on, Declan's an Irish name. My pulse is racing...

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Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Hang on, Declan's an Irish name. My pulse is racing...

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This spells the end for Kieren Westwood's international career.

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Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Hang on, Declan's an Irish name. My pulse is racing...

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It's no Joe O'Cearuill.

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Originally Posted by Olé Olé

Commitment? Applying to FIFA to ally himself with the FAI.
Age limit? Doesn't exist. I'm sure had he made contact with the FAI as an under-21 he would have been encouraged to commit to Ireland in light of the fact he was gaining regular football with Northampton Town at the age of 21.
Nationality? This isn't a specific answer but one which comes close in this context: Does he carry or have applied for an Irish passport?
Why did Trap contact him? Why does Trap do anything?
What I don't comprehend is where are you dreaming up Bunn's "merit" from? He has barely featured for Blackburn. He will more than "merit" his place if he plays for Norwich this season on a continuous basis and demonstrates better ability than Darren Randolph, David Forde and Stephen Henderson. He probably won't though. John Ruddy is England's number 2 and made 37 Premier League appearances last year which was sufficient evidence for Hodgson to call him up.

Is it not fair that a level of loyalty be served to David Forde and Darren Randolph? Not that either of them is a completely exceptional goalkeeper but they've done fine when called upon.

Westwood has bided his time behind Given and has proved more than capable in goals for Ireland.

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Ole, I really don't want to continue this argument with you. The reality is that one of us will be proved right over the coming months or season, however, just one last point. If Bunn is deemed to be the first or second best keeper for us, he should be picked ahead of Forde and Henderson, and for me this isn't a problem. This is the reality of professional sport.

The question is why would he be deemed our second best keeper when he isn't even making the bench for his club and has only played six games in the past 30 months?

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Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

The question is why would he be deemed our second best keeper when he isn't even making the bench for his club and has only played six games in the past 30 months?

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And as I said above, we will find out the answer over the next while. I would also add that it is a bit presumptous to judge him so early in the season when he has just overcome injury.

Well I'm not judging him, I'm just wondering why he's even being mentioned to begin with.

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Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Well I'm not judging him, I'm just wondering why he's even being mentioned to begin with.

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Charlie, rather than using your usual sarcasm add something worthwhile to the thread.

Sarcasm? No, I am legitimately wondering why we are talking about a player who has played so little football, and is at a stage in his career when he should be establishing himself as a #1 goalkeeper, as a legitimate option for the national team. We have more experienced goalkeepers playing regularly and we have younger goalkeepers with more potential. Fair play if he makes it at Norwich but it's a bit of a remote prospect at the moment.

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Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Sarcasm? No, I am legitimately wondering why we are talking about a player who has played so little football, and is at a stage in his career when he should be establishing himself as a #1 goalkeeper, as a legitimate option for the national team. We have more experienced goalkeepers playing regularly and we have younger goalkeepers with more potential. Fair play if he makes it at Norwich but it's a bit of a remote prospect at the moment.

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Isn't that the point of a forum, to discuss the present and possible future of Irish football? You are welcome to your opinion, just I am. I don't believe I am breaking any rules in my postsand if you don't agree or approve of my posts, it doesn't particularly worry me. If you do feel strongly about my posts there are other threads on here that you can visit.

Why are you being so defensive? I never said you were breaking any rules. I'm just bemused by all this fuss about Norwich's third choice goalkeeper, who used to be Blackburn's third choice goalkeeper, who may or may not declare for us in the future if he's asked nicely.

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Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Why are you being so defensive? I never said you were breaking any rules. I'm just bemused by all this fuss about Norwich's third choice goalkeeper, who used to be Blackburn's third choice goalkeeper, who may or may not declare for us in the future if he's asked nicely.

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Defensive no, just tired of the sarcasm which you continue to use. Again, if you can't add anything worthwhile to the thread, leave it alone.

If I was being sarcastic I would tell you. This guy legitimately isn't a realistic option right now, and has little to suggest he will be. We have plenty of reserve goalkeepers we can call on if required. We are very well stocked for goalkeepers who sit on the bench.

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Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

If I was being sarcastic I would tell you. This guy legitimately isn't a realistic option right now, and has little to suggest he will be. We have plenty of reserve goalkeepers we can call on if required. We are very well stocked for goalkeepers who sit on the bench.

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I don't believe you understand what sarcasm is. As I said before I disagree with your opinion and in defence of my beliefs. could you please explain why the FAI have approached him? How does this fit in with your opinion?

I'd imagine they approached him because the FAI have always cast their net wide and were in a bit of a panic after Shay announced his retirement.

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Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

I'd imagine they approached him because the FAI have always cast their net wide and were in a bit of a panic after Shay announced his retirement.

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'In a panic'? if you mean they are looking for a viable competitor to Westwood after Shay's retirement for this WC Campaign, I am in complete agreement.

No, I'm saying they fired up the rolodex and looked into absolutely every goalkeeper they could with possible Irish ancestry.

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Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

No, I'm saying they fired up the rolodex and looked into absolutely every goalkeeper they could with possible Irish ancestry.

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With what purpose in mind?

To stop panicking.

To put it another way, this guy is as much an international prospect as Joe Lapira was in 2006. Sometimes associations just do mad **** to see if anything will stick.

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Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

To stop panicking.

To put it another way, this guy is as much an international prospect as Joe Lapira was in 2006. Sometimes associations just do mad **** to see if anything will stick.

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Charlie, I think as you can't answer the question and are now trying to sideline the issue with very feeble and rash comments I will bid you adieu as I have better things to do.

I am down on my knees praying to God that Stephen Henderson gets at least a quick cameo to put this to rest.

Because if he does, he will be such a far greater asset to Irish football than Bunn for a variety of reason.

Bunn is a Premier League goalkeeper. Sense the sarcasm in that.

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Originally Posted by Olé Olé

I am down on my knees praying to God that Stephen Henderson gets at least a quick cameo to put this to rest.

Because if he does, he will be such a far greater asset to Irish football than Bunn for a variety of reason.

Bunn is a Premier League goalkeeper. Sense the sarcasm in that.

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Another expert who seems to know more than Trap and the FAI - great to see! Gee, I can do sarcasm too!

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Originally Posted by gastric

Very humorous! Ther sort of humour I would expect from a Finn Harps supporter called Nigel. Life must be tough!;)

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Hey, I get by..

Lads,
I want to end this carry on, so can we just and wait and see what happens. Ultimately, I think we all want a strong competitive Irish team, we just disagree on how and personnel.

I'm intrigued though, as a connoisseur of reserve team football ,as you must be to have spotted Bunn's world class potential (doubtless there is extensive coverage of this in Australia),
I was wondering.........are there many other English reserve team stalwarts in their late twenties with possible Irish heritage that could be catapulted in to the international squad to arrest the recent slide in standards?

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Originally Posted by gastric

Lads,
I want to end this carry on, so can we just and wait and see what happens. Ultimately, I think we all want a strong competitive Irish team, we just disagree on how and personnel.

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Fair enough. But, like Charlie Darwin, I find it hard to understand how anyone would - without some sense of subjective favouritism - wish to push Bunn ahead of the other decent options in our goalkeeping queue. Aside from Forde and Randolph (who have done nothing wrong for us), we have Colin Doyle, Brian Murphy and Stephen Henderson, who are in very similar positions to Bunn at club level. Seeing as they came up through our youth systems and have been in previous squads, most people would prefer to see them get a chance before a 'Johnny Come-Lately' who's not even playing regularly at a higher level. By all means, throw him in as an option - the more options the better - but lets be fair to the other goalkeepers.

The puns on the last two pages have gone right over my head.

Bunn makes his debut tonight in the league cup against Doncaster. Call him up Trap!

Didn't concede any goals tonight on his debut and made one save of note. Now one of 6 Irish eligible goalkeepers who are benchwarming in the Premiership at the moment. Probably some sort of record..

Alex McCarthy is far younger and has been getting his game at Reading ahead of Adam Federici in the Premier League.

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Originally Posted by Olé Olé

Alex McCarthy is far younger and has been getting his game at Reading ahead of Adam Federici in the Premier League.

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Not to mention fully committed to England.

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Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Not to mention fully committed to England.

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"Irish eligible goalkeepers" was the aspect to which I was responding.

I'm not sure it's really in the spirit of the phrase "Irish eligible" to use it to refer to players who have made it clear they have no intention of playing for us.