Republic of Ireland V Latvia - Wednesday, 22nd March 2023 - Friendly

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Originally Posted by JR89

Funny enough Ferguson is still underage for the 19s team that was named yesterday too.

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how cool would it be if evan lined up for the 19s in July. basically instead of the first week of pre-season. Malta are hosts, so if you could qualify and get in their group, you'd be very well placed to get to a semi-final. And a team with Evan Ferguson becomes a contender.

Often you get withdrawals because players are trying to break into the first team and don't want to miss pre-season, so for example the last tournament was missing the likes of Michael Obafemi, Aaron Connolly, Jason Knight, Conor Coventry, Nathan Collins, Adam Idah, Will Smallbone, Troy Parrott, Luca Connell, Gavin Kilkenny, Adam O'Reilly, Aaron Bolger - Ferguson is in the unusual position where he's already progressed to the next level where he's a guarantee to be a first teamer.

The fact the tournament takes place 11 days earlier should help reduce the number of withdrawals - and the fact it's not a Euros/World Cup summer is also a help. Often youngsters are brought up to make up the numbers when players are late coming back from a tournament...

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Originally Posted by Jd2793

mcgrath again :confused:

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Oooh Aaah ..........

he was always calling johnston up, have no real issue with it as it might force him to use wingers again.

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Originally Posted by elatedscum

how cool would it be if evan lined up for the 19s in July. basically instead of the first week of pre-season. Malta are hosts, so if you could qualify and get in their group, you'd be very well placed to get to a semi-final. And a team with Evan Ferguson becomes a contender.

Often you get withdrawals because players are trying to break into the first team and don't want to miss pre-season, so for example the last tournament was missing the likes of Michael Obafemi, Aaron Connolly, Jason Knight, Conor Coventry, Nathan Collins, Adam Idah, Will Smallbone, Troy Parrott, Luca Connell, Gavin Kilkenny, Adam O'Reilly, Aaron Bolger - Ferguson is in the unusual position where he's already progressed to the next level where he's a guarantee to be a first teamer.

The fact the tournament takes place 11 days earlier should help reduce the number of withdrawals - and the fact it's not a Euros/World Cup summer is also a help. Often youngsters are brought up to make up the numbers when players are late coming back from a tournament...

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Brighton would likely refuse to release him similar to all those lads not being released the last time we made the U19s euros.

Bit weird that O’Dowda is labelled a defender and Johnston is a forward

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Originally Posted by Jd2793

he was always calling johnston up, have no real issue with it as it might force him to use wingers again.

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I'm not so convinced we have seen anything yet of Johnston to say he merits a squad place. Do you think this (plus only 4 centre backs) signals a potential return to 433?

Coleman will cover CB as the fifth choice.

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Originally Posted by JR89

Coleman will cover CB as the fifth choice.

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Was just going to say this.

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Originally Posted by SkStu

I'm not so convinced we have seen anything yet of Johnston to say he merits a squad place. Do you think this (plus only 4 centre backs) signals a potential return to 433?

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going off dan mcdonnells piece kenny has been on the look out for any wingers he can find. johnston fits the bill. its upto kenny but shoehorning him in to play as a wb sounds like it wouldnt be useful in johnstons case so i can only hope it signals a return to 4-3-3. though it'd likely be for the last 10/15 of the game or something with him coming off the bench. otherwise, it could be a 3-4-3 which we've been overrun with before.

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Originally Posted by JR89

Coleman will cover CB as the fifth choice.

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Yeah, fair enough and, even though he's not shone there for us, it does work as cover.

26 man squad too. I'm just surprised that there was no room for Manning and Szmodics or Azaz whereas we have a number of busted flushes still in there. If it is a choice between Manning and O'Dowda on form it has to be Manning (also gives cover as 5th CB). Likewise McGrath v. Szmodics or Azaz. And I am disappointed to see Browne still in there. Johnston is a head-shaker but I suppose if he wants to change formation during a game, that gives something different. Maybe. We don't really know what he can do... wouldnt Ogbene (who is a bit off form) not give is a wide option like Johnston?

French squad named

Get the rosary beads. All the rosary beads.

Press conference on YouTube

I always (and have for every manager regardless of whether I like them/rate them, whatever) hold the caveat that if a player for all intents and purposes should be in our squad but isn't, then the possibility remains that there are personality clashes, issues in terms of interaction etc that can't be spoken about, but are a factor. Wonder is that the case with manning, because he ticks a lot of boxes in a position that we don't have great options in, and which he (Kenny) looks willing to try just about anyone in the position except the person most suited (manning).

perhaps he's concerned that manning can be exploited in behind as a WB, much worse than as a FB, and he's not going to get in as a CB, so why pick him?

I'm disappointed to see Will Keane in there - he's a nothing player compared to the other options, and it would have been nice to see Azaz or even Cannon in there instead.

Browne less disappointed to see included as as he does have a knack of getting into goalscoring positions for us, but Jeff....thankfully no Hourihane.

Will Keane is the only player who surprises me, admittedly I haven't watched much Wigan but still. Personally would have liked to have seen Manning, Coventry and McNamara but didn't think any were likely. Happy to see Hourihane not called up. No issues with the Hendrick call up - can't realistically see alternatives of deep lying midfielders

didn't say a lot in the press conference, basically O'Dowda being selected ahead of Brady and Manning. Thinks that he's Cardiff's player of the year and rates his pace very highly.

Adam Idah awaiting a scan but asked not to be ruled out yet...

Addresses Manning vs O'Dowda. O'Dowda clearly the favourite and chosen at Manning's expense. Robbie Brady not considered despite early season promise and not playing recently (been to a lot of Preston games).

Idah not looking good.

Doc situation not ideal. 8 wks between games. Has capacity to retain fitness when not playing - another challenge Int fball brings.

On Ev Ferguson, rapid rise even from the last Int window. Characteristics of forwards completely different to 2 yrs ago - name-checks them all - direct, quick and can play different ways, supplemented by Will Keane & Micky Johnston who is a dribbler. Injuries persist and are a challenge as well. Not straight forward situations.
Ev has been very good and made things look easy at times, makes good decisions and has a variety of attributes incl. linking the play leadign the line and scoring goals.
On the temptation to start him, this remains to be seen, can't pick team too early, still another round of games this weekend (ref.d Idah) and then quick turnaround to the LV game. Hopes he can play a significant impact. Need starters and replacements in the window.

Asked if he knows how he'll go between the two matches, he agreed that he does, but it can change depending on what presents itself, but also be cogniscent of the CHship schedule which is relentless, not to mention FA CUp games as well. it will be a consdieration for the LV game, but they want a strong performance there to go into the France game.

Reading through that French squad... and then reading people arguing about Manning or O'Dowda!

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Originally Posted by Exgrad

Reading through that French squad... and then reading people arguing about Manning or O'Dowda!

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I suppose the French might be able to make a go of it, if they get a few breaks.

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Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

French squad named

Get the rosary beads. All the rosary beads.

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Areola is a bit of a tit.

Underwhelming, but I could be won over if Ferguson gets a good run, we get to see what Smallbone and Sykes can offer (instead of McGrath, Browne and Hendrick) or if Molumby and Knight can bring their A-games.

Very disappointed for Manning.

No Hourihane is at least worth celebrating. We're goosed if Cullen gets injured. Hodge would have to be called up I'd say.

Other than left back, no big issues. McNally and McGuinnes are probably getting closer but those selected are worthy of their places and Omobamidele has shown good form for us when called upon.

Travers is a lucky boy to be picked over O'Leary.

I've an open mind on Johnston.

Thoroughly underwhelmed by some of the selection choices. Seems to have stuck with a bit too much loyalty to a few players rather than those in form. Andy Lyons another who could probably be classed as unlucky not to be included on the LB conundrum.

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Originally Posted by Bielsa´s irish

agree with most but the defenders we need duffy as back or KEVIN Long Ciaran Clark, too many kids there not good, TRAP AND MON nor JACK trusted youngsters that much, in midfield we need manning ronan and gallagher

attack is ok what about costelloe?

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is anything going to be done about this obvious trolling

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Originally Posted by Jd2793

is anything going to be done about this obvious trolling

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BI, you were warned about this

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Originally Posted by John83

mod warning: Cut out the RANDOM ALL caps, Bielsa.

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Originally Posted by Fixer82

Bit weird that O’Dowda is labelled a defender and Johnston is a forward

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Cos that's where they play now. O'Dowda claimed the left back spot in last window, was one of the few bright spots, and has been playing left back for Cardiff recently. Johnston is a winger/ wide Forward like Ogbene

Revert to Big Jack - put them under pressure. Kenny's naive tip-tap equals total disaster.

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Originally Posted by Snapshot

Revert to Big Jack - put them under pressure. Kenny's naive tip-tap equals total disaster.

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Maybe we should get Niall Quinn to come out of retirement too?

Not a very inspiring squad but that's not the main issue really, it's when they get to camp but no real brave decisions made. The French squad will have a very inexperienced keeper at international level playing in goals. I don't think many of them will be excited about going to Ireland in March. Still coming down off the World Cup loss, same old manager, probably some complacency, maybe a few more squad pull outs. I think there's an opportunity there for us to get a result. A nice, wet evening and you'll never know.

Think it's pretty clear that Kenny doesn't rate Manning, so I'm surprised people are surprised he's not there. He probably sees him as his fifth choice left wing back if everyone's fit.

All in all the squad has a very short term look about it. There's no planning for the future in that selection and it's easy enough to understand why. All the talk about how things would be different under Kenny and players would be picked on form has come to nothing. It's just a game to game situation now with no future planning for as long as he remains in his post.

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Originally Posted by BOOMSHAKALAKA

The French squad will have a very inexperienced keeper at international level playing in goals.

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Agreed. Not that Lloris ever reached a level of consistency where you'd be 100% sure of him, but he was head and shoulders above their other keepers. So yes, while these are super professionals, pulling on the Blue jersey to try and solidify yourself as the main man is a big deal, and I would absolutely be saying to pepper their box with shots and crosses in the opening stages. But to do that, you've got to get the ball. A helter-skelter game on a Spring evening is not what France will want - not sure it's what we want either to be honest! A nice sedate boring 0-0 would be a wonderful start, but I don't see it.

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I don't think many of them will be excited about going to Ireland in March. Still coming down off the World Cup loss, same old manager, probably some complacency, maybe a few more squad pull outs.

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It's March, plenty of Europe is ****ty at this time of the year, and Dublin is unseasonably warm, so who knows. They'll be well over the world cup hangover (I hope not), but the same old manager - it's Deschamps, he's not done badly over the years.
Camavinga , Fofana , Hernandez, Pavard, Upamecano, Rabiot, Tchouameni, Griezmann, Mbappe, Thuram - these are all absolute quality players, Kingsley Coman & Giroud are no slouches either, and like it or lump it, our best player doesn't get into their starting XI - actually, I'm not sure any of our players get into their squad. That's the scale of the task. Even when we were at our best in the modern era - Euro 2016 - when they turned on the style and focussed they blitzed us. That was with a "proper management team" as plenty seem to think here.

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I think there's an opportunity there for us to get a result. A nice, wet evening and you'll never know.

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Expand on this please, I am genuinely intrigued. What likelihood do you give us on a getting a result - and by result, what exactly do you mean, draw, win, morale boosting sucker punch last minute defeat?

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Originally Posted by Snapshot

Revert to Big Jack - put them under pressure. Kenny's naive tip-tap equals total disaster.

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Originally Posted by Razors left peg

Maybe we should get Niall Quinn to come out of retirement too?

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Good idea. Could do worse than Quinner - your lethal Plan B is Parrott and Idah. Now there's a shiver looking for a spine.

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Originally Posted by Eirambler

All in all the squad has a very short term look about it. There's no planning for the future in that selection and it's easy enough to understand why. All the talk about how things would be different under Kenny and players would be picked on form has come to nothing. It's just a game to game situation now with no future planning for as long as he remains in his post.

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Would you humour me and advise of the changes that you would make to the squad that would indicate planning for the future? I would assume it's in relation to selecting McClean and Coleman (instead of manning and Lyons/McNamara), Hendrick and McGrath (instead of say Coventry & Azaz), and Keane (instead of Cannon) - but I don't want to put words in your mouth.

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Originally Posted by Kingdom

Would you humour me and advise of the changes that you would make to the squad that would indicate planning for the future? I would assume it's in relation to selecting McClean and Coleman (instead of manning and Lyons/McNamara), Hendrick and McGrath (instead of say Coventry & Azaz), and Keane (instead of Cannon) - but I don't want to put words in your mouth.

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Sure. Right wing back. Two lads in their 30s playing there for years and nobody else has been blooded. Browne is a midfielder playing out of position when he plays there. We have a home friendly against Latvia and a chance to give someone a run. Who does he call up? The two lads in their 30s and nobody else. McNamara should have been in last summer.

Central midfield. The sitting position. No obvious cover for Cullen, yet apparently no interest in using the friendly to give Coventry or Hodge a shot there.

Attacking midfield. McGrath over Szmodics or Azaz - seriously?! (I'm aware Szmodics is older than McGrath but he's also playing successfully at a much higher level and there's more to gain from integrating him)

And Keane up front despite no goals in months. If Idah is out I expect we'll see Hogan again, even though he hasn't hit a barn door since Christmas.

This is pure short term-ism from man who knows (from a purely selfish perspective) that there's no point planning for the long term. But his responsibility to Irish football goes beyond his own job security, or at least it should.

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Originally Posted by Kingdom

Agreed. Not that Lloris ever reached a level of consistency where you'd be 100% sure of him, but he was head and shoulders above their other keepers. So yes, while these are super professionals, pulling on the Blue jersey to try and solidify yourself as the main man is a big deal, and I would absolutely be saying to pepper their box with shots and crosses in the opening stages. But to do that, you've got to get the ball. A helter-skelter game on a Spring evening is not what France will want - not sure it's what we want either to be honest! A nice sedate boring 0-0 would be a wonderful start, but I don't see it.


It's March, plenty of Europe is ****ty at this time of the year, and Dublin is unseasonably warm, so who knows. They'll be well over the world cup hangover (I hope not), but the same old manager - it's Deschamps, he's not done badly over the years.
Camavinga , Fofana , Hernandez, Pavard, Upamecano, Rabiot, Tchouameni, Griezmann, Mbappe, Thuram - these are all absolute quality players, Kingsley Coman & Giroud are no slouches either, and like it or lump it, our best player doesn't get into their starting XI - actually, I'm not sure any of our players get into their squad. That's the scale of the task. Even when we were at our best in the modern era - Euro 2016 - when they turned on the style and focussed they blitzed us. That was with a "proper management team" as plenty seem to think here.


Expand on this please, I am genuinely intrigued. What likelihood do you give us on a getting a result - and by result, what exactly do you mean, draw, win, morale boosting sucker punch last minute defeat?

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How many of our 2016 starting 11 would have got in the French team? They were at home and blitzed us but only after an hour in that their home tournament. Deschamps has been there years, it might have gone stale after the World Cup. Ireland at home against anyone and we always have a chance. Look at results under our two worst managers even (Kenny and Staunton), we've managed results against top teams. This is not an impossible task.

Since the last Euros, France have been beaten home and away by Denmark, lost and drawn to Croatia, drawn at home to Bosnia, drawn away to Austria and Ukraine, they will be 3 days after what they see as their big match against the Netherlands. This is set up for a good old fashioned ambush. If we had a competent manager I'd be very confident of a draw at least but even with this one, a draw isn't out of the question.

I'd pretty much concur with that. I just can't conceive of a question to which Jamie McGrath is the answer. Wasn't good enough for League 1 and certainly not good enough to merit international selection. Szmodics surely worth consideration for Latvia game, whilst Azaz and Connell are showing outstanding form in a League where McGrath couldn't get a game. On the one hand we're talking about the fringes of the squad, but on the other hand we're seeing obdurate inflexibility from Kenny who sticks with certain players despite an abundance of evidence that they're not good enough. As someone said, it's harder to get dropped from a Kenny squad than it is to break into it at the minute.

I think overall Im happy enough with the squad. There are a few players left out that will be argued about, but that just shows theres competition for places which we didnt have for the longest time. Most seem to be focusing on Manning not being in there, but its not exactly prime Wes being left out is it? O'Dowda claimed the left back spot in the last window and McClean will be in squad until he quits football. Doherty can also cover left back, or wing back. My personal preference for another full back would be Andy Lyons who can play both sides, but I think he'll be there soon enough. Of the defenders left out Darragh Lenihan is probably the hardest done by, but I also have no issue with any of the players picked ahead of him, again good competition for places.

In midfield I look forward to the day when Hendrick is no longer being picked. Browne is not my favorite, but he does cover a number of positions. McGrath is a mystery to me but Kenny likes him. The biggest thing is there are no glaring omissions that would make huge difference. Conor Coventry will probably get in sooner than later. Szmodics is a 27 journeyman, hes grand, but exactly gonna change life for us. Theres a few others on the periphery that may get in over time. Luca Connell and Finn Azaz in particular if they step up a level next season.

Up front I dont get the Will Keane pick, hes already proven not good enough at International level. Cannon is the obvious one that could be there instead, but realistically hes only had a few good games in the Championship yet so his time will come.

The Ferguson to England nonsense being put to bed is great. Smallbone I expect will play in the Latvia game. Overall its still a very young squad that Im happy enough with.

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Originally Posted by Snapshot

Good idea. Could do worse than Quinner - your lethal Plan B is Parrott and Idah. Now there's a shiver looking for a spine.

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Who would you actually pick instead of Parrott and Idah? Could do worse than Quinner is just shyte talk

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Originally Posted by Eirambler

Sure.

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Good man, appreciated.
I don't disagree with much of what you say, but I'm not sure I think they are all as massive an issue as you make them to be.

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Right wing back. Two lads in their 30s playing there for years and nobody else has been blooded. Browne is a midfielder playing out of position when he plays there. We have a home friendly against Latvia and a chance to give someone a run. Who does he call up? The two lads in their 30s and nobody else. McNamara should have been in last summer.

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I do absolutely agree with you here. I think it's a massive oversight not to have blooded Danny.

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Central midfield. The sitting position. No obvious cover for Cullen, yet apparently no interest in using the friendly to give Coventry or Hodge a shot there.

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I don't disagree, but would say that I think it might be a touch too soon for Hodge, and I'm not sure Coventry will ever get to the level we need in that position.

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Attacking midfield. McGrath over Szmodics or Azaz - seriously?! (I'm aware Szmodics is older than McGrath but he's also playing successfully at a much higher level and there's more to gain from integrating him)

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I don't think it's as big a deal - so long as Will Smallbone starts. If he doesn't...well then, that's a different story (vs Latvia).

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And Keane up front despite no goals in months. If Idah is out I expect we'll see Hogan again, even though he hasn't hit a barn door since Christmas.

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Agreed. Its a problem.

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Originally Posted by Razors left peg

Who would you actually pick instead of Parrott and Idah? Could do worse than Quinner is just shyte talk

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You introduced Quinner, buddy.

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Originally Posted by BOOMSHAKALAKA

How many of our 2016 starting 11 would have got in the French team? They were at home and blitzed us but only after an hour in that their home tournament. Deschamps has been there years, it might have gone stale after the World Cup. Ireland at home against anyone and we always have a chance. Look at results under our two worst managers even (Kenny and Staunton), we've managed results against top teams. This is not an impossible task.

Since the last Euros, France have been beaten home and away by Denmark, lost and drawn to Croatia, drawn at home to Bosnia, drawn away to Austria and Ukraine, they will be 3 days after what they see as their big match against the Netherlands. This is set up for a good old fashioned ambush. If we had a competent manager I'd be very confident of a draw at least but even with this one, a draw isn't out of the question.

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1st para fair enough, points I could get on board with (maybe).
2nd para "Since the last Euros, France have..." been beaten on penalties in the World Cup final in the last international window. E.N.D.

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Originally Posted by Kingdom

Good man, appreciated.
I don't disagree with much of what you say, but I'm not sure I think they are all as massive an issue as you make them to be.


I do absolutely agree with you here. I think it's a massive oversight not to have blooded Danny.


I don't disagree, but would say that I think it might be a touch too soon for Hodge, and I'm not sure Coventry will ever get to the level we need in that position.


I don't think it's as big a deal - so long as Will Smallbone starts. If he doesn't...well then, that's a different story (vs Latvia).


Agreed. Its a problem.

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Yeah, for me it's more about the Latvia game than the France one in terms of the squad picks. I think the XI for France are more or less there alright, as long as he picks them (I'm not as sold on Manning as many others seem to be).

But the Latvia game just feels like a wasted opportunity already now, other than getting another cap for Ferguson and hopefully seeing Smallbone get a start.