I am the opposite I have only seen him have one bad agame and that was Chile at home when he was played out of position in a three man defence that was all over the shop.
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I am the opposite I have only seen him have one bad agame and that was Chile at home when he was played out of position in a three man defence that was all over the shop.
agree with above. hes usually been pretty good.
Have you ever seen him play in the league?Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilMcD
He was a regular in the side that finished second in the championship, and birmingham had a solid record when he started, winning 24, drawing 6 and losing only 9 games.Quote:
Originally Posted by theworm2345
When he was a regular in the Spurs side, he scored a few crucial goals, but then Lee returned from injury and he lost his place.
I've seen him play for Ireland a few times and for Birmingham a few times, as far as I can remember he's been pretty bad almost every time. He may have played, but did you ever watch the matches?Quote:
Originally Posted by tetsujin1979
I've seen him play a few times, seems to try and get forward quite a bit.Quote:
Originally Posted by theworm2345
Never really outstanding, but never really screwed up either - he wouldn't play that often if he did - but you don't really want your full backs to be the best player on the pitch.
Yeah I would say most of his games for Spurs in the league and about 5 of his games of Birmingham. Good decent fullback in my view.Quote:
Originally Posted by theworm2345
And what about Carr. When did he last put in a good performance for Ireland. Carr is dire. The amount of times he got roasted on that wing was ridiculous.Quote:
Originally Posted by theworm2345
I'd take Kelly before him anyday.
Talking about full-backs I think its well worth keeping an eye on Kevin Foley at Wolves now. I think he'll turn out to be a better player than Kelly anyway...
Anyone know when the squad for this one is named?
TomorrowQuote:
Originally Posted by bawn79
From today's Guardian:
Eriksson may have constructed one of the most cosmopolitan squads in English football but it was Johnson, a Mancunian, and Stephen Ireland, from Cork, who stood out throughout.
I was critical of Eriksson here a few weeks ago after reading him admit he hadn't seen any of his signings, and also seeing one of the UK papers list its probable first XI excluding Ireland, but in fairness he's giving the local players a chance and, so far, with good effect.
It still concerns me how we should accomodate Ireland though.
Ireland excelled with Joey Barton covering every inch of the pitch and now I think he's being partnered by Hamaan, a tall and rangy holding player. Do we have anyone who can provide the grit to match Ireland's creativity? Steven Reid if fit can do what Barton used to do for City but time is running out for Reid to establish himself as an international.
Or must we play Ireland in an advanced role with 3 behind him?
Here's my latest thinking on the team:
----------Given------------
O'Shea-Dunne-McShane-Finnan
---A.Reid--Carsley--Hunt---
---------Ireland-------
-----Keane----Doyle---
Subs from: Kilbane, McGeady, Carr, a centre back, Elliott and/or any of the young forward tyros making their mark. Is Miller playing well enough to merit a squad recall?
On the positive side there's creativity, width, grit & balance (bar Finnan on the left). Reid can play perfectly well on the right, and he, Ireland & Keane can all interchange if on the same wavelength.
Hunt & McShane would bring an attitude to the team that's been missing in recent years, and who knows, if Spurs' poor start continues maybe Robbie will look at Ireland as his main chance of glory.
On the negative side, it's a vertically challenged midfield and may struggle to contain a bigger side.
The Guardian this morning commented on Stephen Hunt's excellent crossing.
I believe Colin Doyle made a brilliant save near the end last night and Bruce was furious claiming Doyle was fouled by O'Donovan in the follow up, leading to the equaliser. I also heard on SKY that Doyle flapped badly at a cross (from Miller) moments earlier.
As said in another thread, McShane is far from the finished & polished article but he brings leadership and attitude. He & Dunne will probably always have an error just around the corner, but by & large I think it's a good pairing. McShane - the "new" Kevin Moran anyone?
Good post stutts, but can S. Reid be omitted that easily? McShane and Hunt do bring an attitude to the team, but so does Doyle. I think he was the pioneer of it until McShane came along. Doyle made a fantastic last minute save last night, but O'Donovan pulled him back from getting up. He was pretty average Sunday. Should start against Denmark.
Staunton could do anything with this squad today. I suspect Folan and/or Norris will be in it. Don't agree with either. Would like to see Potter in. He did well in the States and would make the midfield less vertically challenged.
In ordinary circumstances I'd have him in in a flash. I've rated him for ages. But he needs to be match fit. He hasn't played since Stuttgart I think, club or country. I'd like to see a fit Joey O'Brien return too.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeNiro
Potter looked the part in the US I agree and I'd like to see him play some part in Denmark.
Squad announced:
Goalkeepers:
Nick Colgan Barnsley
Colin Doyle Birmingham City
Wayne Henderson Preston North End
Defenders:
Stephen Carr Newcastle United
Richard Dunne Manchester City
Steve Finnan Liverpool
Stephen Kelly Birmingham City
Paul McShane Sunderland
John O'Shea Manchester United
Midfielders:
Jonathon Douglas Leeds United
Stephen Hunt Reading
Stephen Ireland Manchester City
Kevin Kilbane Wigan Athletic
Aiden McGeady Celtic
Alan O'Brien Hibernian
Darren Potter Wolverhampton Wanderers
Andy Reid Charlton Athletic
Strikers
Kevin Doyle Reading
Stephen Elliot Wolverhampton Wanderers
Robbie Keane Tottenham Hotspur
Andy Keogh Wolverhampton Wanderers
Shane Long Reading
Daryl Murphy Sunderland
EDIT: Adding link, Carsley left out, but, still in plans for the big games. Agreement with Staunton that he's not called up if not going to be used
no real problems with the squad. Maybe the omission of O'Halloran after impressing in the states, but he's not playing for Villa lately and we're looking to prepare for the double header in September.
If you wanted to be picky, there's only 6 defenders. Interestingly all are playing in the Premiership.
Stokes staying with the U-21s so?
Why in the hell are Colgan and Douglas there? What have they done to merit being in that squad????
Murphy in for Colgan
Garvan/McCann/Whelan/anyone else in for Douglas
And Alan O'Brien :rolleyes: ffs
Apart from that, glad to see Potter there and the strikeforce looks pretty strong...
Good post. Ireland has been playing RM for City so far this season and has been doing fairly well. He was their best player in pre-season so he seems to have won a place in the starting line-up, although he will have to continite to be on his toes. I think we would be fine leaving him on the right and allow him to drift in, leaving Andy Reid in the centre. On the left we would need someone like Duff or Hunt to provide the width that we would be lacking on the left. I'd stick with the normall 4-4-2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
Ireland--A. Reid--Potter--Hunt
I'd have S. Reid and Duff if they were fully fit.
BTW interview with Stephen Ireland here- http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....spotlight.html
my team for the Denmark game would be
Doyle
O Shea Mc Shane Dunne Finnan
A Reid Potter
Ireland Keane Hunt
Doyle.
In fairness Douglas hasn't done too bad for us...
But Colgan:rolleyes: and Alan O'Brien. I dunno. Just once I'd like to look at a Staunton squad without complete bewilderment at some of the selections.
I'd be the first to say that Douglas was solid against the Czechs but he is a very limited player, has been injured for a while and is playing in the third tier of English football for a team that may well be relegated in the coming season. What do Glenn Whelan and Owen Garvan need to do to get called up? I'm finding it an increasingly worrying trend with Garvan as regards being snubbed by u19 u21 and senior squads - must be something very wrong there...
I'm not fussed about O'Brien, especially as Duff is out. He's the kind of player whose pace may win you a free kick or whatever.
But Colgan. Again. Oh my God.
Good team.Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilMcD
Why no Folan or Norris (or whatever his name is :rolleyes:)? Staunton's great at talking about all these guys but never does anything about it. Not that I want him to, but it seems pointless. What is REALLY pointless is Douglas. He can't be serious with it surely. Then throws O'Brien in on top of it. I just wonder how much we would see of O'Brien if Devlin wasn't around. Anyone any info on how he's doing for Hibs?
is s reid still injured?
also i assume carsley is in the team for september? we are very light weight in midfield, that squard is real lightweight.
Republic of Ireland senior squad for friendly v Denmark in Aarhus, 22 August, 2007:
Goalkeepers:
Nick Colgan, Colin Doyle, Wayne Henderson.
Defenders:
Stephen Carr, Richard Dunne, Steve Finnan, Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, John O'Shea.
Midfielders:
Jonathon Douglas, Stephen Hunt, Stephen Ireland, Kevin Kilbane, Aiden McGeady, Alan O'Brien, Darren Potter, Andy Reid.
Strikers:
Kevin Doyle, Stephen Elliot, Robbie Keane, Andy Keogh, Shane Long, Daryl Murphy.
BTW hunty had a great game yesterday from what i read and watchin the last few mins he was still full of running.
Wsa it Staunton who bigged up Norris, or was it the press doing a feature on Norris? I can't remember.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeNiro
I think O'Brien has made a couple of sub appearances. He got injured late pre-season so wasn't expected to start for Hibs.
Douglas I can take or leave. Remember, here's a guy who played well against the Czechs and started against Wales. In hindsight, I wish he'd started in Cyprus.
For me Colgan is the really daft one. Why not bring Joe Murphy along? He can't argue that the keepers need experience among them for a friendly. Surely Alan Kelly can provide all that.
On the positive side, at least young guys like Murphy, Keogh, Long, Kelly, the 2 keepers and Potter are beginning to make an impact in the squad, and McGeady is now a core squad member. Now, and only now, is Staunton's Ireland beginning to look like the transitional squad he's claimed it was all along. Exciting times ahead hopefully. Even Tuff Paddy thinks so!
I'm hoping against hope that Liam Miller will take his (last) chance to prove himself capable at playing at a high level consistently.
Why isn't Liam Miller in the squad? Has changed the game for Sunderland in their first 2 games.
good posts stuts ( as always ), sometimes when i read these squads I honestly beleive that staunton reads stuff off hear or on the papers and then decides to pick a player. He honestly doesn't seem to know about irish players plying their trade in the first division. What does he do for 320 days of the year? He should be flying over checking out games in div 1 and the premiership ( along with EL games obviously :) ) instead of relying on his "sources", whatever, whereever and whoever they are.
I do think we are seeing consistency though, and a lot more so than kerr we are seeing a squad and team that WE the supporters would pick also. That really is a good thing, and shows that stauntons has got a strong idea of his team.
Noely, it could be an overhang from pulling out of the US trip for "family reasons" (holiday?) when if anyone needed to prove himself and make the effort it was him.
From the highlights, Hunt appeared to play very well. Didn't allow the Chelsea hecklers phase him one iota. I think it spurred him on and that's the sort of character you want in a squad.Quote:
Originally Posted by paul_oshea
Without Duff, he could be crucial in September in running with the ball and taking pressure away from the defence.
In the qualifiers, a willingness to have a go at the Slovaks/Czechs to a certain degree will have a huge bearing on how we do.
Noone wants to face the prospect of another Croatia away. :(
Oh sweet Jesus No!Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolfie
I don't think Nick Colgan, Jonathon Douglas and Alan O'Brien should be in the squad. They're not good enough and there're better options available.
I'd also question the wisdom of including 6 strikers in the squad.
There's only 6 defenders in the squad and 4 of them are full-backs. Granted JOSH can play centre-half but surely in a friendly Stan should be looking for back-up players in defence. What happens if both Dunne and McShane get injured?
I'm worried about Finnan in the left-back position. IMO the only chances Slovakia had against us stemmed from Finnan favouring his right foot to clear the ball. The is a big problem area for me but it doesn't seem to be of concern to Stan.
Based on the Wales and Slovakia games we look a decent team with a 4-5-1 formation and I'd like Stan to continue with this formation with the two important games coming up. However looking at the squad he has picked, it's certain he'll revert to 4-4-2 formation for the Denmark game.
I agree with alan o'brien big time,Think O'Halloran should be in ahead of him, our defence has no left leg there, and isn't potter there on the same credentials as Halloran very good USA tour and all. Halloran had a very good pre season, is in Villas squad for all games, surely he should be there.Quote:
Originally Posted by ifk101
Carsley obviously doesn't do friendlies anymore
Agree with Stokes omission. Saw him in the Sunderland game in Cork. He has a bigger mouth than the River Lee. Constantly arguing.
O'Halloran omission is dissapointing. Especially since McDonald is working at Villa. He obviously doesn't have the same influence as Devlin does :rolleyes:
Potter should start. We need someone younger in the Carsley mould that will be able to protect the vagaries of Stephen Ireland's play and defensive work.
It is a squad in transition, but one with potential. Team for game as
Colin Doyle
Steve Finnan, Richard Dunne, Paul McShane, Stephen Kelly,
Stephen Hunt, Stephen Ireland, Darren Potter, Andy Reid.
Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane,
:D:D BrilliantQuote:
Originally Posted by DeNiro
S Ireland is flying at man city at the moment him and dunne wil be in top form for it. Expectin a good performance from doyle, hope hunt starts, really wouldnt surpise me if he didnt, seems stan doesnt like him or something
I see Johnathan Douglas a lower league journeyman playing for League 1's Leeds gets into the squad again instead of Championship regulars Chris McCann and more worryingly Owen Garvan. Also Alan O'Brien instead of Jay Tabb? Where's Leon Best when Staunton is building for the future and trying to get those players to commit to us that are not Irish by birth?
The hamster spinning that wheel in du gafur's head mustn't have got beyond a slow jog again.
it's not that I disagree with your substantive issue -but "Lower League Journeyman"? He's had two clubs. Blackburn and Leeds United.Quote:
Originally Posted by youngirish
Mythology. There's no "building for the future" in international football no matter what Stan says ...it's a fig leaf for his fcuk ups.Quote:
Originally Posted by youngirish
This squad glaringly shows the stupidty of Staunton in my mind. What can be gained from including Carr, nothing. He has been a disgrace for club and country for the past two years. Surely O'Halloran played his way into the squad after America. Dont even get me started on O'Brien. And 6 strikers!!! Garvan has obviously upset the FAI somehow and Staunton being the model employee that he is will not go near him. IMO Staunton seems to get the all the simple things wrong.