What might cause a change in Hodgon's stripes though? A surge of good will upon a sudden realisation or would it be a fear of further damaging his reputation and future employability? If he didn't care too much for his reputation, why would it be in his best interests to co-operate by playing weakened sides?Quote:
Originally Posted by geysir
With regard to Whelan, I wouldn't be surprised if O'Neill and Hughes made a private arrangement to allow him to come in and try and prove his fitness, but that he'd be sent home unless something extreme happened.
It's obvious, they have to keep the clubs sweet, end of. The clubs have more power and money, including legal force, should that be required.
What legal force do the clubs have? Honest question.Quote:
Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy
http://www.lawinsport.com/blog/squire-patton-boggs/item/your-guide-to-fifa-s-club-protection-programme
Unsure exactly, but they probably have better lawyers as usually get involved with more litigation and knowledge of player contracts?
Agreed, it'd be akin to a Grisham novel if a club v country row broke out. Country with no money but the moral high ground(played by McConaghey) v the despicable oil rich club only interested in the bottom line. (played by Shooter McGavin)Quote:
Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy
Ha ha, nice analogy.
It does seem obvious, but almost to the point of it being an accepted cliché without really knowing why. I was just wondering if the power relationship was influenced by legal/statutory obligations rather than simple good will. I'll get a read of that link, joe, when I get a chance.
Did anybody listen to Second Captains this week? When they stopped talking about a hotel incident for the first 25 minutes they had Emmet Malone on and he was suggesting that a colleague (was it from the BBC?) thought McCarthy got cold feet about facing Scotland in their back yard because his family was getting grief. Sounds a load of BS to be honest.
At the end of the day it's down to the player. Only he himself knows his body. No player in modern football plays at 100% every week, everybody gets a niggle here and there. Whelan to his credit tried and obviously knew his leg wasn't 'right'. McCarthy has had issues with the hamstring in the past and will know himself if he can make 90 minutes or not at full pelt.
Keane asked if he feels his position in the team is threatened after Long & Walters scored at the weekend.
"Listen. Shane & Jon are great players. Daryl & David are in great form too. We have a great group here and whoever comes in will do a job. It's up to the manager and I'm sure he will pick the team he feels is best suited to taking the three points. I'll be ready to do a job if I'm called."
What he actually said.
"I scored on Sunday as well."
https://twitter.com/McDonnellDan/sta...66251451392000
It was a good comeback alright. Shows his brain is as sharp as ever.Quote:
Originally Posted by TheOneWhoKnocks
He went on to say
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robbie Keane
What about Steven Fletcher's goalscoring record for Scotland. 1 in 17. 'Sheazy' doesn't need to be quaking in his boots!
Ross McCormack fares somewhat better- 2 in 11.
Where will goals come from this evening? Hendrick, McGeady, Naismith. 2-1 to the boys in green.
And people whine about Long's competitive goalscoring record when the only competitive game he has started was against Slovakia.Quote:
Originally Posted by Olé Olé
There is enough evidence to take from his goalscoring record in friendlies that he would have a lot more goals by now if he was given a chance to start on any kind of continuous basis.
What has Long got to do with Steven Fletcher's goalscoring record? Olé Olé made the point that Scotland don't have an awful lot of goals in the team's history. It's a good point - it doesn't mean they won't score one or more tonight, but it's a valid point. And Long has started more than one competitive game.
James Morrison injured so Mulgrew starts.
Otherwise as expected
Marshall, Whittaker, R.Martin, Hanley,
Robertson, Maloney, Mulgrew, Brown (c), S.Fletcher,
Naismith, Anya
Ireland XI: Forde, Coleman,
O'Shea, Keogh, Ward, McGeady, Hendrick, Gibson,
McClean, Long, Walters
Keane is on the bench for this one. Can't remember the last time Robbie started on the bench. Starting team:
1 David Forde (G)
2 Seamus Coleman
4 John O'Shea (C)
22 Richard Keogh
3 Stephen Ward
7 Aiden McGeady
8 Jeff Hendrick
14 Darron Gibson
11 James McClean
9 Shane Long
19 Jon Walters
Attack minded from O'Neill,
does that mean McGeady plays in the centre?
I've got a good feeling about this one and if Stephen Ward wasn't starting at left-back I'd tip us for a win. We'll definitely concede at least one goal with Ward in the starting line up, probably two. He is god awful. We haven't had a good left back in many years now. Whatever became of Greg Cunningham, the young left back who once played for Manchester City? He looked like he was ready to make the breakthrough but then got injured and I never heard from him again.
Ballsy move leaving Keane on the bench. Long and Walters are in great form though and Scotland's centre-back pairing don't look like world beaters.
Of course not. Hendrick and Gibson in the centre, McGeady and McClean on the wings.Quote:
Originally Posted by geysir