Ireland's 23 man squad for Euro 2012

[QUOTE=Stuttgart88;1552399
Foley might struggle, but I don't see how Liam can claim he's been "unbelievably loyal". I see what you're saying but turning up when selected is the least you'd expect. OK, some haven't even given that much but still..
A B international would be very interesting & worthwhile.[/QUOTE]

Fair point I just feel for foley on a human basis same goes for killer.Foley real irish lad been with us since 21 s real irish upbringin in england must have been in 20 odd squads and unlucky that he was physically bullied on his debut and trap does not forget. In another era he could have been a regular for us lovely footballer. Would love the B international idea give something like this a chance

Randolp
coleman Clarke O Dea Tierney

Pilkington Meyler McCarthy Brady

Stokes Best

Think a side like that gives lads with a realistic possibility of going to Poland a chance to push for place in friendly games later before the summer. Good prep for the world cup qualifiers for other lads who just wont make this tournament. For all those who say Coleman is not a full back maybe they should remember that he played for sligo and blackpool and ireland under 21s and made his premier league debut there for everton and really just took advantage of evertons weakness in wide midfield areas and comparative strenght at right full. Poor Wes just wont be a Trap player unfortunately so cant see him been involved even in a B game

Has Marc Wilson dropped of the radar altogether?
No one seems to have mentioned him, playing LB regularly for Stoke..
I think Ciaran Clark's versatilely would be an useful addition

True forgot about wilson he is right footed though so would rather see him have a chance in centre midfield. We do have good depth now

Wilson could yet play play himself back into things. I watched him recently and he seems to have stalled/gone backwards a bit. Was not impressed. Same goes for McCarthy at Wigan. Not happening at the moment but of course 4 or 5 good games and everthing can change. Loads of time for a couple of players to get into the team and prove their worth. If the opening game was tomorrow and everyone was fit the this would be the team.
Given
O'Shea Dunne, Sledge, Ward
Duff Whelan Andrews McGeady
Walters Keane

But I expect to see at least 4 ir 5 changes to that team come June 2012 due to injuries/loss of form/came in did a job/the opposition

I'd love to see us organise a B friendly around the same time as the senior game in Feb. I know its wishful thinking, but wouldn't it be great to see a big squad named and then split into two for both games. To see how players can play together.

I'd love to see something like these:

Given

Foley, Dunne, O’Dea, Wilson

Coleman, Whelan, Meyler, McGeady

Long, Keane

Forde, Cunningham, Kelly, Fahey, Brady, Pilkington, Best


*Westwood

O’Shea, St Ledger, Clark, Ward

Duff, Andrews, McCarthy, Hunt

Walters, Doyle

Randolph/2 Murphy’s, McShane, Kilbane, Treacy, Gibson/Hoolahan, Keogh, Cox

Given, Westwood, Forde

Foley,Doherty, Cunningham, Ward, Dunne, O'Shea, St.Ledger, Clark

Coleman, Brady, McGeady, Duff, Whelan, Meyler, Andrews, McCarthy

Keane, Doyle, Long, Walters

The form squad come Summer 2012

The first XI

Given

Doherty
Dunne
O'Shea
Cunningham

Coleman
Meyler
Whelan
McGeady

Keane
Walters

Your form team come next summer includes 3 defenders who can't currently get near their club's first team?

Here's Emmet Malone's opinion:

LIKELY/UNLIKELY LADS: The race to make the 23-man squad for Euro 2012

Racing certainties . . .

Goalkeepers
Shay Given and Keiren Westwood

Defenders

John O’Shea, Seán St Ledger, Stephen Ward and Richard Dunne

Midfielders

Damien Duff, Aiden McGeady, Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan

Forwards

Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle

On the rails . . .

Goalkeepers

David Forde

Defenders

Stephen Kelly, Darren O’Dea, Kevin Foley

Midfielders

Keith Fahey, Stephen Hunt and Darron Gibson

Forwards

Shane Long, Jonathan Walters, Simon Cox

Need a big finish . . .

Goalkeepers

Joe Murphy, Darron Randolph, Paddy Kenny and Brian Murphy

Defenders

Kevin Kilbane, Paul McShane, Ciaran Clark, Damien Delaney and Marc Wilson

Midfielders

James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman, Liam Lawrence, Keith Treacy, Paul Green, Wes Hoolahan and Noel Hunt

Forwards

Leon Best and Anthony Stokes

And the complete outsiders . . .

Marc Tierney and Anthony Pilkington (Norwich City), Anton Ferdinand (QPR), Richard Stearman (Wolves) and Alex Pearce (Reading)

The Trap will be very loyal to his squad. I'd be amazed if we had more than 1 or 2 new faces in the Euro 2012 squad.

Certs:

Given
Westwood
Dunne
O'Shea
St Ledger
O'Dea
Ward
Kelly
Whelan
Andrews
Duff
McGeady
Fahey
Hunt
Keane
Doyle
Walters
Long

That's 18 places locked in (if the players are fit).

Think back to the days of Italia 90, USA 94 and Japan, there is always a late withdrawal due to injury. As regards dark horses for inclusion what about David Myler if he gets a run at it. Another one could be McCann from Burnley, especially if he gets a move to a premiership team in January.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shakermaker1982

The Trap will be very loyal to his squad. I'd be amazed if we had more than 1 or 2 new faces in the Euro 2012 squad.

Certs:

Given
Westwood
Dunne
O'Shea
St Ledger
O'Dea
Ward
Kelly
Whelan
Andrews
Duff
McGeady
Fahey
Hunt
Keane
Doyle
Walters
Long

That's 18 places locked in (if the players are fit).

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Could actually see Long being left out, some sides only bring 4 strikers. If Trap sticks with his usual system of Keane/Cox paired with Doyle/Long/Walters it could mean one of the latter 3 won't be involved.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Here's Emmet Malone's opinion:

LIKELY/UNLIKELY LADS: The race to make the 23-man squad for Euro 2012

Racing certainties . . .

Goalkeepers
Shay Given and Keiren Westwood

Defenders

John O’Shea, Seán St Ledger, Stephen Ward and Richard Dunne

Midfielders

Damien Duff, Aiden McGeady, Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan

Forwards

Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle

On the rails . . .

Goalkeepers

David Forde

Defenders

Stephen Kelly, Darren O’Dea, Kevin Foley

Midfielders

Keith Fahey, Stephen Hunt and Darron Gibson

Forwards

Shane Long, Jonathan Walters, Simon Cox

Need a big finish . . .

Goalkeepers

Joe Murphy, Darron Randolph, Paddy Kenny and Brian Murphy

Defenders

Kevin Kilbane, Paul McShane, Ciaran Clark, Damien Delaney and Marc Wilson

Midfielders

James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman, Liam Lawrence, Keith Treacy, Paul Green, Wes Hoolahan and Noel Hunt

Forwards

Leon Best and Anthony Stokes

And the complete outsiders . . .

Marc Tierney and Anthony Pilkington (Norwich City), Anton Ferdinand (QPR), Richard Stearman (Wolves) and Alex Pearce (Reading)

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do you reckon he just forgot keogh or it was deliberate?

This is the squad I'd pick in 6 months time, * = player I would pick but I dont think Trap will select, with his choice in brackets.

1 GK Given
2 GK Westwood
3 GK Kenny (Forde)
4 DF Dunne
5 DF St Ledger
6 DF O'Dea
7 DF O'Shea
8 DF *Cunningham (Ward)
9 DF Kelly
10 MD / DF *Coleman (McShane)
11 MD Andrews
12 MD Whelan
13 MD McGeady
14 MD Fahey
15 MD *Pilkington/Clarke (Gibson)
16 MD *Hoolahan (McCarthy)
17 MD Duff
18 FW Keane
19 FW Walters
20 FW Doyle
21 FW Long
22 FW Cox
23 FW *Best (Hunt)

I can't decide between Pilkington or Clarke of Villa, I'd probably give it to Clarke as he's played a few games for us recently and can play anywhere across the back or even in central midfield.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zero

do you reckon he just forgot keogh or it was deliberate?

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Probably forgot. Easy to do!

I'd say he forgot him as well. He's always there but you never see him. He'd probably go in the 'need a big finish' category.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

David Kelly and Tony Cascarino too (both of whom made appearances in the tournament)

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Afair, Cascarino was recovering from an injury and wasn't really available.
Kelly would have been an option to play alongside Cas.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by backtowalsall

Trap took 6 strikers to both the Euro's and WC when he was Italy boss. So Best might have a chance.

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At WC 2002 (havent got the EC 2004 squad to hand), that included Totti and Del Piero though, who played in the system as more of an advanced-midfielder, creative role; either playing slightly off one out-and-out striker or, when games needed chasing, behind a front pairing?

Looking at our strikers, i don't feel that there's anywhere near as much 'versatility', if thats the right word. Cox and Long (and Walters?) could both perhaps fall back into a wide midfield role, but we've got better options there within the squad already, not exactly lacking in that dept!

I just can't see Trap taking more than 5 strikers, given the current crop. I don't think he'll drop to 4... unless he starts viewing Duffer in a similar way to McCarthy in 2002.

Loving this thread though. Really interesting to debate it, and its not reducing my excitement levels either!

Here's Daniel McDonnell's take on things:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...n-2933595.html

Trapattoni will have a lot of thinking to do between now and next summer. He says that people outside his current squad will get a chance to impress, but, by analysing the manager's options, it's clear there is little room at the inn.

GOALKEEPER

First Choice: Shay Given -- The country will be praying that he avoids any kind of injury over the next seven months.

Back-Up: Keiren Westwood, David Forde -- They are the established number two and three, and Westwood is a trusted replacement for Given.

Dark Horses: Darren Randolph, Brian Murphy -- If any mishap is suffered by those above, they will fight over the next spot.

Non-Runners: Paddy Kenny, Joe Murphy -- Kenny is still persona non grata, while Murphy has also fallen out of the good books.

RIGHT BACK

First Choice: John O'Shea -- Can offer cover in other positions, but Trapattoni wants to play him here.

BACK-UP: Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, Kevin Foley -- Kelly will definitely be on the plane, but McShane and Foley could end up in competition with each other -- although the latter can also supplement the midfield.

DARK HORSE: Seamus Coleman -- Trapattoni has spoken about using the Donegal lad in the long term, but until Everton do, it's hard to see the Irish boss taking that step.

CENTRE -HALVES

FIRST CHOICE: Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger -- The favoured duo since Bulgaria in 2009 and that situation won't be changing, although St Ledger's situation at Leicester is a worry.

BACK UP: Darren O'Dea, John O'Shea, Paul McShane, Damien Delaney -- O'Dea will definitely go as the preferred cover, with O'Shea and McShane also considered in this department. Delaney is last resort.

DARK HORSES: Alex Pearce -- Trapattoni watched Scottish-born Pearce recently and is thinking about offering a call-up.

LEFT BACK

FIRST CHOICE: Stephen Ward -- The Wolves man was excellent in Estonia, demonstrating that he has learned from Moscow.

BACK UP: John O'Shea, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Damien Delaney, Ciaran Clark -- It's looking grim for Kilbane, who was left out of Estonia, with O'Shea and Kelly the cover options for Ward. Delaney and Clark's prospects are slim; the latter is a centre-half, but Trap views him as a left-sider.

DARK HORSES: Marc Tierney, Marc Wilson, Greg Cunningham -- Trapattoni mentioned Norwich's Tierney on Saturday, while Wilson offers cover in a variety of positions, but is suffering for his behaviour last summer. Trap rates Cunningham.

RIGHT MIDFIELD

FIRST CHOICE: Damien Duff -- His experience is vital to Trapattoni's plans and he will play once he remains intact.

BACK-UP: Stephen Hunt, Seamus Coleman, Liam Lawrence -- Hunt offers cover on both flanks. It could well be Coleman v Lawrence for a spot in the squad, and the Everton man has the upper hand

DARK HORSES: Anthony Pilkington -- Another Norwich man to get a mention from Trap on Saturday. Can play on both wings, but can also play for England as well and seems a bit unsure.

NON-RUNNER: Andy Reid -- Was in Tallinn as a fan on Friday and, given lack of club form and fact he doesn't really fit into manager's system in any position, he will be a spectator next summer.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

FIRST CHOICE: Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews -- Injury problems to Andrews broke partnership up for a while, but this honest pair have returned to pole position.

BACK-UP: Keith Fahey, Darron Gibson, James McCarthy, Kevin Foley, Paul Green -- Fahey is now regarded as next best and can also move wide, so he is on course. Gibson may need to move in January to stay ahead of McCarthy and it's hard to see both going to Poland and Ukraine unless a recognised striker loses out.

DARK HORSES: Wes Hoolahan, David Meyler -- Hoolahan is a real long shot. He deserves a call-up, but he can't operate in this system. Will only be accommodated if Trap wants an option for a 4-5-1. Meyler fits the Trap mould, but needs a run of games.

NON-RUNNERS: Steven Reid, Stephen Ireland -- The former has said he would be available in an emergency and the latter is in self-imposed exile. However, Reid and Trapattoni's relationship is non-existent and Ireland would have to be ignored even if he did announce a change of heart.

LEFT MIDFIELD

FIRST CHOICE: Aiden McGeady -- He continues to develop and was excellent in Estonia. Poland and Ukraine will be a huge stage for his talents.

BACK-UP: Stephen Hunt, Keith Treacy -- Hunt will go, but Treacy has fallen out of favour and Duff's ability to switch removes real need for other option.

DARK HORSE: Robert Brady -- An outstanding talent who is on loan at Hull from Man United. Like Pilkington, he is versatile, but will need others to suffer misfortune.

STRIKERS

FIRST CHOICE: Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle -- Doyle's return to the starting XI tomorrow illustrates that these are still the chosen pair.

BACK-UP: Shane Long, Jonathan Walters, Simon Cox, Andy Keogh -- Unless he decides to bring just four strikers and seek added cover in other positions, the first three names should be safe, but where does that leave Keogh?

DARK HORSE: Leon Best -- Out of tomorrow's second leg through injury, but would hardly have figured anyway. Difficult to see who he can unship.

NON-RUNNER: Anthony Stokes -- No matter what he does with Celtic, the Dubliner is not well regarded by the current regime.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tipp Townie

At WC 2002 (havent got the EC 2004 squad to hand), that included Totti and Del Piero though, who played in the system as more of an advanced-midfielder, creative role; either playing slightly off one out-and-out striker or, when games needed chasing, behind a front pairing?

Looking at our strikers, i don't feel that there's anywhere near as much 'versatility', if thats the right word. Cox and Long (and Walters?) could both perhaps fall back into a wide midfield role, but we've got better options there within the squad already, not exactly lacking in that dept!

I just can't see Trap taking more than 5 strikers, given the current crop. I don't think he'll drop to 4... unless he starts viewing Duffer in a similar way to McCarthy in 2002.

Loving this thread though. Really interesting to debate it, and its not reducing my excitement levels either!

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Agreed. I can't see him taking six strikers, and don't think there's any need for six (we're not Argentina).

But if he does, Keogh is guaranteed to be one of them for his perceived versatility by Trap.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

First Choice: Shay Given -- The country will be praying that he avoids any kind of injury over the next seven months.

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This reminded me that Given would have missed the 2010 World Cup for that exact reason...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

NON-RUNNER: Andy Reid -- Was in Tallinn as a fan on Friday

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Ha! Fair dues.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by geysir

Afair, Cascarino was recovering from an injury and wasn't really available.

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He was fit enough to not be sent home anyway, if not 100% sharp. But it's kind of a red herring anyway, as we'd played 4-5-1 in three of our five friendlies that year, even with Cas fit. So rather than being forced into the formation as you suggest, Charlton was experimenting with both it and 4-4-2 in the lead-up to the World Cup.