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

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16/03/2023, 12:16 PM
elatedscum

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR89

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

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...
16/03/2023, 12:16 PM
seanfhear

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jd2793

mcgrath again :confused:

Oooh Aaah ..........
16/03/2023, 12:18 PM
Jd2793

he was always calling johnston up, have no real issue with it as it might force him to use wingers again.
16/03/2023, 12:32 PM
JR89

Quote:

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...

Brighton would likely refuse to release him similar to all those lads not being released the last time we made the U19s euros.
16/03/2023, 12:34 PM
Fixer82

Bit weird that O�Dowda is labelled a defender and Johnston is a forward
16/03/2023, 12:38 PM
SkStu

Quote:

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.

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?
16/03/2023, 12:40 PM
JR89

Coleman will cover CB as the fifth choice.
16/03/2023, 12:41 PM
Kingdom

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR89

Coleman will cover CB as the fifth choice.

Was just going to say this.
16/03/2023, 12:46 PM
Jd2793

Quote:

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?

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.
16/03/2023, 12:49 PM
SkStu

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR89

Coleman will cover CB as the fifth choice.

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?
16/03/2023, 12:51 PM
tetsujin1979

French squad named

Get the rosary beads. All the rosary beads.
16/03/2023, 12:57 PM
tetsujin1979

Press conference on YouTube
16/03/2023, 12:59 PM
Kingdom

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.
16/03/2023, 1:02 PM
elatedscum

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
16/03/2023, 1:07 PM
elatedscum

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...
16/03/2023, 1:10 PM
Kingdom

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.
16/03/2023, 1:10 PM
Exgrad

Reading through that French squad... and then reading people arguing about Manning or O'Dowda!
16/03/2023, 1:33 PM
seanfhear

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exgrad

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

I suppose the French might be able to make a go of it, if they get a few breaks.
16/03/2023, 1:36 PM
Stuttgart88

Quote:

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

French squad named

Get the rosary beads. All the rosary beads.

Areola is a bit of a tit.
16/03/2023, 1:45 PM
Stuttgart88

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.

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