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:D Yep, hes down in bold in the Black Book!Quote:
Originally Posted by geysir
Bad injury from a ruthless tackle during the very first training session prior to the last game.
Medial Knee Ligament damage, still not back to full training according to sources at PNE.
The Saint hasnt played since, and has been stuck on 199 appearances for PNE because of it, not to mention missing out on a few more caps.
Not happy with the timing of these Carling Cup games, surely wouldve made more sense to play them after the qualifiers.........not liking the risk of injury etc.
On the flipside it'll give the likes of Wilson, Walters, McCarthy a run out and a chance to play themselves into the Macedonia team.
With Dunne, SSL and O'Dea likely to all be out, we'll need to experiment a bit.
Sledge and O'Dea are out as you say, but for the life of me I can't see the sense in playing Dunne. He's out of the Macedonia game so there's nothing for him to prove against NI and Scotland - he should have been packed off and sent to Donabate Beach for his summer holidays.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
On the flip side Trap needs to come up with an all important center-back partnership for the Macedonia game. Clark and O'Shea? With Wilson at left back and Foley on right side. A bit too many untried and untested parts for my liking.
It may sound strange but I would go for Keith Andrews in an emergency center-back role. I think he'll end up there next season for whatever club he's with. Keith has a bit of bit in the tackle and is half decent in the air - could be an option at center-back down the road?
I always felt Rory Delap had it in him to be an emergency CB.
Unless Wilson or Clark impress in the Carling Cup we may well be looking at McShane's return. I wonder if Delaney may even figure. JOS simply has to be fit.
Desperate I know but perhaps your right - worth trying John Delaney if all we are left with is McShane.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
For a second I read 'their' as 'our'....Quote:
Originally Posted by TrapAPony
Maybe it was wishful thinking??
;)
Even if they don't, they're both still better than that donkey. And RD would be a better option on the left, even at his distinguished vintage....Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
I'd play Dunne in at least one game, to hand hold possibly Clark. Maybe then use two new guys against Scotland as a straight audition to play against Macedonia. But I can certainly see the benefits of playing Honey Monster - the idea of Clark, Kelly, McShane or Wilson getting torn apart by NI or Scotland days before one of them has to play a crucial qualifier gives me the heebies. We saw what happened against Uruguay but that was irrelevant - one of these guys needs confidence and Dunne can play a part in providing it.Quote:
Originally Posted by mark12345
Andrews already thinks he can play a bit more ball than he likely actually can - a suicidal trait for a CB.Quote:
Originally Posted by mark12345
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrapAPony
Are they not turning up then? :p
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI6CfKcMhjYQuote:
Originally Posted by tricky_colour
Ciaran Clark is ruled out for Villa at the weekend, though there's hope he'll be back for the final game of the season. Either way doesn't look like he'll be coming into these games particularly fit.
Doyle is now definitely out of the squad for all these games, aggravated his injury on Sunday.
Lads are we seriously fcuked for the Macedonia game? Long list of injuries now. No Sledge, Clark, Westwood, Doyle, Dunne out suspended.......
Defo need JOSH to come through the CL final ok and S Long to come out of Reading playoff ok too.
I'm a bit all over the place at the moment, does anyone have definite news on the squad, i.e who is out?
Elroy above references Ledger, but wasn't he on the bench vs the North?
I know JOSH, Gibson, Long, Kilbane and McGeady all have club committments, Dunne is suspended while Stokes has pulled himself off, and Doyle, Duff, Green, Westwood and Walters are injured. Is there any other certainties out?
That leaves:
Given, Forde, Randolph
Foley, Kelly, Delaney, Ward, O'Shea, Ledger, Kilbane
McGeady, Lawrence, Hunt, Treacy, Fahey, Gibson, Whelan, Andrews
Keane, Long, Cox, Keogh
Is that correct?
O'Dea's in the squad too - he was named on the bench on Tuesday. But that seems about right. What chances they'll be any call-up's next week? And is there anyone to call-up? Best, if he's fit perhaps?
Edit - Coleman's in the squad too.
That looks right to me Kingdom. Rumours going about that Best might join up but I'm not sure how concrete they are.
St. Ledger was on the bench, aye, so I'd imagine he'll be OK despite initial concerns he wouldn't make it.
Thanks guys, knew someone was missing from the right flank. So,
Given, Forde, Randolph
Foley, Kelly, O'Dea, Delaney, Ward, O'Shea, Ledger, Kilbane
McGeady, Coleman, Lawrence, Hunt, Treacy, Fahey, Gibson, Whelan, Andrews
Keane, Long, Cox, Keogh, Best
with the emboldened names the ones with injury concerns. It's not the worst - I would be a lot more worried if Ledger isn't fit to play, and while it's old ground, I wouldn't be perturbed by any of the central midfield combinations he could pick now that someone is back fit, and someone isn't....
It remains to be seen just how big a loss Doyle is. That is my worry. As good and all as he is, and he was impressive against Uruguay, with a fantastic 2nd half of the season also, Shane Long was disappointing starting against Slovakia, and Doyle is a hard guy to replace.
I'm in a fantastically happy place (even more so than usual POShea!) and I'm quite upbeat that we'll have enough within the remaining squad to get a win. What I've found encouraging in the past two performances is that the players have been very willing to get the ball down and knock it around before looking for the opening. Is it a coincidence that the age of the squad seems to be getting younger too?
All going according to plan, and considering that we were easily the better of the Maces in the first leg, I think this will see a comfortable win by two goals...
---------------------------Given------------------------
Foley--------------Josh-------------Ledger------------Kilbane/Ward
-Coleman---------Whelan-----------Andrews----------McGeady
------------------Keane-------------Long--------------------
Bench: Forde, Kelly, O'Dea, Fahey, Hunt, Cox, Gibson
I'd be happy with Fahey starting over Andrews or with Hunt over Coleman, Hunt's delivery is excellent, but with Doyle out, that might not be as much of a priority.
Whilst it may not be strange for a Kerryman to be confident, I find that I'm also in a confident mood about the task ahead in Macedonia.
As I have never ever experienced confidence about getting a victory, before a crucial away game, I don't know whether the jinx will set in because of it.
It's unknown territory.
Sorry Kingdom - McShane's in the squad too. :o
Agree with you most of the way, except I'd say Long played well in Slovakia. I'd also say it has to be Hunt to start, because Kilbane is almost certain to play and McGeady will offer zero protection.
I'd possibly go with Fahey over Andrews who I've always felt to be a bit anaemic. Otherwise, I'd be pretty confident with that as our starting line-up, Kingdom. Ward didn't put a foot wrong against NI, but then it's hard to judge really when the opposition was as poor as they were. I'd give him another go at left back against Scotland and decide who fills the position for Macedonia based on that. Scotland should provide a sterner test. Our defensive back-up isn't all that deep which is obviously a major concern, especially if someone aggravates something or picks up a knock within the next week and a bit.
What was Gibson's last game for United? Was it his blinder against Schalke? I suppose it would have been preferable if Fergie had given him another outing or two to see if he could maintain that level of performance and prove it wasn't just a flash in the pan.
How far down the forward pecking order does everyone reckon Ward is? :p
The kind of impetus Coleman*, McGeady and Long provide, as well as Robbie's record-chasing thirst for goals would form the basis of my confidence in that team getting a result. Macedonia are very ordinary too, albeit home advantage might rev their level a bit. Anyone know if Pandev has blessed them with his presence for this game?Quote:
Originally Posted by Kingdom
*I think Trap might favor Fahey or put McGeady on the right to accomodate Hunt ahead of Coleman. I'm not sure he has that 'crucial away qualifier' trust in Seamus just yet.
[QUOTE=SwanVsDalton;1490488]La-de-la-de-la, we'll see about that. Security is very lax over in Ringsend garage, nothing a rogue 11A wouldn't sort out....Quote:
Sorry Kingdom - McShane's in the squad too. :o
I remember being underwhelmed by Longy's performance over there - didn't have the same zip he had after the cameo against the Russians - but to be fair to him, he did have the face kicked off him by Durica for 90mins.Quote:
Agree with you most of the way, except I'd say Long played well in Slovakia. I'd also say it has to be Hunt to start, because Kilbane is almost certain to play and McGeady will offer zero protection.
Also are you advocating dropping McGeady? Not sure if serious?
I'd be really surprised - gobsmacked actually - if Kilbane was dropped for this game, even despite Ward's performance. Defence will be a bit patchwork and his experience, not to mention decent display last time out, should ensure his presence. Ward's not far down the pecking order mind.Quote:
Originally Posted by DannyInvincible
As for Fahey, I think he's behind Gibson for a similar reason - Gibson did OK last time and Trap wouldn't see much reason to change it up. Between him and Andrews in centre mid for me. Andrews can drift in and out, but he tends to be the most physical and tenacious centre mid at our disposal and it'll be needed in Skopje.
Haha no way! Meant McGeady on the right, Hunt on the left and Coleman missing out. As for Long, thought he was quite decent in the first half if I remember though his contribution certainly suffered after he got smashed in the face.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kingdom
He was an unused substitute at Inter for their last couple of games of the season, but I'm not aware of any injury concerns or anything. Rumour has it he'll join Napoli this Summer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sullivinho
I've a feeling that he will revert to his tried and trusted myself, and Andrews doing well the other night will probably confirm to him that GW & KA are his best options in the middle. I don't get the impression that he totally trusts Fahey, and I know he doesn't trust Coleman. He is a fan of McGeady and I would be astounded if he doesn't start him. It's a toss up between Keith and Hunt for the other slot, although I'd be as happy to have Coleman as I would Hunt. Hunt is the proverbial impact player for me - he causes panic and creates chaos. If we were chasing something in Skopje, I'd be happy to see him being brought on from the bench.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sullivinho
The Scotland game is interesting on so many levels (I jest not!). They are starting to look a tidy side - they like to knock the ball around and while they have a few flawed squad players, they aren't a bad side. How we cope with the 5 man midfield will be interesting, and in particular who gets stuck into Charlie Adam, the kind of technical player we can struggle against.
They're weak at the back and if we get any kind of foothold in midfield I'd fancy Keane, Long, Cox, McGeady and Coleman to go to town on them.
In a way the play-off's are a god-send. Killer won't play against Scotland, which should mean Ward gets another shot - probably up against Steven Morrison - and if he does well again, then he has to be considered against the following week.
I know the opposition was substantially weakened, but I thought Andrews was really good on Tuesday. Mobile, athletic and putting in tackles. He's what Trap wanted to get out of Paul Green. I think Andrews has a great chance of making Macedonia, at Gibson's expense.
I think this is my team:
-------------Given-------------
AN Other--O'Shea--Ledger--Kilbane
McGeady--Whelan--Andrew--Hunt
-----Keane---Long-----
I'm not sure who I'd pick at RB: Kelly, Coleman and Foley are all candidates, though I think Trap will choose McShane.
If Ledger isn't 100% I think Delaney would complement O'Shea.
Midfield & wide subs are decent: Gibson, Fahey, Lawrence, Treacy, Coleman.
Short of options upfront, but Keane & Long may not need replacing. Cox will get another chance on Sunday. Ward might get a look in as the big guy upfront at some stage.
Not as gloomy as the non-showing fiascos suggest. We need O'Shea and Long to stay fit though.
An uncharacteristic slip up on the lead up to a crucial fixture on your part, Geysir.Quote:
Originally Posted by geysir
I now fear the cruel sporting Gods may reap a terrible revenge for this feeling of confidence.
This will set in train a series of apocalyptic events that will, in time, be traced back to post #100 in the "Sqaud to face Norn Iron, Scotland and Macedonia" thread.
Good team in fairness. Trap will surely go for Foley at RB though? Manager nearly always picks the man in possession of the shirt. And if he chooses McShane I'd have to question everything - not just whether Trap is a decent manager and the direction the side's going, but also whether or not this is real or some kind of horrible nightmare.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
I hope Foley gets the nod at RB.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
Macedonia having to deal with McGeady, Hunt, Long and Keane all night sounds good to me. The game being played in the evening and out of the heat is a bonus.
Your first point is something that has bugged me from the other night - the weakness of the opposition. We played really really well, and the players all looked comfortable on the ball and knocking it about - but behind it all is the nagging suspicion that it was more to do with them than it was us. However, some of the facets that instigated the good play - harrying (!), tracking back and generally being a nuisance [Cox and Treacy] - aren't dependant on the oppostion, but on our own willingness to give 100% and take the opportunity presented to stake a regular squad/team place. In this respect, the lads did all they could ask, and when they had the ball they generally used it well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
The other thing is that the North had a weakened team, but so did we! Ward, Delaney, Foley, Coleman, Treacy, Cox, have a few caps between them, yet they controlled the game and the tempo. That in itself is impressive.
What i like about Andrews is that he is one of a handful of our players that constantly strive to show how much playing for his country means. Remember the home game against "them"? Diarra upset him, and he was like a man possessed in the return game, without losing the cool, and bossed the game with his partner in crime Whelan. That impressed me, to say publically that you were hurting and wanting a chance for commupence and then following through on it. Satisfying.
He has a few decisions to make Trap; right back, left back and then two of the midfield positions. I'll be both disappointed and surprised if he gives McShane the nod in Macedonia. It's one from Hunt, Fahey, Treacy and Coleman for the wing, and I'd say Hunt will get the nod, given his ability to switch wings with Aiden, something they seem to encourage. That said if either of the Treacy or Coleman got the jersey I'd be happy out also.
It certainly isn't as gloomy as the media would like to portray, but then again, they're never f'in happy.
Trap sweating on O'Shea coming through unscathed on Saturday - as are all of us!
http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...t-2659550.html
I'm confused. So why was St. Ledger on the bench the other night if he's been suffering from a long-term injury he picked up in March? :confused:
Maybe we just had to have the appearance of having a replacement available on the subs bench.
There doesn't seem to any suggestion him or O'Dea are fit but they were both there. As Geysir says, probably appearances sake though maybe both are edging towards fitness? Don't think much has been released about their status.
Hmm, getting tighter now. The centre back pairing for Sunday takes on greater emphasis - if he picks the same pairing again, then surely he's considering the two for Macedonia? Would mean no moving Josh from the rb slot.
If he does pick the centre partnership he intends to start with in Skopje, surely he'll pick the centre midfield pairing to start in Skopje too, to get them moving in tandem?
If ever we needed a bit of luck on the injury stakes....
Delaney did well, even if it wasn't a demanding task against NI.
One thing I liked was that he wasn't shy to take control of the defense.
We didn't need a defence against NI :) but we'll see how Delaney gets on against the Scots.
But imo JoSH has to play in the center. Easily the most experience and accomplished defender in the current squad. I'd partner Kelly with JoSH against Macedonia but it seems O'Dea is favoured by Trapattoni.