The team / squad for san marino

--------------Given/Kenny
Finnan/Kelly--Dunne-McShane/McCarthy--Harte
McGeady--Ireland/A.Reid-Carsley-Duff
------------Keane-Stokes

Subs:
Henderson
JOSH
Kilbane
Elliott
Connolly
whoever isn't picked from the XI above (i.e. if Andy Reid starts, put Ireland on the bench, etc)

Don't think there's any real need for Given to play, give Paddy Kenny a run out.
Likewise Finnan, let Kelly show what he can do - assuming he's fit
Fairly attacking/creative midfield, just let Carsley do what he does for Everton, mop up and pass the ball to a more advanced player. Whelan can come on and do the same in the second half.
Let Robbie and Stokes blitz their defence, we need a hatful against this shower or it'll be considered a waste

My predicted team

Given
Kelly Dunne McShane Finnan
McGeady O'Shea Carsley Kilbane
Keane Stokes

Depressing!

I think i'd put Stephen Hunt instead of Kilbane... both journeymen but at least Hunt is in form...

Alan O'Brien was hopless tonight, could not deliver a decent cross let alone beat his man.

Interestingly Liam Lawrence has been playing some excellent football for Stoke. I still can't understand why he was not given a run out against Sweden. Given the weaknesses across the midfield it's very strange that he has not had an opportunity. He was one of Sunderland's few bright spots last year and could fit very well into the current team.

Looks like O'Brien has the same coach that took over Duff about 2 years ago. Why they just won't let wingers take on players I'll never know.

Did anyone think it was glaringly obvious that his team mates (butt and Martins in particular) weren't passing to him, even though he was in acres of space so often. Can't see why he was in any Ireland squad so far. Has offered us nothing.

Yeah, I actually felt very sorry for him tbh. He obviously lacks self belief and he wouldn't call for the ball once. His teammates were a disgrace. One of the young centre halves was trying to get the ball to him and that target man striker that came on also passed it to him once or twice. They'd obviously be friends with him off the pitch. Martins was passing turning inside to nobody when O'Brien was in acres of space. The crowd also gave a big cheer when the ball got to him. The longer it went with him not getting a pass the more his confidence was draining out, I know exactly how he felt.

It doesn't look like he'll ever be good enough for Ireland but it's not his fault and I wish him well in his career.

Keano back on the mark and looking lively last night!

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Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Yeah, I actually felt very sorry for him tbh. He obviously lacks self belief and he wouldn't call for the ball once. His teammates were a disgrace. One of the young centre halves was trying to get the ball to him and that target man striker that came on also passed it to him once or twice. They'd obviously be friends with him off the pitch. Martins was passing turning inside to nobody when O'Brien was in acres of space. The crowd also gave a big cheer when the ball got to him. The longer it went with him not getting a pass the more his confidence was draining out, I know exactly how he felt.

It doesn't look like he'll ever be good enough for Ireland but it's not his fault and I wish him well in his career.

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Just out of interest is there any Newcastle fan here who tell us the roots of Andrew Carroll, the tall front man for Newcastle. Is he Irish? I've never heard of him before.

Not Irish but he's the spitting image of Gary Breen. :D

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Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Yeah, I actually felt very sorry for him tbh. He obviously lacks self belief and he wouldn't call for the ball once. His teammates were a disgrace. One of the young centre halves was trying to get the ball to him and that target man striker that came on also passed it to him once or twice. They'd obviously be friends with him off the pitch. Martins was passing turning inside to nobody when O'Brien was in acres of space. The crowd also gave a big cheer when the ball got to him. The longer it went with him not getting a pass the more his confidence was draining out, I know exactly how he felt.

It doesn't look like he'll ever be good enough for Ireland but it's not his fault and I wish him well in his career.

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I dont understand why Newcastle didnt let him out on loan to Wolves, he needs to play for a bit and get confidence. He's still a prospect albeit one who has been rushed in.

Anyone know when the squad is being named?

Given is out for a month but hopefully he won't be needed.

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Originally Posted by DeNiro

Anyone know when the squad is being named?

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I'm wondering the same thing but my guess is probably next Monday

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Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Given is out for a month but hopefully he won't be needed.

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You never know with this lot :eek:

My predicted lineup:

------------Henderson--------

Carr---McShane--Dunne---Finnan

McGeady--Carsley---A. Reid---Kilbane

-------Keane---Stokes------

The lineup if I was manager:

-------------Kenny-----------

Finnan----O'Dea---Dunne----Geary

McGeady---Carsley--A. Reid---Hunt

--------Keane------Morrison-----

I'd bring Connolly back into the squad, but probably wouldn't play him. I'd take one of Keane or Morrison off early in the second half or at half-time and give Stokes a run out.

Roeder said Duff will be fit for Newcaslte's next game. I'd have McShane over O'Dea. It's his spot to lose.

I'd have O'Dea in the squad, and McCarthy too, but it really is McShane's spot to lose. He could have had 2 goals in the second half in Lansdowne when he stayed up from corners and free kicks, might not be a bad bet to open his account. He scored recently for WBA

I reckon this is what'll be picked...


--------------Henderson--------------
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Finnan ---Dunne---McShane---Kilbane
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--------------Carsley-----------------
McGeady------------------------Hunt-
---------------A.Reid------------------
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------Stokes-----------Keane (c)------

Kevin Kilbane is NOT a full back. He's getting a lot of stick from Wigan supporters as well on their websites. O'Shea should play there.

I'd play a Premiership keeper in Kenny ahead of Henderson and Connolly for Stokes and bring the latter on for a run later on. I still haven't forgiven Connolly for getting sent off against Belgium in the play-off game and I don't really rate him but he is scoring goals at the moment.

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Originally Posted by OwlsFan

I still haven't forgiven Connolly for getting sent off against Belgium in the play-off game........

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That was sheer stupidity alright.

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Originally Posted by OwlsFan

Kevin Kilbane is NOT a full back. He's getting a lot of stick from Wigan supporters as well on their websites. O'Shea should play there.

I'd play a Premiership keeper in Kenny ahead of Henderson and Connolly for Stokes and bring the latter on for a run later on. I still haven't forgiven Connolly for getting sent off against Belgium in the play-off game and I don't really rate him but he is scoring goals at the moment.

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:rolleyes: that was almost 10 years ago, he was something like 18 then, you never did something stupid when you were 18?

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Originally Posted by theworm2345

:rolleyes: that was almost 10 years ago, he was something like 18 then, you never did something stupid when you were 18?

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No! - Not when participating in an event where my country's fate for qualification for a major tournament hung in the balance.

Of course, he's been so convincing since that one minor indiscretion. :rolleyes:

I can't ever remember him scoring a really important goal for us, though I guess his chances have been limited over the years.

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Originally Posted by theworm2345

:rolleyes: that was almost 10 years ago, he was something like 18 then, you never did something stupid when you were 18?

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"Step gently for you step on my dreams".

Belgium hasn't been a happy hunting ground for me. I was there watching Eoin Hand's team being robbed of qualification and then I was next over (I missed Charlton's 2-2 or 1-1: can't remember) for the play off game where we had been given little chance and Houghton equalised and they took the lead again from a throw in that should have been ours. We were pressing for an equaliser and I think Connolly had been brought on as a sub and he commits a ridculous brain dead foul that reduces us to 10. The dream is over (again). Obviously the loss isn't his fault but the minute he was sent off I knew that was that.

There are defining moments in following Ireland (negative side that incident, Belgium 1, Gelsenkirchen, Saipan, Israel away) and many positive as well but I'll never forget them or forgive those who stepped on my dreams.

Giving Connolly a go instead of Stokes, Elliot, Long or even Clarke is a return to the dark days of yesteryear. The chap's a donkey. A Championship player who's found his level and is not capable of raising it to International standard.

I'd play Long tbh if he plays in the next few games for Reading (very likely) and bangs in a couple of goals.

Give youth a chance not tried and tested mediocrity (this word is probably too kind to describe Connolly's performances in an Ireland shirt but I don't want to sound mean).

Btw OwlsFan wasn't it 'Thread softly for you thread on my dreams'?

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Originally Posted by youngirish

Giving Connolly a go instead of Stokes, Elliot, Long or even Clarke is a return to the dark days of yesteryear. The chap's a donkey. A Championship player who's found his level and is not capable of raising it to International standard.

I'd play Long tbh if he plays in the next few games for Reading (very likely) and bangs in a couple of goals.

Give youth a chance not tried and tested mediocrity (this word is probably too kind to describe Connolly's performances in an Ireland shirt but I don't want to sound mean).?

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I believe in picking the strongest team available. I am no fan of Connolly but he has been scoring goals in the Championship and has international experience. I'd have him in ahead of the other two untested players but I would bring Stokes on for a run after about an hour to have a good look at him no matter whether we're winning or struggling.

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Originally Posted by youngirish

Btw OwlsFan wasn't it 'Thread softly for you thread on my dreams'?

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Probably :o

I know it's only San Marino but I don't think having Keane and Connolly play together up front is a good idea.

Even if they do well in that game together, they won't be effective against other teams, as I find they are similar styles of player, albeit on totally different levels ability-wise.

Why not try a partnership with a player whose skill set better compliments Robbie's, such as Stokes or Alan Lee? Failing that I'd stick with his partnership with Morrison who has been fairly effective for us.

how somebody can still hold a grudge for something david connolly did nine and a half years ago is beyond me. even keane and mccarthy have shaken hands on their dispute.

I happened to catch two or three Charlton games lately and the retired Mattie Holland was playing some seriously great box to box stuff, not to knock Carsley, his form's great at the minute - somehow I'd rather see Holland there, just a thought. IN addition, Harte is back from injury, San Marino's a good game to see if he has anything left(back) in the tank. No sense in listing the full lineup because we will win regardless, and if we do find world-beating combinations, they won't be any use against a legit team.

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Originally Posted by danonion

I happened to catch two or three Charlton games lately and the retired Mattie Holland was playing some seriously great box to box stuff, not to knock Carsley, his form's great at the minute - somehow I'd rather see Holland there, just a thought. IN addition, Harte is back from injury, San Marino's a good game to see if he has anything left(back) in the tank. No sense in listing the full lineup because we will win regardless, and if we do find world-beating combinations, they won't be any use against a legit team.

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nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo o!!!!!!!!

So will the squads be tomorrow or Thursday (after EPL is done), I know its my third post on this same thing, but I figure someone must know
EDIT: Tuesday, http://www.irishfootballonline.com/n...hp?newsid=5900

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Originally Posted by theworm2345

So will the squads be tomorrow or Thursday (after EPL is done), I know its my third post on this same thing, but I figure someone must know
EDIT: Tuesday, http://www.irishfootballonline.com/n...hp?newsid=5900

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Either its later tonight or that site was wrong

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Originally Posted by theworm2345

Either its later tonight or that site was wrong

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It's only lunchtime, it'll be released shortly. :)

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I am no fan of Connolly but he has been scoring goals in the Championship and has international experience

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Lee has scored more , but would not have him there either. Murphy has scored as many. Stokes has scored more. Morrison has scored as many (I think) Keane has scored feck all.

No matter which team you put out it should score. I think the midfeild is the big worry for the future so maybe a little experiment there.

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i'm not sure about the inclusion of your mother in-law as an out and out striker. i'd much rather see her in a wider position while i think you're father would make an ideal candidate for the holding role in the middle of the park - a-la paul mcgrath's old role. he is wasted as an out and out defender and his influence would be muted againsted opposition of the caliber of San Marino.

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Good reply :)

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BTW i'm surprised your uncle's name didn't come into the fold for the 'gaffers' job last time!

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The uncle went for the job but a strange thing happened...they said he had no experience in a head management role and had not a clue how to manage.

So they gave the job to Stan who..... :)

apparently

another bray great ;)

Wayne Henderson - Brighton & Hove Albion
Nicky Colgan - Barnsley
Darren Randolph - Charlton Athletic
Steve Finnan - Liverpool
Ian Harte - Levante
Paul McShane - West Bromwich Albion
Richard Dunne - Manchester City
Stephen Carr - Newcastle United
John O’Shea - Manchester United
Jonathan Douglas - Leeds United
Lee Carsley - Everton
Aiden McGeady - Celtic
Damien Duff - Newcastle United
Kevin Kilbane - Wigan Athletic
Robbie Keane - Tottenham Hotspur
Stephen Ireland - Manchester City
Darron Gibson - Royal Antwerp
Alan Quinn - Sheffield United
Andy Keogh - Wolves
Stephen Hunt - Reading
Anthony Stokes - Sunderland
Stephen Elliott - Sunderland
Stephen Quinn - Sheffield United
Shane Long - Reading

Some shocks there, my first impression is that it's OK.

No O'Briens!
No S Kelly, Foley, St Ledger
No Liam Miller

Randolph ahead of supple

Is it tempting fate to say that 3rd chocie goalie against San Marino is unlikely to be a starring role!