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I can definitely see the logic in that statement as regards trying to interpret Trap's mind but I would seriously hope that the heaviest onus/greatest doubt at this point in time is on Simon Cox. Should Long continue his impressive season and Cox continue to be an irregular sub at the same club, the latter being preferred to the former would be a hard one to swallow for the supporter nevermind the player himself.Quote:
Originally Posted by ifk101
i just cannot see Long being left at home at all, despite any logic to support it.
Absolutely. Long is nailed on. He'll take 5 forwards including Cox, I'm sure of it.
As it stands now, I'd be 80% confident that he'd take the 5 forwards.
All players being fit, it depends to a large extent on players like Coleman or McCarthy making a strong enough case for inclusion over the next months.
I think Trap's shown a clear preference for keeping 5 strikers in his final squads, even when it gets pared down to 22/23, so my gut tells me he will bring 5 strikers. And I think it'll be Best and Cox competing for the last jersey, the other 4 being already decided, injury permitting.
Laptop currently under repairQuote:
Originally Posted by Crosby87
Charts will return (fingers crossed)
This is the default reply from the duo when they're asked on the prospects of anybody. They're looking at them, they consider everyone if they play well etc etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by jbyrne
Hello all, I've been reading the forum for a long time, but rarely post. Anyway, for my two cents:
I think Trap should call up a training squad of 40 (like he did the first time in Portugal) for the Friendly in February. Then hold an A and a B international, that way everyone should get a decent chance to impress. Also, it'll stop the media from moaning about the lack of squad development etc.
I reckon he should call up:
Goalkeepers: Given, Westwood, Forde, Kenny, Randolph
Defenders: Ward, Wilson, Kelly, Foley, O'Shea, Dunne, St. Ledger, O'Dea, Clark, McShane, Kilbane, Coleman, Tierney
Midfielders: Hunt, McGeady, Duff, Lawrence, Andrews, Whelan, McCarthy, Fahey, Meyler, Hoolahan, Gibson, Pilkington, Brady
Strikers: Keane, Doyle, Long, Cox, Walters, Best, Stokes, Keogh
and then whittle it down from there. I frankly hope, and don't expect there to be any massive changes for the final 23, but I do hope that McCarthy, Coleman and Wilson get a spot on the plane. They'll have big roles to play in upcoming qualifying campaigns, so I think the experience of going to the Euros will really spur them on in their later careers.
On the plane ( up for grabs)
Given , Westwood ( Final place between Forde , Randolph Brian Murphy and Joe Murphy - Forde in control at the moment)
O'Shea , Dunne , Ward , St Ledger , Kelly ( 2 places from O'Dea Kilbane McShane Clark Foley and Delaney - Can see O'Dea and Kilbane getting the nod)
Whelan Andrews Hunt McGeady Duff Fahey ( 3 places between Gibson McCarthy Lawrence Coleman Hoolahan and Meyler - can see Gibson Hoolahan and Meyler missing out )
Keane Doyle Long ( 2 places for Walters Cox Best Stokes and Noel Hunt - Walters and Cox winning out here)
In relation to Long, I was at the QPR West Brom game last Saturday cause I was visiting a friend in London and Long really impressed me. They played him up front on his own and his work rate was excellent. He won the aerial battle against Ferdinand and his hold up play was top notch.
He wasn't receiving much support and QPR were dominating the game until Odemwinge was introduced yet he was still so sharp. His pace surprised me as well - although his goal was an easy finish he anticipated the cross (which deflected into his path) and skint the defender for pace. Throughout the game he showed great pace off the mark.
At the moment, I think he should be the front runner to partner Keane at the euros.
Would really like to see Hoolahan given a chance but dont think it will happen......does anyone know the last time he was actually in the squad?
Colombia in 2008?
On current form Long has to be in the first team, his off the ball play is excellent, his goal at the weekend was quite fortuitous but like all good stickers he was in the right place at the right time.
Really can’t see any major shocks in Traps final 23. Only surprises will be due to injuries, the 3 lads at Norwich will only get a chance if someone else pulls out.
The likes of Forde, O’Dea, Coleman, Walters, Cox will all be included.
GK: Given, Westwood, Forde
Def: O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward, Kelly, O'Dea, Wilson/Foley/Lawrance
Mid: McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, Duff, Hunt, Fahey, Coleman, McCarthy/Gibson
For: Keane, Doyle, Long, Walters, Cox
Think there is only 2 places up for grabs, think if Traps take Coleman as a defender then Lawrance will go instead of Wilson/Foley, which I think is unlikely.
Is Trap takes Coleman as a midfielder then Wilson or Foley will go.
I think it is likely that Trap will opt for an additional full back as cover he has 4 players that can play at centre back in the squad (O’Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, O’Dea)
The final place will be between McCarthy and Gibson. Think it will come down to how much game time Gibson gets between now and the end of the season, unless Fergie spends in January, then Gibson should get at least 10/15 games between now and then given United’s injury problems in centre midfield. Think that will hand Gibson the chance to make the 23.
Normally get 5 players put on stand by think that will be Randolph, Foley, McShane, Lawrance, McCarthy, Best.
Think beyond that it’s unlikely that anyone really stakes a last minute claim, Trap is very loyal and if he is happy with the way the squad are with each other then its unlikely he is going to want to upset the applecart just before such a big tournament.
That's a 3-7-9-5 squad formation.Quote:
Originally Posted by gustavo
I see a problem.
No worries. Once Gibson goes missing we'll be down to 23.
If we are to have 5 forwards then probably the line to lose out is the back line. We can mange there with just having 7 and have all positions covered for back up.
True. it's also worth remembering that Walters can play on the right wing, and that Trap sees Coleman as a right midfielder as opposed to a right back. I do think Wilson, Coleman and McCarthy should make it though. They'll be important players for future Euros so even if they don't get playing time, the experience would be essential for future campaigns.Quote:
Originally Posted by geysir
I'd guess that:
Definites (Barring Injury): Given, Westwood, Kelly, O'Shea, Dunne, St. Ledger, Ward, Whelan, Andrews, Fahey, Hunt, McGeady, Duff, Keane, Doyle,
Probables: Forde, O'Dea, Walters, Long, Cox, Gibson/McCarthy
Maybes: Foley, Coleman, Wilson, Gibson/McCarthy, Lawrence,
The likes of Hoolahan, Meyler, Tierney etc. would have to do something superhuman to make it in at this stage.
Whats happened to Villa centre back/full back Ciaran Clarke???? is he out injured at the mo :(
He hasn't figured much since McLeish took over Villa. Guess he doesn't feel the kid is good enough yet.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost2hammers
Thats a pity...he was looking good....and played well against wales in the carling nations cup.Quote:
Originally Posted by drummerboy
That he did. Plus, he scored two goals against United last season. Form or confidence must be the issue.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost2hammers
Although, I'm not quite sure what McLeish's record with young players was like at Birmingham City. I'm struggling to think of young players who thrived under him. A quick look at the squad doesn't show much of a legacy anyways.
That was Arsenal he got 2 against, wasn't it?
Yeah was Arsenal. He hasn't had a look-in simply because Villa have had a very settled back four with no injuries. Collins and Dunne have locked him out of centre half, although I wouldn't be alone in suggesting McLeish drop Collins for just about anyone never mind Clark (he's been very poor).
Not sure what McLeish's record is but it's getting to the point Clark could get a run.