Stephen Ireland

I love the expression "Pre Madonna"! Before we were blessed with "Holiday" were footballers different?

I personally wouldn't have Ireland in the starting XI - I think Andy Reid is better suited to a central role or an advanced midfield / playmaking role if we ditch 442. But anyone who thinks our midfield is our strongest point at the moment is seriously deluded.

I honestly think AOB is a bigger loss. I'm perfectly happy with a Dunne / O'Shea combo, but in either's absence I'd be really worried and we need experienced cover.

It's strange. The whole lot. Why has there been no closure in the way that O'Brien has?

I was convinced his comments on MOTD last year were an olive Branch... It's a pity.

I suggested putting this thread into World football:D

Eirebhoy is still proud of him.
anybody else?

He wants out.....simple as that! nothing can be done if he's not interested in playing for Ireland... he's well enough to play for City every week so there's no reason he can't play for Ireland other than he doesn't want to or is still sore after his row with Brian Kerr.... that lad can f**k off if you ask me.:mad:

wat it comes down to is would he make a diff in our qualification for the worldcup!?

You don't know that he wants out... You have no idea what's behind his reasons... so give him a break.

Man CIty are playing now on ITV4 (UK), Ireland is on bench, Dunne playing.

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Originally Posted by eirebhoy

A team of Stephen Ireland's would rip teams to shreds through fast, short, one touch passing.

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:D

He hasn't ripped Liverpool, nor Chelsea, nor Arsenal to shreds. He lost by 6 at Chelsea, and 8 at Middlesbrough. On the contrary, they've been ripping him to shreds.

Throw in his contribution, or distinct lack of it to our cause since last September, his lack of respect for one of the world's greatest coaches Trappattoni, never mind his team mates, and you have someone who should be banned from wearing the green shirt again.

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Originally Posted by geysir

Eirebhoy is still proud of him.
anybody else?

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Nah I just think he's a very good player. :)

He hasn't featured for City tonight. Wonder if he's going to be peripheral player under Hughes? He started Elano on the right tonight! Dunne having a poor game by his standards.

If Hughes is going to play a 4-4-2 then Ireland is fighting it out for a place out wide. Petrov and Elano are better players but there's no harm in that.

Ireland was a handy player to bring off the bench if we needed a goal in the last 20-30 minutes. If we are to play 4-4-2 then he wouldn't start in the centre of MF because he'd be a liability (unless you played an extremely defensive midfielder next to him). The ship has now sailed for him - I gave him the benefit of the doubt last time round but to reject us again means we should give his berth to somebody with a desire to play for us. Same applies to Andy O'Brien. I wouldn't beg them back if the whole squad got food poisoning a few days before an important game. Instead I'd offer my services :)

Why are people still talking about this waste of space?

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Originally Posted by DeNiro

He hasn't featured for City tonight. Wonder if he's going to be peripheral player under Hughes? He started Elano on the right tonight! Dunne having a poor game by his standards.

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I heard on the news that some of the players were unhappy with his (Mark Hugh's) training methods. I wonder if Ireland is one of them?

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/fo...ngland.hughes/
"Hughes has already imposed a strict regime at the training ground, with agents, family and friends banned, and cell phone use restricted."

I'm just guessing there really though, but seems like a few players don't
like the idea much.

46% in favour, only in Ireland :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by skitz3

46% in favour, only in Ireland :rolleyes:

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Why difference does it make to u either way how people voted

For a start it's spelt "you" and secondly it's true i have no love lost for the Irish team but even i think the guy is a disgrace. He has disrespected the jersey of the country he supposedly loves, Roy Keane got hung, drawn and quartered for less. As i said it makes little difference to me but if i even think he a disgrace something must be wrong with the situation.

The England fans booed Bentley for less and rightly so, yet in Ireland they plead for a player to come back. I wouldn't p*ss on this **** if he was on fire and can you imagine how i'd feel if i actually like the English B team?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by skitz3

For a start it's spelt "you" and secondly it's true i have no love lost for the Irish team but even i think the guy is a disgrace. He has disrespected the jersey of the country he supposedly loves, Roy Keane got hung, drawn and quartered for less. As i said it make little difference but if i even think he a disgrace something must be wrong with the situation.

The England fans booed Bentley for less and rightly so, yet in Ireland they plead for a player to come back.

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Well if makes YOU feel any better I would change my vote after he wasnt in the latest squad after he had the summer to think about it and I think alot of people would be the same

That actually does make me feel better, the Irish international team owes Stephen Ireland nothing and i'm glad people are finally begining to realise that.

Brilliant today for Man City.