Republic of Ireland V Switzerland 25th March & Slovakia 29th March 2016 - Friendlies

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Originally Posted by Olé Olé

Hendrick has been very good the past campaign but he's a lucky boy that Arter isn't playing these matches either!

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That came into my head also but I'd say Hendrick's versatility would mean they're not really in direct competition, at the moment anyway. Hendrick hasn't played in a central midfield two since the Glasgow game, when we were missing Whelan and McCarthy. I presume Arter would be most effective centrally?

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Originally Posted by TheOneWhoKnocks

Have Westwood or Delaney done anything to damage morale in the team though?

His [Delaney's] left-footedness and distribution have also been broached as potential positives.

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Clark is left footed too and comfortable on the ball, albeit too comfortable at times! You need to just get over this Delaney thing, he's clearly made his own bed. If form was all that mattered and he hadn't retired then, yes, of course he should be the first centre back on our team sheet. It's not remotely like the Westwood situation on all known evidence, there are a number of really obvious and well documented reasons as to why he's being excluded.

Walters gone back to Stoke for treatment: https://twitter.com/DamianSpellman/s...89315969310720

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Republic of Ireland striker Jon Walters has returned to Stoke for treatment on a hamstring injury.

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""He's certainly not shy. He's a Dublin kid, isn't he? Yeah, I didn't think he was from Waterford or Cork. I wouldn't hold it against him but he's obviously a confident lad.*"

Keane calling it like it is, like the discussion we had on here a few years ago.not a nice honest decent lad from the country...a cocky little Dublin knaxker.:D

Today's press conference just getting started:

Didn't see too much of that except for a lot of talk about goalkeepers (but not Westwood that I heard), security issues and a bit about Leicester's march for the title. Elliot and Randolph are going to play a game each so it looks as though Forde is just there for the hugs.

[QUOTE=backstothewall;1862936]Arter out and has gone back to England. Hendrick struggling and likely to follow in the next few days.

Wouldn`t be surprised if Hendrick's "struggles" prevent him from travelling to France for the Euros too.

Arter on Newstalk now.
http://www.newstalk.com/

Bonnie's back. 3rd place in 6 Nations must mean he's a footy man again :)

The All Blacks have broken his rugby spirit, once and for all.

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Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Bonnie's back. 3rd place in 6 Nations must mean he's a footy man again :)

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Class

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Originally Posted by geysir

The All Blacks have broken his rugby spirit, once and for all.

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The Bayern Munich of World Rugby.

It was mentioned on Cork's RedFM that there could be a final warm up game played in Turner's Cross, with Estonia named as possible opponents.

Edit- Tuesday, 31st May the date mentioned (four days after Dutch game).

Could they not do in Limerick at least?

I suppose they'll be based in Fota Island so it's a bit more convenient. Nice for Cork to get a Senior International anyway if it happens. Limerick got a couple of (lacklustre) ones a few years back. Is it for stadium capacity reasons you'd prefer Thomond?

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Originally Posted by TheOneWhoKnocks

Could they not do in Limerick at least?

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the last games played in Thomond Park were a disaster.

Yeah, and Turner's Cross would be very atmospheric. Could be tough to get a ticket though with the feel good factor around that time.

Aren't all full international games supposed to be played at Lansdowne rd?
a sponsor's decree.

True... maybe it won't count as a full international, maybe it won't happen at all.

Harry Arter was on Off the Ball last night speaking about his injury and his season. Stated that his Achilles needed to be rested now so that he could play on for the rest of the season and be available for the Euros and is hoping he'll get his opportunity in the Dutch game.

Comes across as a determined and well-spoken chap. His career path would go hand in hand with his characteristics.

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Originally Posted by DeLorean

True... maybe it won't count as a full international, maybe it won't happen at all.

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If it does happen we won't be getting any first team intl opposition, perhaps Gibraltar who are used to the ignominy of not being recognised.