Most Stoke fans would disagree I'd say. They see him as being more a part of their problems this season than a solution. He has plenty of time on his side, it's a shame he's just a few months overage for the next Under 21 campaign, otherwise that would be the best place for him for now.Quote:
Originally Posted by Razors left peg
Great news regarding Vata.Quote:
Originally Posted by Eirambler
His situation is interesting in the context of the names Eirambler references.
Slaven - Irish grandfather
Houghton - Irish father
Coyne - ???
McCarthy - Irish maternal grandfather referenced as his inspiration to play for us but paternal Irish surname
Johnton - Irish grandfather
McGeady - Irish paternal grandparents
Now, Vata - Irish grandmother
Plenty of lads in Scotland happy to play for us on the basis of one grandparent. I think the Celtic connection helps.
Yes, no coincidence that it's always lads in the west of Scotland that play for us. There isn't the same connection elsewhere in the country. Here in the southside of Glasgow the Irish community is relatively small and quite intertwined still, particularly through the catholic school system. Even as a blow-in myself, albeit married to a local from the Glasgow Irish community, I would have fairly close links to more than one of the players on that list.
I've watched probably 6 or 7 Stoke games this season and any internet warrior that's blaming Moran for anything hasn't as clue about footballQuote:
Originally Posted by Eirambler
Honestly he's not that good. Tidy on the ball but offers nothing off it. We're more in need midfielders who can do a bit of both, even if they're a shade off Premier League quality. Plenty of time for him to develop though.
Still feels experimental/ “getting to know you” for games we need to win. Some odd selections there imo. Not arguing against the merit of including Dunne and Abankwah, but why drop McGuinness who played the full 90 mins in the last game? Seems like a squad that could do with the experience of Browne and Robinson, rather than having a look at players like Armstrong – again these are games we need to win. Vata’s inclusion must surely be to tie him to us as don’t think he has done enough to merit inclusion. Understand he had an injury that slowed him down but hasn’t played many minutes since becoming available again. Not that I’d include him either, but think Aidomo Emakhu is as good an option as Vata if not better. Think Moran can feel aggrieved.
McGuinness has been in poor form lately. Personally I'd have had Robinson in there. But then I'd also have picked about 26 players, not 23. So maybe the same squad, but with Manning, Molumby and Robinson added in.
Is the 23 man squad thing a cost saving exercise by the FAI?
in the press conference, Halgrimsson mentioned that O'Leary and his partner are expecting a child very soon and he was omitted because of this.Quote:
Originally Posted by Demesne Lad
Sykes offers us way more than Moran in terms of utility. And he has had a good season - last time i checked the fans love him but hes not chalking up the same level of G/A stats that he had been before. Moran would be behind Azaz (fair) and HH might also see Parrott as a stopgap in that position. I am fine with the call.Quote:
Originally Posted by Razors left peg
I've just never seen Sykes have a standout game ever. Anytime I've watched a game he's playing you'd forget he's on the pitch. I'm just not sure what he offers in the squad. Even if we leave Moran aside I'd rather add Finn or Phillips for something different in physicality. I don't see what Sykes adds to the squad that's not covered by other, better players.Quote:
Originally Posted by SkStu
Edit: it is a minor complaint about the squad. We are talking about players who probably won't play anyway. I like the squad overall
Can he play full-back in a pinch ?Quote:
Originally Posted by Razors left peg
Maybe in a pinch... I'm not sure about on the pitch though!Quote:
Originally Posted by seanfhear
Sykes is a wide right midfielder these days, so he's not really competing with Finn, Phillips or Moran for a squad place. He's in as a replacement for the injured Ebosele and also because Ogbene is injured. If he's not in the squad there is no other obvious wide right option other than to play someone out of position. It's possible that he may start against Bulgaria for this reason.
Is Vata not the replacement for the wide player missing?Quote:
Originally Posted by Eirambler
They're both in for injured wingers. Unless McAteer is fit, in which case they've been selected ahead of him.
Well Sykes is listed in midfield and not with the other 2 wingers listed in the forwards, so it's not a big leap to say he's there instead of Molumby
Vata is a left winger. So he's in for Szmodics and ahead of McAteer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Razors left peg
So who's the Molumby replacement in the midfield?Quote:
Originally Posted by Eirambler
Maybe everyone moves across one like the infinity hotel !Quote:
Originally Posted by Razors left peg