You do realize I wasn't serious?Quote:
Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy
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You do realize I wasn't serious?Quote:
Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy
Great that McClean's nipped it in the bud - his football could have suffered if the story continued to run.
Micheál Ó Néill probably reckoned without McClean being so decisive, and would have been hoping for more mileage out of the whole thing. It's now become a bit of a bad start to O'Neill's tenure in one sense.
Strachan on ITV just said he's very excited to see McClean: "a young player, can score goals"
Hit the crossbar in the first half and just won the free kick from which Larsson scored the opening goal. He also had an opportunity to head in the box but missed by inches. He has an Andy Keogh-like tendency to get in the box that I think Trapattoni will like a lot.
But hopefully not the Keogh-like quality of contriving to miss easy chances...
Goal McClean, Larsson whips an inswinger in from the left corner, McClean runs in, flicks the ball across goal and past the keeper.
I think he just answered that himself. Terrific header, second Sunderland goal.
na hÉireann
agus bródúil !
My excitement from the City game has been justified, even if it is only championship opposition.
That point about getting into the box is spot on. O'Neill stated during the week that he was really impressed with how good McClean's work ethic was and how capable he was of tracking back. Again, something Trap will appreciate. It'll be interesting to see how Hunt and Duff get on for the rest of the season. I can't see much chance of him making the Euros though. Trap had 3 wingers for the Estonia games (Duff, Hunt, McGeady) and Lawrence and Treacy (as well as Keogh) seem liked by Trap. But playing premiership football may stand in his favour. Injuries to one of the 3 favoured wingers look like the most conceivable route to the squad.
if hes keeps playing like this and scoring goals of course he can and will make the squad. he's very impressive but still very raw. i've watched him a few times now and he's been sunderlands stand out performer each time. he's only gonna get better with experience of playing at top level. reminds me of bale with his direct running into the space behind defenders, its very very hard to defend against. his touch and final ball have been very unpredictable, thats the kind of thing that will improve with confidence you gain from playing in these games so i would have very high hopes for him
He's better that Duff in terms of energy and hunger already.
Hunt was anonymous yesterday, but still a great impact player, even v.likes of Spain as they so rarely come up v.something like him.
McGeady's OK, but nothing spectacular. Like said up thread, not massively disappointed if one of Duff or him miss out at McClean's expense.
Signed for £350,000 by Steve Bruce. You would not get him for that now that's for sure.
You would have to be sticking another zero on the end of that for starters.
If he carries on playing like this there is no stopping him.
Top rated on Sky Sports, followed by JOSH, I think that was the same the previous match. [edit - indeed it was]
Oh come on, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Duff is one of the hardest working players in the Irish team, I don't know how anyone can question his work rate or effort.Quote:
Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy
I think McClean made all the right noises in his interview. It sounds like he's just interested in trying to string a few games together at his club and play his way into Trap's thoughts. None of this "if you don't play me, I'll fúck off" entitlement mentality that seems to prevade in some players.
Savage engine on the fella, gets around the pitch like it's a modest back yard. Something else that may make Trap's 'pro' column.
so after a couple of decent performances McClean is now to displace seasoned internationals who have proved themselves over many campaigns??Quote:
Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy
short memory. some of duffs performances for us in the last campaign were excellent. the only threat to his place in the Euros starting xi is injury. also, his actions and comments over the years would point to him being one of the most "hungry" players I have ever seen involved with us.
Well all internationals give up eventually...
Duff's not irreplaceable you know. And acknowledge his service over the years but If someone else turns out to be better between now and then, why not pick them??
we have one friendly between now and squad selection. very unlikely he will prove himself than any of our players at international level in timeQuote:
Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy
Erm, club football which is these players 'bread and butter'.
Not saying he will, but If (and a massive If) he was to excel with Sunderland, then he should be in the squad. As should Pilkington.
has to prove he can do it at international level before he can take over from the two players you mention.Quote:
Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy
pilkington has not 100% signed up to us. he is inconsistent at best this season in anycase
Well they won't get the chance if they don't play...
Both those two are in currently in better form than Messrs.Doyle, Duff and Hunt. Go figure...