Norway squad announced yesterday, Ireland squad expected tomorrow
Just reading that the Maltese manger resigned on Monday - https://www.mfa.com.mt/news/general/...h-resignation/ - and their U21 manager has been appointed interim manager for their two friendlies against Greece and ourselves - https://www.mfa.com.mt/news/national...er-friendlies/
Spurs are not releasing Kulusevski for Sweden's games next week. Might be an issue for us with Doherty.
It's an international window so doubt Spurs can stop a player whose fit from joining up with his country.
Sweden has five players not being released by their respective clubs. Apparently outside FIFA international games dates? Norway's coach also making note of this.
The Malta game is the same day as the World Cup opener, so it does seem an unusual time for matches and it's possible it's not a sanctioned week alright
Are Sykes & Szmodics the more likely call ups ?
Both playing most weeks in the Championship.
So are Cunningham and Manning, and that hasn't really helped them under Kenny.
But yeah, with most of our forwards either injured or not entirely in favour at club level, it's the obvious place to look for new options. Possibly Smallbone too?
Nobody jumps out from the 21s; Azaz and Kilkenny might be worth looking at but they're both injured I think. Is it worth giving Ferguson a call-up for the experience?
But slim pickings really.
If clubs can refuse any player they want there likely wouldn't be any friendlies whatsoever this month cause no club will want their players playing unnecessary games and picking up injuries when they could be at home relaxing.
Celtic aren't releasing players. Not relevant to us but shows clubs can refuse.
Yeah, & Coventry if he plays the EFL Cup game against Blackburn I guess, at least that would be a 90 for his club where it didn't matter one bit if they lose, like the two European games he played, hardly a crunch fixture either though.Quote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
Slim pickings indeed, but we have to knit with the wool we have eh Pineappler.
Yeah, maybe Coventry alright, though I wouldn't be in a rush based on some West Ham EL games as they don't tend to take them all that seriously. Wasn't that long ago they were playing Joey O'Brien in those games.
And we're trying to stop Haaland here. I mean, we're effectively 1-0 down already.
Well hopefully a few of ours are refused and we get a proper experimental squad for the games.Quote:
Originally Posted by ifk101
Defensively wouldn't mind seeing McNamara involved, Manning too.
In terms of midfielders, I could see an argument for including Conor Coventry. Presumably he'll play tonight, which means he's starting 3 games in 3 weeks. Obviously, it's not the best games for West Ham but after 3 games, he should be pretty much up to speed. Certainly a better option than Conor Hourihane. Hodge is the only real alternative as far as I can see.
As for more attacking midfielders - any of Smallbone, Sykes, Szmodics, Mandriou or Ronan, I'd be willing to try. I'd like to see them all at some point, so not gonna argue about who we should see first, as long as one makes it.
Wingers, presumably Ogbene, Robinson and O'Dowda will be there. Personally, I like 4 wingers in my squad, maybe that's not really needed with the formation we play, but the lack of available strikers probably pushes the required number up. Not sure who the 4th would be, no outstanding options really. People who have been called up in the past are: CJ Hamilton, Marcus Harness, Michael Duffy, Festy Ebosele. Neil Farrugia has looked pretty good for Rovers in Europe whenever I've seen him play - probably as viable a name as anyone.
Strikers - we've got Obafemi, Hogan and Keane - you'd have to imagine all 3 will be called up. Ferguson might merit a call-up. Beggars, choosers etc. with Parrott, Kelly, Idah and Connolly injured
Press conference today at 1:45, squad should be announced around 1
Who are we confirmed missing for this? Is it mainly the forwards (Parrott, Idah, Connolly, the option of Kelly)? And Omabamidele too I think.
Parrott, Idah, and Omobamidele are definitely out. Don't think there's been any word yet on Keane's injury from Tuesday. Connolly sounds like he could be just about back but lack of games and probably so far down the list to begin with. Can't think of anyone else that realistically would have made it but is unavailable.
Will be interesting to see if clubs refuse any of ours to be called up. League One doesn't break so Derby could refuse Hourihane (hopefully) and Knight who only came on in the 91st last night. Rotherham are down to the bare bones with strikers and might not want Ogbene getting hurt on international duty. They were annoyed when he started and more or less played the full games against Belgium and Lithuania.
If you're Ogbene in that situation then you very much have the upper hand. It would be incredibly ballsy for them to mention blocking given his importance, form, contract situation and the desire to play and exposure of playing for Ireland.
None of Hodge, Coventry, Ronan or Szmodics. Is surprising and not a little disappointing.
No Hourihane is good, though I assume this is due to Derby not releasing him rather than Kenny overlooking him, because a knight is missing too.
Ferguson's inclusion is positive,though I feel bad for Ebosele
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough), Liam Scales (Aberdeen, on loan from Celtic), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jeff Hendrick (Reading, on loan from Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Stoke City, on loan from Southampton), Jamie McGrath (Dundee United).
Forwards: Michael Obafemi (Swansea City), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Scott Hogan (Birmingham City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City).