Republic of Ireland V Nigeria - Friday, 29th May 2009 - Friendly - Craven Cottage

[Stuttgart88]

I dont really see the benefit of playing Given here and really think Westwood and Kiely getting a half each wouldve been the sensible thing to do. Happy otherwise with the exception of Miller obviously.

I suppose the logic is to have an experienced organiser and motivator behind them, as well as amongst them (Dunne). A nervous goalkeeper with 3 debutant defenders might destabilise everyone. I'd have thought Kiely could have provided the stabilising influence though.

However, if Trap is giving serious thought to starting any of those 3 defenders in Bulgariathen game time with Given & Dunne will be useful, essential even.

Still can't fathom Miller. It'll place a lot of responsibility on Andrews to get stuck in in midfield as Miller couldn't get a grip on his willy let alone a bunch of mobile and athletic africans (racial streotyping I know). I suppose Lawrence is more physical than Duff & McGeady so midfield will consist of 2 bigger guys and 2 midgets.

We were overrun in midfield last year vs Columbia when Miller & Whelan started.

Really looking forward to this though, I hope we play well and the newbies impress.

[SkStu]

while i applaud the new faces being introduced in this team by Trap, i feel the team he has picked has, to an extent, set them up to fail. Nolan, Foley and Sledge being protected by a midefield of Lawrence (newcomer), Miller (ugh) and Andrews (inexperienced) sends a few shivers down my spine...

Sink or swim time for the newbies!!!

[youngirish]

Good to see Trap experimenting. I think St Ledger, Foley and Lawrence are valuable additions to the squad and shouldn't be out of their depth tomorrow. I worry though that with Miller, Nolan and Best in the same team the Nigerians will be too good for us if they play a decent strength side (I haven't seen their team maybe they will try a few new players themselves). Miller shouldn't be in the squad anymore while Best and Nolan are not good enough at present to be there imo though I think both have potential. Best in particular has a tendency to blow hot and cold so we'll see if we get him on a good or bad day.

I suppose if things are going badly Trap has shown he has the ability to identify the problem areas and make changes for the better.

If we do get beaten hopefully it doesn't affect our confidence going into the big game next week.

[eirebhoy]

Is KK's reign under some threat?

Is Whelan's? Nah he's just giving some new players a game. I don't think Kilbane's place is at threat just yet.

[irishfan86]

Getting excited about this for sure- I've been hoping for Lawrence to be included since his excellent season during Stoke's promotion year.

His direct style and the ability to score goals is really something that could be hugely important for us.

Also looking forward to Foley and Sledge getting involved.

Time to see if all this hype from their promoters Wolves Manc and the doc is justified!

[Plastic Paddy]

agile? he is 37 nearly 38!!

Mate, so am I and I can still throw some rude shapes on the dancefloor!

I've been told we'll be meeting some of the 2g London crew in The Dukes Head in Putney actually so will be around there pre match as well.

Davros, late of this parish, has mentioned this in dispatches. I may swing by there first (thence to the Cottage for 6pm) and say hello.

PP

[paul_oshea]

I suppose the logic is to have an experienced organiser and motivator behind them, as well as amongst them (Dunne). A nervous goalkeeper with 3 debutant defenders might destabilise everyone. I'd have thought Kiely could have provided the stabilising influence though.

However, if Trap is giving serious thought to starting any of those 3 defenders in Bulgariathen game time with Given & Dunne will be useful, essential even.

Still can't fathom Miller. It'll place a lot of responsibility on Andrews to get stuck in in midfield as Miller couldn't get a grip on his willy let alone a bunch of mobile and athletic africans (racial streotyping I know). I suppose Lawrence is more physical than Duff & McGeady so midfield will consist of 2 bigger guys and 2 midgets.

We were overrun in midfield last year vs Columbia when Miller & Whelan started.

Really looking forward to this though, I hope we play well and the newbies impress.

Ah stutts that middle sentence is class, we never see the funny stutts, absoloute quality!!!

try and get in to meet meself, tets and ronnieb, we will be there from 5 or so, even if just for one.

[Superhoops]

Lads, its a glorious day in London. Pints by the river, watch Ireland play, apres match pints. What a great way to spend a Friday

[paul_oshea]

ya and im stuck in bloody work looking down the river.....

[Girl in Green]

while i applaud the new faces being introduced in this team by Trap, i feel the team he has picked has, to an extent, set them up to fail. Nolan, Foley and Sledge being protected by a midefield of Lawrence (newcomer), Miller (ugh) and Andrews (inexperienced) sends a few shivers down my spine...

Sink or swim time for the newbies!!!

I agree with this entirely; great to see new faces being introduced i suppose tonights exercise is to get a look at players it's a friendly remember...let's hope no-one gets injured for Wednesday that would be my concern outta tonite. Gutted Kiely has withdrawn I would have had him in as No. 1 for Given should we need him; lets all hope Given is fit.

[elroy]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria..._football_team

Surprised at how many names I actually recognised here, they have a decent and should provide a good test tonight

[Plastic Paddy]

ya and im stuck in bloody work looking down the river.....

Ditto, but just think of the fun to be had later. (I can see Craven Cottage from here...)

PP

[shakermaker1982]

I'm very happy with the team. I've been crying out for a few of these fringe players to get a run out in case the Trap's first 11 get injured or suspended. Miller gets another chance to deliver so I hope he makes the most of it. Last chance saloon you'd think or maybe he has some incriminating photographs??

[Sligo Hornet]

ya and im stuck in bloody work looking down the river.....

I'm knocking off work in 20 mins......back home, change into shorts and head into London!!

See you in Brogans after the game Paul!

[paul_oshea]

Ya, just like the the Bank job, it could be a 3rd remake called The Italian Job.

Looking at the clubs which they play for, Ireland should dispose of Nigeria easily, however we all know thats not how these things work. On paper we definitely have a better team, but id say at the moment we are somewhere on a par with Nigeria in world terms, capable of getting a draw against many top sides, but not beating them. Anyway hurry up 4 oclock i want to go. For anyone not here, seriously the weather is gorgeous and full of lovely girls out in their best summer attire

[paul_oshea]

I'm knocking off work in 20 mins......back home, change into shorts and head into London!!

See you in Brogans after the game Paul!

Ah stop telling me that stuff would ye. I bet you just tell them all at work that you are going into London for an important businsess meeting and then get into your best irish gear and head away....:evil:

[Sligo Hornet]

Ah stop telling me that stuff would ye. I bet you just tell them all at work that you are going into London for an important businsess meeting and then get into your best irish gear and head away....:evil:

No need to Paul....as I AM THE BOSS!

[youngirish]

Any sign of the doc yet? He probably p*ssed his pants when he seen that both St Ledger and Nolan were in the team.

[paul_oshea]

No need to Paul....as I AM THE BOSS!

I know, thats why I am saying it. The MD can do what he likes but still "remain" professional in the eyes of his employees!

[paul_oshea]

Any sign of the doc yet? He probably p*ssed his pants when he seen that both St Ledger and Nolan were in the team.

More like creamed his pants...