Steve Finnan

**elroy** · 05/09/2009, 10:49 PM

If we had a fit Stevie Reid and Finnan back for the Italian game Id fancy our chances. Reid has some hope but unfortunately with the run of injuries finnan has had, we may never see him in the green again.

**Crosby87** · 05/09/2009, 11:32 PM

Yikes!

**tetsujin1979** · 18/09/2009, 9:57 AM

reports that Finnan is back in training, but won't play this weekend against Villa

from http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...-news-football

The Fratton Park club have hamstring victim Steve Finnan back in training but the Irishman is not yet ready for selection.

**swinfordfc** · 18/09/2009, 10:24 AM

good news

**Leeside Swagger** · 18/09/2009, 5:09 PM

Great news for the Irish team, he's in for a tough season though methinks.

**gwhite** · 25/09/2009, 10:03 AM

http://breakingnews.iol.ie/sport/fin...ow-427707.html

Apparently he's available for selection tomorrow. Terrific news because Kilbane needs to be kept away from the pitch for the rest of the campaign.

**centre mid** · 25/09/2009, 10:08 AM

I'd be suprised if Trap names Finnan TBH, hasnt played at all and still not clear if he will feature on the Weekend. I'd rather he gets fully fit and is availble for play offs should we get there.

**gwhite** · 25/09/2009, 11:21 AM

I think he'll name hime. Pompey have 2 league games before the Italy game and maybe a reserve game or 2 midweek to sharpen him up. If he's set to name Steven Reid, he'll name Finnan, at least on stand-by.

**shakermaker1982** · 25/09/2009, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by gwhite

http://breakingnews.iol.ie/sport/fin...ow-427707.html

Apparently he's available for selection tomorrow. Terrific news because Kilbane needs to be kept away from the pitch for the rest of the campaign.

Finnan is a RB and Kilbane has been slotting in at LB...... unless you mean Finnan's availability allows O'Shea to slot in at LB.

I think these 2 games have come too early for him. No harm in asking him to attend the squads but I'd be surprised if Finnan is in contention for a place in the match day squad.

**KK77** · 25/09/2009, 11:32 AM

[QUOTE=shakermaker1982;1238514]Finnan is a RB and Kilbane has been slotting in at LB...... unless you mean Finnan's availability allows O'Shea to slot in at LB.

Finnan has played left back a few times for Ireland.

**Junior** · 25/09/2009, 11:38 AM

[QUOTE=Rafa B;1238518]

Originally Posted by shakermaker1982

Finnan is a RB and Kilbane has been slotting in at LB...... unless you mean Finnan's availability allows O'Shea to slot in at LB.

Finnan has played left back a few times for Ireland.

I noticed Kelly played LB for Fulham in a recent game (think it might have been the Europa Cup?).....

**seanfhear** · 25/09/2009, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by shakermaker1982

Finnan is a RB and Kilbane has been slotting in at LB...... unless you mean Finnan's availability allows O'Shea to slot in at LB.

I think these 2 games have come too early for him. No harm in asking him to attend the squads but I'd be surprised if Finnan is in contention for a place in the match day squad.

Finnan much prefers to play right back and though has played at left back would prefer not to.
O'Shea moving to left back would be the best option in my opinion.

Hopefully St Ledger can develope a good partnership with Dunne in the centre.

**Uncle_Joe** · 25/09/2009, 12:26 PM

I'd be delighted to have Finnan back in the squad, whether its LB or RB or on the bench. I do however think that people are getting their hopes blown out of all proportion regarding his return. In his day I honestly think that Finnan was world class, and could probably have player in any national team.
If the guy had been Italian, he would have been lauded worldwide as a classic defender.
But the brutal facts are that a 33 year old returning coming back after the guts of two years of injury may not be the answer to our problems at LB/RB. Im still delighted hes back, but just a little apprehensive.

**BigmanCas** · 25/09/2009, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by seanfhear

Finnan much prefers to play right back and though has played at left back would prefer not to.
O'Shea moving to left back would be the best option in my opinion.

Hopefully St Ledger can develope a good partnership with Dunne in the centre.

agree totally

**shakermaker1982** · 25/09/2009, 1:06 PM

[QUOTE=Rafa B;1238518]

Originally Posted by shakermaker1982

Finnan is a RB and Kilbane has been slotting in at LB...... unless you mean Finnan's availability allows O'Shea to slot in at LB.

Finnan has played left back a few times for Ireland.

John O'Shea has played in goal for Man Utd but I wouldn't insist he plays there!!

Finnan is a right back. He's versatile but if the Trap is thinking of using him then it will only be at RB for these 2 games.

**tetsujin1979** · 29/09/2009, 6:59 PM

Finnan playing for the reserves tonight VS West Ham: http://index.php?cms_id=78&qs_articl...&qs_media=html

Liam O'Brien is the sub keeper for Portsmouth, apparently he's from Ruislip. Anyone know if he qualifies for Ireland?
According to some reports, he was with QPR, and Arsenal and Man United were after him before he signed for Pompey

**Yard of Pace** · 29/09/2009, 7:16 PM

Originally Posted by Uncle_Joe

But the brutal facts are that a 33 year old returning coming back after the guts of two years of injury may not be the answer to our problems at LB/RB. Im still delighted hes back, but just a little apprehensive.

I thought he was really excellent in the Georgia game in Mainz. Even if he's not 100% he's always very reliable, whether it be defending, on the ball, passing, going forward. Something we can't always depend on sadly.

**tetsujin1979** · 30/09/2009, 9:02 AM

Finnan played 85 minutes for the Portsmouth reserves last night against West Ham, and had an assist for one of the goals in a 3-0 win: http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index....&qs_media=html