Stephen Carr

[TrapAPony]

Michael Ballack is 33 but he is still Germany's main man. He'll probably be in the Germany squad for a while yet, as long as he is performing well. Carr could be an option for us in the qualifying if he's still playing regularly, although hasn't he been retired from international football for a while now? Maybe he wouldn't answer the call.

That's fair enough. I just think we should look to the future and give Seamus Coleman a go at right back instead.

[Razors left peg]

I seen Alex McLeish talking about Barry Fergusons possible return to the Scotland squad the other day.He was saying that at 31 his recovery time from games is not what it used to be so Ferguson would have to think about being on the bench after each international game and he might find it hard to get his place back at all in the team.Basically he was trying to talk Ferguson out of it. So with that in mind I think he would totally blow his top if Carr made any attempt to come out of international retirement

[Acornvilla]

if i was steve to be quite honest i would focus soley on club football he has enough injuriy problems and with his age it would be stupid to put extra strain on himself. I say enjoy your football but not with ireland we need to start blooding the new generation

[tricky_colour]

I don't agree I think you should play the best available, if it increases the chances of qualification that is better for the
new generation. It also means the new generation are more likely to be second rather than third seeds in a group.
You are not building for the future by playing players who are not up to standard, you are making it harder for them.

[Acornvilla]

will carr be the same player by september? who knows? his clock is ticking

[seanfhear]

Just out of curiosity why was'nt Stephen producing this form when he was playing for Newcastle.

[geysir]

Recurring injuries were one reason, the Newcastle jinx.

[seanfhear]

Recurring injuries were one reason, the Newcastle jinx.

Newcastle does seem to be a special case for some reason.

Still its a bit of a mystery.

He was one of the top full backs in the PL in his hayday at spurs. I would say that his career was very badly blighted by injury unfortunately.

Not that this is hugely important but I always thought he was a little extra small for a full back but as I have said this did not seem to hold him back in his hayday at Spurs.

[irishfan86]

Just watched midweek match of the day and he absolutely embarrassed his opposite number by driving forward. He still looks very impressive going forward for a player of his age.

[livehead1]

I'm not really a fan of this 'building for the future' mantra. Wales have been using that as an excuse for each qualifying campaign that they flop! Play the best 11 players for each competitive games. Blood the young players in friendlies and 'B' games and ensure that Ireland have the best chance of winning each game by putting the best available players on the pitch for qualifiers.

The way he is playing at the moment, Carr would certainly be in the top 11.

[Colbert Report]

Bad day at the office for Stephen Carr. Booked on 23 minutes, gave up an own goal on 56 minutes, subbed off on 65 minutes.

[elroy]

Had a great season last year but like his club i think he will be a big downward spiral this year.

[Charlie Darwin]

He was very hard done by for the penalty - it was outside the box and he may even have nicked the ball.

[Grafter]

So what's Stephen Carr's present status at Birmingham? Out injured? Hard to see him getting back in at 36 now....

[nigel-harps1954]

Announced his retirement today citing his persistent knee problem as the reason. Turning 37 soon.

[Yard of Pace]

I was happy enough he managed to come back and do well in his latter years at club level but I can NEVER forgive him for that performance against the Swiss at home that night. There was once incident in particular when he just didn't bother running after his man. He looked like he didn't care an absolute damn.

[paul_oshea]

Ya he was the Conor O'shea of Irish football.

[Grafter]

I was happy enough he managed to come back and do well in his latter years at club level but I can NEVER forgive him for that performance against the Swiss at home that night. There was once incident in particular when he just didn't bother running after his man. He looked like he didn't care an absolute damn.

I do recall a feeling of disgust with him when he announced his first retirement from the Irish team in 2005 shortly after that Swiss team... He was 29!!!

To me it looked like he had fallen out of love with the game at that stage, to be fair I'd say his time out injured naturally could have made him more cynical and bitter about what his career might have been.

However, I recall he did come back to the green in time for the 4-0 Holland home mauling in 2006... never the same player post 2004 IMO

[DannyInvincible]

An in-depth interview with Carr by The42.ie in which he discusses his career and life post-retirement: http://www.the42.ie/stephen-carr-int...64915-May2017/

[SkStu]

For me, he was one of the least likable Irish players of the modern era (i.e. my memory). Always had a scowl and an air of arrogance about him. Granted, that was just from seeing him interviewed and reading some of his quotes etc. In my mind, he was one of the earliest Irish players who felt that his country was privileged to have him on the team rather than him being privileged to wear the green. Paved the way for the Stephen Irelands of the world.

(I'll give the interview a read later - it may change my mind somewhat)