Predict the Squad/ Starting Lineup for Macedonia

**Stuttgart88** · 22/03/2011, 5:40 PM

I expect(ed) Foley to be picked ahead of Kelly, regardless of any of the above. I just think it's obvious to all that he is a better player and now has nearly 2 years EPL experience. Add Kelly's lack of match practice, and the fact that there will be some others playing that have are not 100%, and it should be a clear choice. Although Trap hasn't always gone with club form I think that Foley is the better choice and Trap sees that.

**SwanVsDalton** · 22/03/2011, 5:45 PM

I'd agree totally with the thinking, but admit to being surprised. Just thought Trap fancied Kelly too much (the handsome devil).

**geysir** · 22/03/2011, 6:04 PM

True enough that Kelly was on the bench ahead of Foley against Andorra but Foley had the spot on the bench against Slovakia.
Foley is on the upward groove.

**SwanVsDalton** · 22/03/2011, 6:09 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

True enough that Kelly was on the bench ahead of Foley against Andorra but Foley had the spot on the bench against Slovakia.
Foley is on the upward groove.

Agree but, to nitpick, Kelly was injured. He then played the next game against Norway from the start, with Foley only introduced from the bench.

I'd say if Foley had of been fit for the Wales game, he'd have started.

**Charlie Darwin** · 22/03/2011, 6:17 PM

I think Kelly is the more solid defender, which is why I thought Trap would always go with him. Foley offers more going forward than Kelly or Josh, so it'd be great to see him play there regularly.

**geysir** · 22/03/2011, 6:24 PM

I have just been listening to RTE for the 7pm sports news.
Long drony interview with Shay Given, ending with the 'not quite with it' interviewer saying �Shay, most certainly you are going to be missed on Saturday'
Yeah, sure.
Then they turn to some rugby analyst for yet another perspective on some game played last week.

**mark12345** · 22/03/2011, 7:53 PM

McCarthy to come on after an hour? We have to start with him. He'll show for the ball and control the tempo. Do you think we can wait an hour for that?

**mark12345** · 22/03/2011, 7:58 PM

If that's what he's saying now then Trap is a worse manager than I gave him credit for. He's going to give McCarthy some game time. How on God's green earth can he tell how the game's going to go? Yet he's going to make a promise beforehand that he's going to give a player 'game time.' This is not a friendly Giovanni. He should start with James. If he starts without the player who is the most consistent midfielder Ireland have then he needs his head examined. I really think Trap has lost the plot.

**paul_oshea** · 22/03/2011, 8:16 PM

what if mccarthy doesn't make a big impact in the first hour. what kind of statement does it send out to mccarthy and everyone if he is replaced by green?

**Noelys Guitar** · 22/03/2011, 8:49 PM

Mark does have a point though Paul. I thought it was a strange thing to say unless he intends starting McCarthy . This is a qualifyer not a friendly. We have a number of players carrying injuries or just returning from injuries. What happens if two defenders and a forward/or goalkeeper get injured in the first 60 mins? McCarthy would remain on the bench.

**SwanVsDalton** · 22/03/2011, 8:54 PM

Trap usually is fairly opens about his intentions for a game, competitive or not. Think it's fair enough to assume the quote means he intends to play James with the unspoken proviso of 'if nothing drastic happens'.

**Noelys Guitar** · 22/03/2011, 9:02 PM

Originally Posted by SwanVsDalton

Trap usually is fairly opens about his intentions for a game, competitive or not. Think it's fair enough to assume the quote means he intends to play James with the unspoken proviso of 'if nothing drastic happens'.

Thats what I thought as well when I heard the interview. That he would start McCarthy alongside Whelan.

**geysir** · 22/03/2011, 9:24 PM

Maybe you heard a different interview but it sounds 100% sure that McCarthy will be on the bench unless something drastic happens.

“He won’t start,” the manager confirmed before suggesting the 21-year-old needs to assert himself more to get on the ball. “It will be tough on him (McCarthy) to start immediately. I had to say to him today to call for the ball more because he is a little shy.”

**Dunners** · 22/03/2011, 9:35 PM

McCarthy will make an impact if given long enough on the pitch , the lad is pure class
Class will always shine through

Come on Trap let the wee man have his moment, its long overdue

**Charlie Darwin** · 22/03/2011, 9:39 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

“I had to say to him today to call for the ball more because he is a little shy.”

Ah. Good thing we've got Darron Gibson to show him how it's done.

**SwanVsDalton** · 22/03/2011, 9:46 PM

Originally Posted by Noelys Guitar

Thats what I thought as well when I heard the interview. That he would start McCarthy alongside Whelan.

I meant play in that he'll get some game-time, probably off the bench. Don't think it's too unusual for Trap to say as much, like I said he doesn't really keep his cards particularly close.

**Noelys Guitar** · 22/03/2011, 9:51 PM

http://www.skysports.com/video/inlin...830091,00.html Here is the Sky interview which definetely suggests McCarthy will not start but will play some part in the game.

**geysir** · 22/03/2011, 9:53 PM

Only Manuela knows exactly what Trap means, maybe RTE should interview her as to who will play and when.

**Crosby87** · 22/03/2011, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

Only Manuela knows exactly what Trap means, maybe RTE should interview her as to who will play and when.

Can the interview take place while she is showering? And be muted?

**paul_oshea** · 22/03/2011, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

Maybe you heard a different interview but it sounds 100% sure that McCarthy will be on the bench unless something drastic happens.

“He won’t start,” the manager confirmed before suggesting the 21-year-old needs to assert himself more to get on the ball. “It will be tough on him (McCarthy) to start immediately. I had to say to him today to call for the ball more because he is a little shy.”

The irony...assert yourself more to get on the ball!?!?