Macedonia V Republic of Ireland - Saturday, 4th June 2011 - Euro 2012 Qualifier

**French Toasht** · 31/05/2011, 5:25 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

We have to assume home wins in both games, anything else will be a bonus

Yes I agree.

Armenia have posed a threat thus far in the group, but do not forget they have only played one game away and that was a 2-2 draw against Macedonia. Can't see them staying up with the pace setters considering they have to play us, Russia and Slovakia away.

They have been more than helpful as far as our campaign is concerned thus far but I doubt they'll take any points in Russia or Slovakia. This may not be a bad thing as they should be out of the running come their visit to Dublin and with nothing to play for come that game, we could be facing an experimental Armenian side.

**paul_oshea** · 31/05/2011, 5:50 PM

can't view the video is that from the claddagh a couple of months back?

**geysir** · 31/05/2011, 7:10 PM

That's not a bad effort by Robbie. I never would have thought he could sing a note based on his AnbF rendition.

**Kingdom** · 31/05/2011, 9:01 PM

Originally Posted by French Toasht

Yes I agree.

Armenia have posed a threat thus far in the group, but do not forget they have only played one game away and that was a 2-2 draw against Macedonia. Can't see them staying up with the pace setters considering they have to play us, Russia and Slovakia away.

They have been more than helpful as far as our campaign is concerned thus far but I doubt they'll take any points in Russia or Slovakia. This may not be a bad thing as they should be out of the running come their visit to Dublin and with nothing to play for come that game, we could be facing an experimental Armenian side.

Not for one minute am I suggesting that any miracle is going to happen and Armenia will qualify, but this group has been all over the shop so far, and nearly every campaign a few of the lower seeded, unexpected teams do well. Finland for god sake were in with a massive shout going into the last day of the WC10 campaign. Latvia in 2004.

**paul_oshea** · 31/05/2011, 9:16 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF1qqT9i_40

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0hsE...eature=related

**theworm2345** · 31/05/2011, 9:28 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

That's not a bad effort by Robbie. I never would have thought he could sing a note based on his AnbF rendition.

Haven't seen this (unless you mean him singing before the match), do you have a link?

**elroy** · 31/05/2011, 9:33 PM

Only caught the end of some nordie journo on OTB on newstalk this evening, seemed to indicating what the team was going to be. Anyone hear it?

Ken early was expressing surprise that Coleman wasnt in the team but was happy that Hunt was in ahead of Lawrence. Didnt hear who they were saying/predicting was gonna be in the back 4.

On EPL form Coleman deserves to start, but in his (few) performances for us so far he has been a bit erratic so think its right that he wouldnt start. Also probably would agree with Hunt ahead of Lawro. Lawro would provide better balance but has not in great form for us in recent times. Needs to get back to the form he showed around the Italian and French games in the last campaign.

**Kingdom** · 31/05/2011, 9:49 PM

I'm posting almost exclusively on the Ireland forum the past couple of years and my admiration of McGeady would be obvious. I try to balance what I witness first hand (live) by repeated viewing so not to cloud my judgement too much.

On many occasions in this campaign, I've either read posters on here not having McGeady in the First XI or barely so, or I've seen journalists do the same, judging by elroys' post above ^^^^^, Mr Early is suggesting that it should be Hunt and Coleman on the wings.

I'm astounded by this seemingly common held opinion. I'll ask this: How many of ye believe McGeady should be a first choice winger? I think it's a non-issue myself with everyone fit.

**Noelys Guitar** · 31/05/2011, 9:56 PM

Robbie, Given, O'Shea, Whelan and McGeady are the 100% shoe ins of those available and fit.

**tommy_c12000** · 31/05/2011, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by Kingdom

I'm astounded by this seemingly common held opinion. I'll ask this: How many of ye believe McGeady should be a first choice winger? I think it's a non-issue myself with everyone fit.

It is a non-issue. McGeady is 1st choice winger period.

**geysir** · 31/05/2011, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

Haven't seen this (unless you mean him singing before the match), do you have a link?

Yeah, when they are lined up before the match, as he is about the only one belting out the anthem, the camera focuses on him and the mike picks up a few bars of his rendition.

**tommy_c12000** · 31/05/2011, 10:31 PM

Interesting to see St Ledger back in full training today. Am I right in saying that his last game was on 19th March against Coventry? That will be 11 wks come this saturday. That is a long time to be out in football but he has 34 starts for PNE this season. Because of his experience and his familiarity with playing with O'Shea (vast majority of time it was with O'Shea at RB I know) I would start him on sat night. Having said all that he has had a poor season by his standards. However, I would think starting Sledge is less of a risk than starting O'Dea who is inexperienced and is a player I don't rate anyways. Kelly or Delaney don't come into my reckoning. That's my opinion anyways, but it's the classic risk/benefit ratio

**Sullivinho** · 31/05/2011, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by elroy

Ken early was expressing surprise that Coleman wasnt in the team but was happy that Hunt was in ahead of Lawrence. Didnt hear who they were saying/predicting was gonna be in the back 4.

On EPL form Coleman deserves to start, but in his (few) performances for us so far he has been a bit erratic so think its right that he wouldnt start. Also probably would agree with Hunt ahead of Lawro. Lawro would provide better balance but has not in great form for us in recent times. Needs to get back to the form he showed around the Italian and French games in the last campaign.

Coleman is still finding his feet at international level. I'm not sure why anyone would find surprise in him not starting a competitive game at this stage but the lure of the contrary opinion shouldn't be underestimated when it comes to journos. Lawrence seems to have lost some of his edge unfortunately and Hunt....well, he's edgier than ever.

Hunt and McGeady for me too. Which should give the Maccas plenty to worry about.

Originally Posted by Kingdom

I'll ask this: How many of ye believe McGeady should be a first choice winger? I think it's a non-issue myself with everyone fit.

Originally Posted by Noelys Guitar

Robbie, Given, O'Shea, Whelan and McGeady are the 100% shoe ins of those available and fit.

Originally Posted by tommy_c12000

It is a non-issue. McGeady is 1st choice winger period.

Agree 100% with that lads. But sure there's probably people out there who think Robbie shouldn't be first choice.

**geysir** · 31/05/2011, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by Kingdom

I'm posting almost exclusively on the Ireland forum the past couple of years and my admiration of McGeady would be obvious. I try to balance what I witness first hand (live) by repeated viewing so not to cloud my judgement too much.

On many occasions in this campaign, I've either read posters on here not having McGeady in the First XI or barely so, or I've seen journalists do the same, judging by elroys' post above ^^^^^, Mr Early is suggesting that it should be Hunt and Coleman on the wings.

I'm astounded by this seemingly common held opinion. I'll ask this: How many of ye believe McGeady should be a first choice winger? I think it's a non-issue myself with everyone fit.

I heard him on Newstalk go on about the exclusion of Coleman. But I didn't listen closely enough to hear if he wanted Coleman at RM and McGeady at LM.
I didn't listen closely as I switched off, he was just asking a question without the slightest bit of introspection, as in birdbrained.

**Sullivinho** · 31/05/2011, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by tommy_c12000

Interesting to see St Ledger back in full training today. Am I right in saying that his last game was on 19th March against Coventry? That will be 11 wks come this saturday. That is a long time to be out in football but he has 34 starts for PNE this season. Because of his experience and his familiarity with playing with O'Shea (vast majority of time it was with O'Shea at RB I know) I would start him on sat night. Having said all that he has had a poor season by his standards. However, I would think starting Sledge is less of a risk than starting O'Dea who is inexperienced and is a player I don't rate anyways. Kelly or Delaney don't come into my reckoning. That's my opinion anyways, but it's the classic risk/benefit ratio

That'd be my worry with St. Ledger, rustiness. But on ability, I'd rate him over O'Dea. And as poor a season as he's had with Preston, he's never had a shocker for us. That'l have earned him a few loyalty points with Trap.

**tommy_c12000** · 31/05/2011, 11:07 PM

Another point I'd like to make:

Kelly was definitely ahead of McShane in "Trap's pecking order" for the RB position before the NI game going on the evidence of the last couple of yrs. Because of the dire shortage of centre backs Kelly had to fill in here for the two games instead of his more customary role at FB in an Irish shirt. How is McShane suddenly ahead of him now never mind Foley in "Trap's pecking order"? Would seem a tad harsh on Kelly

**Crosby87** · 31/05/2011, 11:23 PM

Anyone else thinking in the back of yer head that this gritty-type version of us with players wanting to be here is going to possibly be the perfect thing for a hot night against a team like Macedonia? Eeek out 3 points? I dunno. I find myself more confident with every day we get closer. Usually I am the opposite. Won't be easy, and yet...we may have the team for that. Right, it won't be easy and this may just be the group. Grinders.

**Fixer82** · 31/05/2011, 11:52 PM

Originally Posted by Kingdom

I'm posting almost exclusively on the Ireland forum the past couple of years and my admiration of McGeady would be obvious. I try to balance what I witness first hand (live) by repeated viewing so not to cloud my judgement too much.

On many occasions in this campaign, I've either read posters on here not having McGeady in the First XI or barely so, or I've seen journalists do the same, judging by elroys' post above ^^^^^, Mr Early is suggesting that it should be Hunt and Coleman on the wings.

I'm astounded by this seemingly common held opinion. I'll ask this: How many of ye believe McGeady should be a first choice winger? I think it's a non-issue myself with everyone fit.

So far in the campaign Aiden has been a shining light for us so he's definitely a starter for me when fit at the moment

**Fixer82** · 31/05/2011, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

Haven't seen this (unless you mean him singing before the match), do you have a link?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6iUAfT3pSE

**Noelys Guitar** · 01/06/2011, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by tommy_c12000

Another point I'd like to make:

Kelly was definitely ahead of McShane in "Trap's pecking order" for the RB position before the NI game going on the evidence of the last couple of yrs. Because of the dire shortage of centre backs Kelly had to fill in here for the two games instead of his more customary role at FB in an Irish shirt. How is McShane suddenly ahead of him now never mind Foley in "Trap's pecking order"? Would seem a tad harsh on Kelly

Kelly did well in the air against Scotland. He made one vital clearance. His positioning is a bit suspect though. But it would not be a huge surprise if Trap picked him at right back or at center half ahead of Foley, McShane or even O'Dea (if Sledge is not considered fit enough). It wouldn't be the first time T and T brought back/promoted someone on the back of a good performance.