Wes Hoolahan (M Cambridge Utd b.1982)

**harry crumb** · 12/09/2011, 5:12 PM

Originally Posted by CraftyToePoke

It seems Norwich were watched today so maybe he is under consideration, however I wouldnt go as far as saying its a disgrace that he isnt in the squad either, I mean, is he better than McGeady, Duff or Hunt for consideration for a wide role? Id say no, and as he seems to play centrally for his club a fair bit anyway, is he then good enough to rewrite the whole system we play for, again it would be a no, and that is what would have to happen as he would not be the kind of player who would take Andrews or Whelans spot like for like.

He is a better option than Andy Keogh on trajectory of present club careers, but thats about all. Neither having a major bearing on our match day squads just now. If in six months time, the survival hopes of Norwich City rest in his creative hands, as he has been that much of a revelation they could hardly keep the big clubs away from him in the window, then maybe there is a case.

The system is a lame duck anyway. We are lucky to be in with a shout at this stage. Whelan and Andrews aren't even that great at what they are supposed to be doing ie. closing down.

He can pass the ball. That immediately puts him ahead of Messrs Andrews and Whelan.

I wouldn't play him out wide at all. He has a footballing brain something Hunt, McGeady and to a lesser extent Duff lack and should be on the ball as much as possible.

**OwlsFan** · 05/10/2011, 10:09 AM

Just wondering why there isn't the same clamour to include Hoolahan in the squad as there was for Andy Reid. I think he might have even been captain of Norwich for the game against Man U. Is it just that he doesn't fit in to the mould of a Trap midfielder and people would be wasting their breath?

**the bear** · 05/10/2011, 10:27 AM

reid was an established player who was frozen out. hoolahan is not. he however should be in the squad

**pineapple stu** · 05/10/2011, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by OwlsFan

Just wondering why there isn't the same clamour to include Hoolahan in the squad as there was for Andy Reid.

Hoolahan played LoI. Sure that's crap. Couldn't have him in the squad.

**wonder88** · 05/10/2011, 11:22 AM

Not only did he play LoI, but unlike Reid he is not known for playing the guitar, or once going with a girl who later won miss Ireland. It is the human interest/celeb angle that the modern Irish media is interested in, and it looks like Hoolahan rates way below Reid on this. Reid, not used by Forest at all on sunday, is in danger of falling off the scene altogether now.

**jbyrne** · 05/10/2011, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Hoolahan played LoI. Sure that's crap. Couldn't have him in the squad.

yes, because ward, long, doyle, fahey etc have never been picked for us

**pineapple stu** · 05/10/2011, 11:58 AM

**gustavo** · 05/10/2011, 4:00 PM

I can see Hoolahan getting his chance after this series of qualifiers. Regular Premier League football only strengthens his claims.

**Supreme feet** · 05/10/2011, 4:43 PM

He's a good player. But like Andy Reid, he'd be best in a five man midfield. Does his best work in the final third of the pitch.

**Kingdom** · 05/10/2011, 9:18 PM

4-4-2 is wasted on this squad. Our players should be well used to the different variations of the 5 man midfield at this stage, or the 3 up top formation. Trap would even still get to use the two holding players.

**Charlie Darwin** · 05/10/2011, 9:28 PM

Apparently Trap tried out a bold 4-5-2 formation in training today with Whelan, Fahey and Andrews in the centre. Not sure he'll get away with it on matchday though.

**Stuttgart88** · 06/10/2011, 9:23 AM

Originally Posted by Kingdom

4-4-2 is wasted on this squad. Our players should be well used to the different variations of the 5 man midfield at this stage, or the 3 up top formation. Trap would even still get to use the two holding players.

can you accomodate both Doyle & Keane?

**OwlsFan** · 25/10/2011, 12:11 PM

I would like to drop one of the wingers (probably McGeady) and play Hoolahan. He can actually pass to an Irish player but it probably (ney won't) happen. I have been impressed when I have seen him on TV. Reminds me of Andy Reid at his best but we know what happened to him.

**tetsujin1979** · 25/10/2011, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by OwlsFan

He can actually pass to an Irish player but it probably (ney won't) happen.

Just the three assists in the qualifiers for McGeady, more than anyone else in the squad.

**OwlsFan** · 25/10/2011, 4:47 PM

Thanks Stato.

**theworm2345** · 25/10/2011, 5:04 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Just the three assists in the qualifiers for McGeady, more than anyone else in the squad.

Its two by my count, for Keane against Andorra and then obviously Dunne's against Armenia (which, by the way, was his first half-decent cross of the match)...what was the third? That would still put him joint top with Doyle on two though.

**tetsujin1979** · 25/10/2011, 5:17 PM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

Its two by my count, for Keane against Andorra and then obviously Dunne's against Armenia (which, by the way, was his first half-decent cross of the match)...what was the third? That would still put him joint top with Doyle on two though.

Long's against Russia.
Well, Long knocked in his saved shot, but it was a certain goal otherwise
Possibly being a bit generous, but at the very least he deserves something for being directly involved in the goal

**Kingdom** · 26/10/2011, 8:41 AM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

then obviously Dunne's against Armenia (which, by the way, was his first half-decent cross of the match)

Eh, Duffer's cross for the first goal was perfect.

**nigel-harps1954** · 26/10/2011, 8:46 AM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Long's against Russia.
Well, Long knocked in his saved shot, but it was a certain goal otherwise
Possibly being a bit generous, but at the very least he deserves something for being directly involved in the goal

Because everyone deserves applause for having a shot saved. I'm with the 'Hoolahan for McGeady switch' camp.