Transfer Window

**Maroon 7** · 23/01/2009, 5:19 PM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Strachan won't let O'Dea go until he has assurance that Kennedy will be fit.

"I am very sympathetic to Daren.

"He needs games now and has been inspirational in training. But we have a lot of games to play.

"If we can help him to bring his career on, then we will."

It's just a pity Strachan is so intent on this left sided, right sided thing. O'Dea is only up for one position and that's McManus' spot. The captain and a player who's never injured.

If Strachan won't give him a go ahead of the dismally average McManus he might be better off looking for pastures new.

**eirebhoy** · 23/01/2009, 5:29 PM

Originally Posted by Maroon 7

If Strachan won't give him a go ahead of the dismally average McManus he might be better off looking for pastures new.

Exactly and it really doesn't tell us anything about O'Dea's ability. This could be any player coming through the ranks and McManus would not be getting dropped for him because he's captain. To drop your captain at the peak of his career you might as well sell him (because it's not an unusual temporary dip in form) and to actually put him up for sale may cause a lot of disruption within the group. It's not easy for Strachan. McManus was literally the only option for captaincy when Lennon left.

In saying all that, I think McManus was absolutely brilliant in the 2 games against Man Utd. My Celtic motm both games. He's a player that's as good as his partner. If he was playing beside a world class player they'd keep many a clean sheet. But he's not and O'Dea is a more dominant type of player.

**tetsujin1979** · 24/01/2009, 1:38 PM

Robbie Keane linked with Man City: http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...y-1613244.html
Hard to put any faith in it really, City have been linked with almost every player in the northern hemisphere at this stage

**tetsujin1979** · 25/01/2009, 11:59 AM

Willo Flood linked with Celtic: http://www.football365.com/story/0,1...846990,00.html
Strachan refused to comment on this rumour earlier in the week

**eirebhoy** · 25/01/2009, 12:02 PM

Strachan always singles out Flood when commenting on Dundee Utd. Definitely rates him. Probably a similar type of player to Strachan actually.

**co. down green** · 25/01/2009, 3:45 PM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Strachan won't let O'Dea go until he has assurance that Kennedy will be fit.

"I am very sympathetic to Daren.

"He needs games now and has been inspirational in training. But we have a lot of games to play.

"If we can help him to bring his career on, then we will."

It's just a pity Strachan is so intent on this left sided, right sided thing. O'Dea is only up for one position and that's McManus' spot. The captain and a player who's never injured.

O'Dea needs to get away from Celtic asap

**Qwerty** · 25/01/2009, 9:18 PM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Strachan always singles out Flood when commenting on Dundee Utd. Definitely rates him. Probably a similar type of player to Strachan actually.

I'm surprised somebody has kicked off a thread on"Why isn't Willo in Trapp's squad"

If he does sign for Celtic start your stop watch.

I know he was really highly rated at under age level but his small size has counted against him somewhat, appears to have proven that isn't really an issue.

**Dr. Ogba** · 26/01/2009, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Qwerty

I'm surprised somebody has kicked off a thread on"Why isn't Willo in Trapp's squad"

If he does sign for Celtic start your stop watch.

I know he was really highly rated at under age level but his small size has counted against him somewhat, appears to have proven that isn't really an issue.

i would think its because he's a short-arse lightweight winger and we have plenty of those already. Not to speak for anyone else here but just don't think he's good enough imho...

**tetsujin1979** · 26/01/2009, 11:17 AM

he's probably playing at a comparable level to our regular back up wingers (Hunt, Hoolahan, Long, Keogh) so until he proves himself at a higher level, Trapattoni is unlikely to bring him into the squad

**seanfhear** · 26/01/2009, 1:33 PM

If he does go to Celtic then that would be 4 Irish wingers at Celtic.

McGeady and Flood(?) = Ireland
McCourt and McGinn = N. Ireland

Maybe he is being lined up as a replacement for Aiden

**richieos** · 26/01/2009, 2:01 PM

i havent seen flood play since his man city days, but would i be wrong in saying that hes a central midfielder? not a winger. or maybe he changed position?

**seanfhear** · 26/01/2009, 2:14 PM

He definitely used to play on the wing whether he was quick enough too or not I am not too sure. He may be playing midfield now(Looked a bit lightweight for a central midfielder) but i do not know as I do not see that much SPL.

**pineapple stu** · 26/01/2009, 3:40 PM

Dave Mooney has had his loan at Stockport ended a week early after picking up an injury. He returns to Reading.

**eirebhoy** · 26/01/2009, 5:16 PM

Originally Posted by richieos

i havent seen flood play since his man city days, but would i be wrong in saying that hes a central midfielder? not a winger. or maybe he changed position?

Yeh he's playing centrally for Dundee Utd. Rated as their best midfielder. I wouldn't read too much into not making it at Cardiff. Flood actually said he found the premiership easier for him in some respects than the championship.

**cavan_fan** · 27/01/2009, 9:08 AM

My usual rule is that about 1 in 4 transfer rumours we hear come true, but it looks like it will be a big week for some top Irish players. Sadly I'm not sure many fo them are really moving up in the world.

Shay - Looks likely to go to City now. It is a club with more ambition but it's not Arsenal.

Robbie - I'd say 50/50 to leave. Options are rotation at a mid table club (City or Spurs) or joining the disaster zone that is Newcastle

Richard Dunne - Saw a rumour today that he could be swapped for Shay, seems unlikely. Can only hope Sven gets a top club job soon and takes him back!

Stevie Hunt - Spurs (again) rumoured to be in for him. don't know why he doesnt stay at Reading. They should be in prem next year (probably as likely as Spurs) and he plays well in their system.

Good be significant but as always we are really only swapping on mid table team (at best) for another and in Robbie's case moving down.

**Irish_Praha** · 27/01/2009, 4:39 PM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Exactly and it really doesn't tell us anything about O'Dea's ability. This could be any player coming through the ranks and McManus would not be getting dropped for him because he's captain. To drop your captain at the peak of his career you might as well sell him (because it's not an unusual temporary dip in form) and to actually put him up for sale may cause a lot of disruption within the group. It's not easy for Strachan. McManus was literally the only option for captaincy when Lennon left.

The Daily Record says that Newcastle have made a bid for McManus, hope that deal goes through and paves the way for O'Dea to get a place in the starting 11 at Celtic.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2...6908-21072849/

Maybe when Robbie is a bit olde he might play a season or two with Celtic. Then there could be 4 Irish in the starting 11 - Sheridan, McGeady, O'Dea and Keane. Sure aren't Given and Duff Celtic fans too? :P

**Stuttgart88** · 27/01/2009, 9:15 PM

BBC confirms Celtic interest in Flood.

**eirebhoy** · 27/01/2009, 9:45 PM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

BBC confirms Celtic interest in Flood.

Lennon said on the Daily Huddle last night that Celtic are interested.

"He is a player we've been keeping an eye on.

"Whether or not a deal gets done is still to be determined. We're hopeful maybe we can get him in.

"Willo played very well against us a fortnight ago. He can pass the ball and is a very fit boy who can play right side or central.

"We do lack a bit on the right-hand side. If you take Naka out of the team, you are looking at maybe Scott Brown to play that role.

"But we're loathe to put Brownie out there because he is playing so well centrally.

"Willo might fill that position."

**Closed Account** · 28/01/2009, 9:22 AM

From BBC Gossip column

Manchester City may have to pay Newcastle �8m to prize away goalkeeper Shay Given. (The Independent)

Lazio lead a pack of Italian clubs chasing Hamilton Accies' midfielder James McCarthy, and have had a �1.5m offer rejected. (The Sun)

Celtic have offered �100,000 for Cardiff City's Willo Flood and hope to tie the deal up after tonight's match with Dundee United. (Daily Star)