Trappatoni Selection Issues [article]

**Scram** · 08/02/2009, 9:14 PM

Trappatoni Selection Issues

There have been some turbulent times for the Irish players across the water in recent weeks, with long-drawn transfers and difficulties securing regular football not just being restricted to Robbie Keane.

Ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier against Georgia on Wednesday, Rory Houston looks at their form and some of the selection issues Giovanni Trapattoni faces this week.

The Defence is the greatest worry. No stability and as I have said before, O'Shea at Centre Back is his worst position, but we are short on options.

**tetsujin1979** · 08/02/2009, 9:30 PM

The only real selection problem is in central midfield, it's going to be 2 from Gibson/Whelan/Andrews
I think it'll line out

Code:

	    	Given
Kelly	Dunne		O'Shea	Kilbane
McGeady	Gibson/Whelan/Andrews	Duff
	Keane		Doyle

**zenokelly** · 08/02/2009, 9:47 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

The only real selection problem is in central midfield, it's going to be 2 from Gibson/Whelan/Andrews
I think it'll line out

Code:

	    	Given
Kelly	Dunne		O'Shea	Kilbane
McGeady	Gibson/Whelan/Andrews	Duff
	Keane		Doyle

Ya thats the team I'd pick with Andrews and Whelan in the centre.

I don't like to say it but it wouldn't harm our chances if McShane wasn't available, fingers crossed

**Colbert Report** · 08/02/2009, 10:41 PM

I'd love to see Carsley paired with Andrews in the middle of the park, but seeing as he isn't in the squad here is how I see them lining out on Wednesday:

Given
Kelly-O'Shea-Dunne-Kilbane
McGeady-Whelan-Gibson-Duff
Keane-Doyle

He might surprise us and throw Andrews in instead of Gibson, but I doubt it. Stephen Hunt is a decent option to be introduced off the bench.

**NeilMcD** · 08/02/2009, 11:36 PM

Originally Posted by Scram

Trappatoni Selection Issues

There have been some turbulent times for the Irish players across the water in recent weeks, with long-drawn transfers and difficulties securing regular football not just being restricted to Robbie Keane.

Ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier against Georgia on Wednesday, Rory Houston looks at their form and some of the selection issues Giovanni Trapattoni faces this week.

The Defence is the greatest worry. No stability and as I have said before, O'Shea at Centre Back is his worst position, but we are short on options.

Very Harsh on John O Shea. Are defence has played well so far. They were really good away to Montenegro. O Shea and Dunne have been very good for us in the first 3 games so far.

**Wexford Delboy** · 08/02/2009, 11:57 PM

is kilbane still undropable?made a shocking mistake against chelsea the weekend

**Razors left peg** · 09/02/2009, 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by Wexford Delboy

is kilbane still undropable?made a shocking mistake against chelsea the weekend

He basically is until we get another option in that position

**drummerboy** · 09/02/2009, 8:01 AM

Reckon he will start with McShane at full back instead of Kelly. Kelly has hardly played this season.

**Dr. Ogba** · 09/02/2009, 8:09 AM

why is everyone talking about Kelly for right full? on form Kevin Foley should be the backup to Finnan...

**irishfan86** · 09/02/2009, 8:31 AM

Originally Posted by Dr. Ogba

why is everyone talking about Kelly for right full? on form Kevin Foley should be the backup to Finnan...

And St. Ledger should probably be our backup to Dunne/O'Shea.

Kelly has hardly played, but perhaps his experience may be better in a World Cup Qualifier.

I think McShane will be given every chance to prove his fitness, but if his hamstring isn't up to it, it's anybody's guess who will slot in.

I wouldn't even rule out Bruce coming into centre-half and O'Shea moving to right-back.

Personally, I'll be happy with any one of Kelly, Foley, or Nolan slotting in at right-back.

**as_i_say** · 09/02/2009, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Wexford Delboy

is kilbane still undropable?made a shocking mistake against chelsea the weekend

He mis-controlled the ball in an attacking situation and then bust a gut trying to make up for it. I'd hardly call it a shocking error for a defender to to that whilst attacking.

No mention of his marvellous headed effort that nearly crept in? Still the best we have in the position, still breaks his back for the team.

**Dodge** · 09/02/2009, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Colbert Report

I'd love to see Carsley paired with Andrews in the middle of the park, but seeing as he isn't in the squad here is how I see them lining out on Wednesday:

Watched him for Birmingham at the weekend. He was absolutely shocking. Completely off the pace and couldn't make simple 10 yard passes. Talking to Birmingham fans he's been like that for months

**Junior** · 09/02/2009, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by as_i_say

He mis-controlled the ball in an attacking situation and then bust a gut trying to make up for it. I'd hardly call it a shocking error for a defender to to that whilst attacking.

No mention of his marvellous headed effort that nearly crept in? Still the best we have in the position, still breaks his back for the team.

Here Here!!

**ParkLife** · 09/02/2009, 11:05 AM

Is it just me or does John OShea seem to have improved an awful lot lately?? Watching him in his last few games for united he seems alot more confident on the ball, and alot more likely to make an intelligent pass.....

**DeLorean** · 09/02/2009, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Watched him for Birmingham at the weekend. He was absolutely shocking. Completely off the pace and couldn't make simple 10 yard passes. Talking to Birmingham fans he's been like that for months

Any time I've seen Birmingham this season he's been one of thier top performers. It hasn't been an awful lot, didn't see them at the wkd.

**Dodge** · 09/02/2009, 11:20 AM

And they've only been on TV once this year (and he wasn't great in that)

I'd definitely take the word of their fans on this one

**ChrisRed** · 09/02/2009, 11:22 AM

Delaney is playing well at the moment in a QPR side who have kept 4 clean sheets in 6 league matches, against sides like Reading, Derby & Burnley. Wouldnt mind seeing him given the chance although lacks international expierience although if we're talking about Foley etc......

**DeLorean** · 09/02/2009, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Dodge

And they've only been on TV once this year (and he wasn't great in that)

I'd definitely take the word of their fans on this one

This yr as in 2009 or do u mean this season? they've definitely been televised more than that this season. I thought that it was generally accepted that he was playing well there.

**Dodge** · 09/02/2009, 11:32 AM

I meant 2009. Have a read of their forums (I've been checking on fahey). The vast majority of their fans think Carsley is finished. He was very poor on Saturday

**geysir** · 09/02/2009, 11:50 AM

It hasn't been all poor performances for Carsley this season.
Only a few games ago.

December`s contenders for PFA Fans` Player of the Month Award
Championship:
Kevin Phillips - Birmingham City
Lee Carsley - Birmingham City
Julian Speroni - Crystal Palace
Kevin Doyle - Reading
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake - Wolves