Republic of Ireland V Nigeria - Friday, 29th May 2009 - Friendly - Craven Cottage

[Sligo Hornet]

I know, thats why I am saying it. The MD can do what he likes but still "remain" professional in the eyes of his employees!

I know what you mean......but I have been in my office since 6.30am this morning, so being honest isn't a problem

[Closed Account]

Any sign of the doc yet? He probably p*ssed his pants when he seen that both St Ledger and Nolan were in the team.

Yes but Leon Best ahead of Stephen Elliott?

Leon Best Starts:19 Sub:16 Goals:4
Stephen Elliott: Starts:23 Subs:17 Goals:6

Trap Out!

[paul_oshea]

I know what you mean......but I have been in my office since 6.30am this morning, so being honest isn't a problem

its still a half day or more, and anyway if i was in at that time no one would believe me, as I am sure is the case with many others. When not "in the office" you are "not in the office", if ye get me

Anyway keeping on topic hopefully Ireland can come away with a win, and a solid performance from st ledger, followed by lawrence, and i will be a very merry bunny tonight

[tetsujin1979]

Staying out in guildford. Should be hitting brogan's for 5. Having strolled around the college here, i can confirm the ladies are indeed in their summer best!

[corkboy360]

Great idea from the Fai to clash this with the league series.
I love them geniuses

[paul_oshea]

those?

[Wolfie]

Today 's Irish Times:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...247668353.html

What do you make of this:

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Shay Given (Manchester City); Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Seán St Ledger (Preston North End), Eddie Nolan (Preston North End); Damien Duff (Newcastle Utd) or Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Liam Miller (QPR), Keith Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), Liam Lawrence (Stoke City); Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Leon Best (Coventry City).

[paul_oshea]

Nigeria will provide us with a difficult match but we are going out to win it as always because it is important to reinforce a winning mentality. This is a big opportunity for the new players. They have been in the squad and have not played, so this is a chance for them to show what they can do.”

They always go out to win games? could have fooled me, more importantly if it is true, they still aren't going out doing it!!!

[Metrostars]

Really looking forward to seeing the new kids perform i.e. Nolan, St Ledger, Foley, Best & Lawrence. No idea what Miller has on Trap, Brady etc. Also, Nigeria will be missing the likes of Yobo and the Spanish based players.

[zenokelly]

I predict a 1-1, or 2-1 win for the Nigerians considering the inexperienced back 3, the weak midfield with Miller included and the unproven Best up front.

Looking forward to see Foley and St Ledger the most, as they are the only 2 that I see as having a chance of becoming first teamers in this campaign.

Maybe this back 4 against Italy in October?

Foley-St Ledger- Dunne-O Shea

[paul_oshea]

haven't seen much of Secure Socket Layer, but if he is as good as people have been saying -which id say a lot of those have seen as much of him as i have, and read as much in the papers as i have but still base a strong opinion on - then I would be happy enough with that back four. As foley doesn't really have much to prove does he?!

[SkStu]

haven't seen much of Secure Socket Layer, but if he is as good as people have been saying -which id say a lot of those have seen as much of him as i have, and read as much in the papers as i have but still base a strong opinion on - then I would be happy enough with that back four. As foley doesn't really have much to prove does he?!

I will be interested in all reports on SSL too. Not expecting miracles but a solid, confident performance (even if we concede a goal or two) would only be a good thing.

Re Foley - internationally i think he has it all to prove, unfortunately. Pity he has had to wait so long for his chance as im sure he too will need some time to get used to the speed of the international game.

Lets face it, these Nigerian lads are going to be really hard to get anything from. Theyre still a good team and im going to say 3-1 to them.

Before you attack me, please bear in mind that i am extremely pessimistic when it comes to Irish games. That way, anything we get from games is something i can celebrate!!

[ifk101]

We don't know if Foley and St Ledger are international standard. Both have done well at Championship level - nothing more, nothing less.

There's only 4 games left in this qualification campaign so breaking up the O'Shea-Dunne partnership wouldn't be a smart move. If Finnan is available for the Autumn internationals, he is an automatic starter for me.

Foley and St Ledger would need to score a hattrick each tonight if they are going to break into the starting 11 for competitive games.

[paul_oshea]

sorry what i meant was, in terms to prove their worthiness of internationall call ups. Sorry should have said more but was being watched typing so had to write quick

[ifk101]

St Ledger, Foley and Lawrence are all worthy of getting a run-out. Of those 3, Foley is probably the player with the best chance of starting a competitive international given Finnan's injury problems and the failings of McShane.

[geysir]

Really looking forward to seeing the new kids perform i.e. Nolan, St Ledger, Foley, Best & Lawrence

It's a big day in their football career, let's hope they can relax into their game and do themselves justice.

[SkStu]

if anyone has any streaming links can they please post em up. Cheers!

[kingdomkerry]

What channel is this on lads. Setanta Ireland or Setanta 1?

[bohsRap]

What channel is this on lads. Setanta Ireland or Setanta 1?

Setanta 1

[bohsRap]

It's a big day in their football career, let's hope they can relax into their game and do themselves justice.

Nolan - Never seen him but he's young and good to be giving him a chance.
St. Ledger - Heard great things this season, hopefully he can put in a solid performance.
Foley - Meant to be a great little player, let's see.
Lawerence - He was injured for a good part of the season wasn't he? This should be a test for him but I think he's good.
Best - Highly rated when he was younger but seemed to drop off a little this season. A goal would be great for him.

Overall, I'd take a draw due to our debutants but it's gona be a tough game.