Jamie O'Hara

**EalingGreen** · 14/02/2011, 2:38 PM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

Conor Devlin Manchester United 23.09.91

Gareth Deane QPR 14.06.94

Defenders

Ryan McGivern Manchester City 08.01.90

Chris Hegarty Rangers 12.08.92

Daniel Devine Preston North End 07.09.92

Midfielders

Paddy McLaughlin Newcastle United 14.01.91

Shane Ferguson Newcastle United 12.07.91

Seanan Clucas Preston North End 08.11.92

What was the significance of singling out those 8 players from the 18 listed immediately above?

**EalingGreen** · 14/02/2011, 2:45 PM

Originally Posted by TrapAPony

Barton's Irish link

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/bo...k-2536132.html

Is the writer of that note on Barton not even capable of Googling?

For if he was, he would be aware that with Barton's Irish ancestry deriving from NI, the player was first invited to join the NI squad, but declined due to his England ambitions.
He then accepted a call-up for a subsequent friendly, making his senior NI debut (a draw with Morocco), on the basis that NW was prepared to let him get more acquainted without tying him down.
And most recently Barton declined a call-up to the Nations Cup game v Scotland, presumably because he still hankers after playing for England, and/or he didn't enjoy his previous NI experience.

Either way, there is absolutely no indication that he might even consider representing ROI...

**EalingGreen** · 14/02/2011, 2:58 PM

Originally Posted by rebelmusic

I think in fairness to O'Hara its like this.

With England there is strong potential to win major tournaments. Realistically with Ireland if we even made the semi's we'd be delighted.

Realistically, England's chances of winning a WC or Euro's are marginally greater than ROI's of reaching a semi etc on a "Bob Hope and No Hope" basis.

I'd say England offer a realistic chance of qualifying for major finals and making the 1/4's (but not much else). Whereas with their present group of players, ROI offer only an outside chance of qualifying and little else.

All of which is academic, since O'Hara has little or no chance of establishing himself in the England team and whilst Trap is in charge of ROI, he seems to have little chance of getting a call-up from them.

Meanwhile, I suspect Nigel would have him like a shot, and he'd certainly add to our team, but he's clearly not interested. I wonder would that change if by some (unlikely) chance we managed to qualify for Poland/Ukraine?

**EalingGreen** · 14/02/2011, 3:10 PM

Originally Posted by Colbert Report

I reckon it goes something like this with O'Hara. I'm eligible to play for both Ireland and Canada. Obviously I would love nothing more than to play for Ireland as I grew up watching the Jack Charlton teams and playing football in Ireland with all my friends as children. Now, were I good enough to play professional football for the likes of Spurs, I'd be hoping to get a call up for Ireland. If I didn't, I would probably wait it out as long as I possibly could before accepting a call up for Canada. Sorry, but Canada are not very good in comparison to Ireland and I don't consider myself a Canadian anyway. I think I'd wait until I was about thirty, and there was no chance at all of an Ireland call up. Then, and only then, would I consider turning out for my second choice, Canada. They'd be lucky to have a player the calibre of Tottenham Hotspur turn out for them.

So you see kids, we need to give O'Hara a break. He's been nothing but honest about wanting to play for England the entire time.

I think you underrate Spurs's standing and/or overrate the ROI's standing.

The fact is, in recent years, Spurs have only had one ROI international playing regularly in our team, Robbie Keane, and that was whilst he was at his peak, whilst also being ROI's best player (alongside Given and Duff).

But now that he's passed his peak, he's still one of ROI's best players, but Spurs have shipped him out to West Ham.

For your analogy to work better, you might substitute eg "Stoke", "Wolves" or "Wigan" for Spurs...

**paul_oshea** · 14/02/2011, 3:16 PM

Originally Posted by EalingGreen

What was the significance of singling out those 8 players from the 18 listed immediately above?

From what I have heard/seen of them they are the outstanding prospects from a generally, ordinary group.

I would expect them to go on and make a good career for themselves.

**ifk101** · 14/02/2011, 3:22 PM

Outstanding prospects?

**TrapAPony** · 14/02/2011, 3:29 PM

Originally Posted by EalingGreen

Either way, there is absolutely no indication that Barton might even consider representing ROI...

You hope.

**paul_oshea** · 14/02/2011, 3:50 PM

Yes ifk101, they are like a farmer...

**EalingGreen** · 14/02/2011, 4:08 PM

Originally Posted by TrapAPony

You hope.

OK, I'll rephrase it: "Either way, there is absolutely no indication that Barton is even considering representing ROI..."

Happy now?

**TrapAPony** · 14/02/2011, 4:09 PM

Originally Posted by EalingGreen

OK, I'll rephrase it: "Either way, there is absolutely no indication that Barton is even considering representing ROI..."

Happy now?

No, try again.

**Plastic Paddy** · 15/02/2011, 6:20 AM

Originally Posted by EalingGreen

Realistically, England's chances of winning a WC or Euro's are marginally greater than ROI's of reaching a semi etc on a "Bob Hope and No Hope" basis.

I'd say England offer a realistic chance of qualifying for major finals and making the 1/4's (but not much else). Whereas with their present group of players, ROI offer only an outside chance of qualifying and little else.

At a guess, EG, you'd be old enough to remember (or not senile enough yet to forget

) the 2002 World Cup. You'll remember that Ireland came very close to reaching the QFs, losing on penalties to Spain in the round-of-16. What you may not remember is the easy run to the final enjoyed by Germany having won Ireland's qualifying group, a group that Ireland could so easily have won themselves. It's not therefore the stretch you suggest to imagine Ireland repeating such a feat at some point in the near future.

As for Barton, I agree completely. It's an embarrassment to think that the FAI may be chasing this player when there are several more directly-qualified candidates available. No thanks Adam and good luck with your international career. Even if it's with the Nordies.

PP

**Junior** · 15/02/2011, 8:04 AM

You're not wrong in what you say PP, however were it not for an injury time equaliser in game 2 we could easily have been on the plane home.....as ever its a fine line.

**ifk101** · 15/02/2011, 8:21 AM

Originally Posted by Junior

You're not wrong in what you say PP, however were it not for an injury time equaliser in game 2 we could easily have been on the plane home.....as ever its a fine line.

Isn't that the point he is making?

**bwagner** · 15/02/2011, 8:45 AM

The best way to sort all this possible call ups out ,Trap the ever lazy old git should arrange a B game against Turkey or somebody and call up the like of Ambrose, Cox, O Hara, and Connolly, Barton etc , then call up the likes of Adam Rooney, Daly and Sammon

**Junior** · 15/02/2011, 9:34 AM

Originally Posted by ifk101

Isn't that the point he is making?

I guess - early morning, just focussed on the 'we could so easily have won the group' bit....

**geysir** · 15/02/2011, 10:15 AM

It's up to Mick Martin to find out about Barton's intentions re international football. That's part of Martin's job description.
He should do that job without prejudice. He should check out those who are eligible and if they are good enough, he can leave them with the choice of declaring for the FAI.

What if the wrong word had gone out that a promising player was only interested in representing England and nobody from the FAI bothered to find out for themselves the player's intentions? But i'm sure everybody here would be very understanding of the FAI's excuses in such an incident

**ifk101** · 15/02/2011, 10:32 AM

He is employed as a scout, not a genealogist.

Reading the bit in the Herald (not the most reliable of sources), it appears the FAI have been tipped off about Barton's eligibility. Sean St. Ledger (the doc) posts here a semi-regular basis so maybe he can provide some insight.

**paul_oshea** · 15/02/2011, 10:40 AM

Lads does anyone know about this u17 lad Harry Kane. EG any irish in him?

Ive been told he does by a spurs mate, but Im not sure how accurate this info is. How do we email the FAI to let them know?

**bwagner** · 15/02/2011, 10:50 AM

on loan at Leyton Orient

**geysir** · 15/02/2011, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by ifk101

He is employed as a scout, not a genealogist.

Are you trying to be smart?
MM was scouting eligible players. That's part of his job. It should not be left to some FAI suit to decide how committed a player might be, based on some media report.
If an eligible player has any serious intent he can pursue that interest.
Possibly Ciaran Clark did some interview sometime where he was asked how it felt to represent England and he replied that it was an honour, the highlight of his playing career. That doesn't mean the lad hasn't higher aspirations and should not be informed/reminded of his eligibility for the FAI.