Jamie O'Hara

**Dodge** · 06/03/2010, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by Razors left peg

You dont think Andy Towsend grew up wanting to play for England? But yet went onto be a great captain for us with no one doubting his commitment

He also captained Aston Villa with pride without any midlands links. its professional pride. If you're happy enough with it, thats fine

I can't accept it though. Whether they're brilliant players like Townsend, or middle of the road types like O'Hara

**Yard of Pace** · 06/03/2010, 1:04 PM

Just watching the cup match
O'Hara: yes please!

**Dodge** · 06/03/2010, 1:11 PM

Originally Posted by Yard of Pace

Just watching the cup match
O'Hara: yes please!

Really? I thought he was poor (along with every other midfielder on show)

**Razors left peg** · 06/03/2010, 1:26 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

He also captained Aston Villa with pride without any midlands links. its professional pride. If you're happy enough with it, thats fine

I can't accept it though. Whether they're brilliant players like Townsend, or middle of the road types like O'Hara

Your entitled to your opinion and like I said that this debate has been done enough times in the past on here so I dont really wanna debate it again because most people wont change their mind.

**Yard of Pace** · 06/03/2010, 1:29 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Really? I thought he was poor (along with every other midfielder on show)

Second half he helped turn the game for Portsmouth, in particular setting up the second goal. He's a good energetic presence in midfield and can play a bit too.
Wilson made one superb goal-saving tackle that I saw. It was really top drawer defending.

**Razors left peg** · 06/03/2010, 2:35 PM

Originally Posted by Sproston Green

I guess I just speak from my own experience - born in UK, have never supported England. I would just like all non-Irish born players to have that commitment - like Kev Kilbane

That would be the ideal situation to be fair but I have relations in England who were born and raised there that grew up supporting both Ireland and England.

**elroy** · 06/03/2010, 4:03 PM

Ask yourself did you celebrate Sean St Ledgers seemingly last min winner against Italy any less simply because he probably wouldve preferred to represent England if given the option

I know I didnt, as long as any player eligible for us shows his commitment signs up and gives it his all then I have no complaints. Im not a huge fan of potential players holding their horses waiting to see if England will call but I can understand O'Haras situation but he should sign up for us before the start of the next campaign.

**SkStu** · 06/03/2010, 4:54 PM

i ws worried when i read the initial post outlining what O'Hara said and would lean more towards the same opinion of Dodge and Sproston Green when it comes to this issue, however O'Hara's quotes are fine and reasonable and for me this is the key quote

'I'm English and Irish and to be asked to play for either is an honour. I'd be proud to wear either shirt.

**Dodge** · 06/03/2010, 5:21 PM

Originally Posted by elroy

Ask yourself did you celebrate Sean St Ledgers seemingly last min winner against Italy any less simply because he probably wouldve preferred to represent England if given the option

I know I didnt

Thats fine foryou. Myself, I know I've less interest in the team when certain players play for it.

**Qwerty** · 06/03/2010, 5:40 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Really? I thought he was poor (along with every other midfielder on show)

Do you remember when Townsend first played for Ireland he could only pass backwards. It takes time for players to develop it they ever develop. International football can really be the making of a player, look at Glenn Whelan's progress this year.

**TrapAPony** · 06/03/2010, 6:28 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Really? I thought he was poor (along with every other midfielder on show)

O'Hara was decent today especially in the 2nd half. Seen him quite alot this season and he's a very
useful player. I hope he plays for us.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 06/03/2010, 6:36 PM

Take whoever we can from wherever, however.. Let's face it, we've had Irish-born people who've turned their back on us. Including one currently.

And have you not heard of the Diaspora, FFS ?? This whole circular debate about who's eligible is fairly tedious at this stage. One of the few things the Cretins at FIFA currently have right, for now.

**shakermaker1982** · 06/03/2010, 6:40 PM

I don't want a player who views us a second choice/reserve option. No matter how good the player is.

**geysir** · 06/03/2010, 6:53 PM

The difference under Charlton is that when they were asked to declare for Ireland they did so without hesitation. At least I couldn't imagine anyone replying face to face to Jack 'thanks for invite but I'll think about it for the next 6 months'.
Much of the preparations for our team's campaign will be done before the WC. New players need to get on board before the end of this season..

**Dodge** · 06/03/2010, 9:58 PM

Originally Posted by Qwerty

Do you remember when Townsend first played for Ireland he could only pass backwards. It takes time for players to develop it they ever develop. International football can really be the making of a player, look at Glenn Whelan's progress this year.

I wasn't commenting on his abiklities generally. Just today.

Generally, he'd be about the same level as Andy Reid (and he definitely should be in the squad)

**Charlie Darwin** · 06/03/2010, 10:09 PM

As mentioned earlier, I think he might do himself out of a place by waiting. Look at what happened to Andy Reid when he missed the training camp - Trapattoni decided to just carry on without him.

**drummerboy** · 07/03/2010, 9:02 AM

O'Hara still hoping to be called in to England squad. Lets forget about him finally.

**Yard of Pace** · 07/03/2010, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by drummerboy

O'Hara still hoping to be called in to England squad. Lets forget about him finally.

I say let him wait and see. I don't think we should be so sensitive about him preferring England. He has feelings for both countries, that's indisputable, so let him take his time and decide. It's a big decision. With England he'd have the chance to play in major finals regularly. With us maybe never. But I do think if he opts for us he'll give full committment and will be a big asset.