Under 21 ROI Squad V Estonia 10/8/11

**amaccann** · 10/08/2010, 8:47 PM

Originally Posted by Brendan 82

Don't get too excited lads. Remember that at this level it is all about bringing players through to the senior team, not results

Adios Don

I don't agree with that, winning is a good habit to get into and if these lads get into that habit & find playing for their country rewarding (unlike some who found playing under Givens a pain), then down the line we'll reap the rewards when they push on to the senior team. At this stage it's all about exposure

**Sullivinho** · 10/08/2010, 8:50 PM

Don Givens should be fired more often!

**DannyInvincible** · 10/08/2010, 9:12 PM

Originally Posted by amaccann

I don't agree with that, winning is a good habit to get into and if these lads get into that habit & find playing for their country rewarding (unlike some who found playing under Givens a pain), then down the line we'll reap the rewards when they push on to the senior team. At this stage it's all about exposure

I think he was making a sarcastic reference to Givens' old mantra, defeat after defeat.

**EastTerracer** · 10/08/2010, 9:23 PM

Just back from the game in Tallaght - such a change from the Armenia defeat in March. Sheridan played as the central target man with Stokes and Conor Clifford supporting him from the left and right. McCarthy was outstanding and seemed to be at the centre of most of Ireland's best passing moves. I do think his presence also took some pressure off Garvan who also had a good game.

Stokes' opening goal was very well taken when he cut inside his defender having received the ball from a McCarthy cross and curled a right-footed shot past the goalkeeper. He then won a penalty which he converted himself with a very cheeky chip (reminiscent of Abreu for Uruguay a few weeks back). Stokes returned the favour for McCarthy in the second half when he cut the ball back perfectly from the touchline to allow McCarthy a simple finish.

There was a hint of fortune about the fourth goal when Seamus Coleman's long-range shot was deflected past the goalkeeper. I thought it had taken a touch off an offside Irish player but I wasn't at the best angle to see. Coleman was given the goal and it was his last touch as he was substituted before the restart. Stokes was involved again for the last goal as he cut the ball back for Garvan to finish. A very comfortable performance with some excellent passing moves.

Cillian Sheridan worked hard but his touch can be very heavy at times. Hopefully he will improve in Bulgaria or he won't get too much of a look-in for CSKA (their fans are not the most patient). I know he is on standby if Doyle isn't fit for the seniors tomorrow but on tonight's display I'd prefer to see Stokes get a run. Also, James McCarthy needs to be brought back into the Senior panel for the qualification games in September - he is too good not to be in contention.

Noel King would not have been my first choice for the U-21 job but based on tonight's match he definitely deserves some time to see if he can maintain this level of performance against stronger teams than Estonia.

**amaccann** · 10/08/2010, 9:26 PM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

I think he was making a sarcastic reference to Givens' old mantra, defeat after defeat.

Yeah, just twigged that before I read your own reply. Ha, ahem yes, I r an idiot

Anyone know if any cameras were at this? I'll keep an eye on the late-night RTE news in case there's any highlights of the game ...

**EastTerracer** · 10/08/2010, 9:28 PM

Originally Posted by amaccann

Anyone know if any cameras were at this? I'll keep an eye on the late-night RTE news in case there's any highlights of the game ...

There was definitely a camera at the game but I'm not sure if it was RTE's or the FAI's.

**stiffler** · 10/08/2010, 9:37 PM

Great result, very promising start to the King reign

**passinginterest** · 10/08/2010, 9:46 PM

Really impressive display in front of a crowd of 3010 in Tallaght. The team played an unusual formation but every player seemed to understand their role and the work rate from all of them was excellent. Basically think the exact opposite of what it was like under Givens, you could see the confidence visibly flowing into player like McCarthy and Clifford who got better and better as the game went on and Stokes was showboating like Ronaldo, his turn for the 4th goal probably the highlight. It'll be very interesting to see how they get on once the bigger names are overage or back in the senior squad, but it looks like whatever team King puts on the field will be very well drilled and allowed to express themselves creatively and for me anyway that's the key at this level.

**MariborKev** · 10/08/2010, 10:01 PM

ET, was the Coleman goal not a shot from Garvan than deflected off Coleman last?

The fifth goal was superb stuff. Great night out.

**EastTerracer** · 10/08/2010, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by MariborKev

ET, was the Coleman goal not a shot from Garvan than deflected off Coleman last?

The fifth goal was superb stuff. Great night out.

I didn't have the best view so I will bow to your superior recollection. I know they gave the goal to Coleman but I mistakenly thought he had taken the initial shot and they didn't count the deflection (was he offside?).

**MariborKev** · 10/08/2010, 10:07 PM

Coleman was in the penalty box and stuck out the foot which wrongfooted the keeper. Stokes, who was behind him was deffo offside but I assume they ruled he wasn't interfering.

EDIT: Reading the updates on ET, I may have been completely wrong and you could be spot on.

**passinginterest** · 10/08/2010, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by MariborKev

ET, was the Coleman goal not a shot from Garvan than deflected off Coleman last?

The fifth goal was superb stuff. Great night out.

That's what I thought too, Coleman had made a run into the box and lost possession it came back out to Garvan, his shot was deflected in by Coleman who looked well offside as he loitered around the penalty spot.

**MariborKev** · 10/08/2010, 10:12 PM

Thanks PI, thought I was going mental there!

**passinginterest** · 10/08/2010, 10:22 PM

I was having a few doubts myself when I read the Extratime report, but he managed to be 1,000 out with the attendance too so he obviously wasn't paying much attention

**Ceirtlis** · 10/08/2010, 10:39 PM

Estonia were a bit unlucky to be hit for 5 in fairness, had a few chances at the start of each half. Couldnt handle Stokes though who scored two and played a large part in two others.

Hooperman was also in attendance. He was signing autographs for most of the second half. Has there ever been a more popular mascot? Even oul fellas are getting exciting at seeing him.

**geysir** · 10/08/2010, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Ceirtlis

Hooperman was also in attendance. He was signing autographs for most of the second half. Has there ever been a more popular mascot? Even oul fellas are getting exciting at seeing him.

This fella?

**passinginterest** · 10/08/2010, 10:53 PM

That's the man Geysir, incredibly popular with all bar the Bohs fans and the Gardai who gave him a stern warning for winding them up on Sunday. Who'd have thought the child that came up with the idea was a marketing genius?