Republic of Ireland Squad V Armenia 3/9, Andorra 7/9

**Charlie Darwin** · 05/09/2010, 11:38 PM

Or Fahey.

**ifk101** · 06/09/2010, 7:25 AM

I'd like us to change our formation and tactics for the Andorra game similar to what we did against Italy away when we were forced to chase the game - ie go 4-3-3. I know Trapattoni does not like to diverge from his tried and tested tactics unless needs be but this is a good opportunity to get some practice with the B plan so that we are better prepared if we need to use it further down the line. This is a game we should be chasing from the off and looking for the early goal to end the game as a contest.

I don't think I'd start McGeady for this one. The ball needs to be moved quickly to draw Andorra out of position and McGeady is just going to take too much out of the ball whenever he gets it. Although I don't rate Green as a player, this is a game where he could prove useful. From what I've seen of him with Derby he's quite good at quick, energetic 1-2s in central positions to make space. We need a functioning pass and move strategy to pull Andorra out of position and to get in behind them to score the goals on Tuesday. Green's energy and willingness to play the 1-2 could be useful in this regard.

**rebelmusic** · 06/09/2010, 10:17 AM

Dont agree on the McGeady front. I think he would run rings around these guys and would be a great game for his confidence

**tetsujin1979** · 06/09/2010, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by rebelmusic

Dont agree on the McGeady front. I think he would run rings around these guys and would be a great game for his confidence

Agreed, the opposition will be set up pretty similar to an away team at Celtic Park so he'll be well used to it

**ifk101** · 06/09/2010, 11:18 AM

Questionable if a �10 million footballer will gain confidence from beating an amateur footballer. I'm sure Richard Dunne is capable of running rings around his opposite number but what would be the point in him trying to that? Quick, one touch play drawing Andorra out of position is how to beat them. McGeady should be on an ego trip as it is with a club paying over the odds for his services.

**The Fly** · 06/09/2010, 11:31 AM

What's the odds on McGeady scoring his first international goal tomorrow night?

**Closed Account** · 06/09/2010, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by The Fly

What's the odds on McGeady scoring his first international goal tomorrow night?

A million to 1.

**rebelmusic** · 06/09/2010, 1:12 PM

Point being that McGeady has nothing to look back on in an irish cap and think "Wow i should always be that good" except maaaybe the second half against Georgia in Dublin. He needs a game for us where he bangs one in, gets an assist or two and gets MotM. Its always been obvious he's a confidence player and he is without a doubt the irish player with the most potential (who's starting games now anyway). He's the logical long term Duffer replacement, so he needs to up his game for us.

In fairness, he is our only player who can really take on any player and beat him. I know Doyle/Keane/Duff have the ability but they normally choose a different option.

**Sullivinho** · 06/09/2010, 1:33 PM

Originally Posted by rebelmusic

Point being that McGeady has nothing to look back on in an irish cap and think "Wow i should always be that good" except maaaybe the second half against Georgia in Dublin. He needs a game for us where he bangs one in, gets an assist or two and gets MotM. Its always been obvious he's a confidence player and he is without a doubt the irish player with the most potential (who's starting games now anyway). He's the logical long term Duffer replacement, so he needs to up his game for us.

A goal would be a big deal for him. I think the lack of one in 30+ caps is playing on his mind. After that run and shot that went just wide against Armenia, one of the other lads patted him on the back sympathetically as if to say 'you'll come good for us one of these days'. Like you say, he has little in the way of product to show for his 30+ caps thus far. Frustrating for everyone.

**Philly** · 06/09/2010, 2:13 PM

It has been announced that the same team that played on Thursday is to start tomorrow. I would have liked to have seen the likes of Cunningham and Fahey getting a start in this one personally, but at least McShane has not been picked eh?!

**Stuttgart88** · 06/09/2010, 2:15 PM

What about the team that played on Friday?

**tetsujin1979** · 06/09/2010, 2:29 PM

from Ken Early's twitter feed
from http://twitter.com/kenearlys/status/23143028167

trapattoni names unchanged XI for andorra match. says they're all fully recovered, sharp in training, showing great enthusiasmus

from http://twitter.com/kenearlys/status/23143554976

trap concerned abt the dangerous counter-attacks ireland conceded in armenia. "danke sei gott they no pass immediately the ball" he reflects

**rebelmusic** · 06/09/2010, 2:29 PM

Trap seems to have hinted that if we go 2 up he's willing to make changes. So i'd expect to see Cunningham at that stage, maybe Gibson for Green aswell to try to a few long shots. Our record is what, 6 in one game against Turkey? Would be nice to beat it!!

**Sullivinho** · 06/09/2010, 2:29 PM

Originally Posted by Philly

It has been announced that the same team that played on Thursday is to start tomorrow. I would have liked to have seen the likes of Cunningham and Fahey getting a start in this one personally, but at least McShane has not been picked eh?!

No surprise there really. Fingers crossed that Whelan doesn't do anything to merit a booking though.

**Sullivinho** · 06/09/2010, 2:31 PM

Originally Posted by rebelmusic

Our record is what, 6 in one game against Turkey? Would be nice to beat it!!

That'd make for some evening alright! But these lads park the bus like nobody's business.

**SwanVsDalton** · 06/09/2010, 2:34 PM

Would love to absolutely thump these guys but seems like wishful thinking. I'm thinking about 3-0. More than anything I'd like to see Doyler grab one (or several), would be great to see him get back in the goals. He deserves it for all the general donkey work.

**Sullivinho** · 06/09/2010, 2:39 PM

Originally Posted by SwanVsDalton

More than anything I'd like to see Doyler grab one (or several), would be great to see him get back in the goals. He deserves it for all the general donkey work.

Couldn't agree more. More than likely he'll be our battering ram against a packed defense though, trying to work something for Robbie.

**Stuttgart88** · 06/09/2010, 2:57 PM

Originally Posted by rebelmusic

Our record is what, 6 in one game against Turkey?

6 was against Cyprus, and Malta too I think. Gary Breen rounded the keeper like Messi! 5 against Turkey post-1990.

I still can't believe Greece actually won something and Turkey were WC semi-finalists. These guys were serious no-hopers.

We got 8 against Malta at Dalyer in the 80s. Incredibly, it was a woeful performance, utterly dire at one point. I think it was low scoring for ages.

**rebelmusic** · 06/09/2010, 2:57 PM

I think Whelan will grab one of his long rangers. And i really dunno why but im convinced McGeady could do something special in this one. Something tells me it's all going to be long ball into the box tho, i hope not, but it seems likely

**tetsujin1979** · 06/09/2010, 3:06 PM

Starting lineup confirmed: http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=c...r-men&Itemid=8

Republic of Ireland team:

Shay Given (Manchester City)
John O'Shea (Manchester United)
Sean St Ledger (Preston NE)
Richard Dunne (Aston Villa)
Kevin Kilbane (Hull City)
Liam Lawrence (Portsmouth)
Glenn Whelan (Stoke City)
Paul Green (Derby County)
Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow)
Robbie Keane (Spurs)
Kevin Doyle (Wolves)