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

**Stuttgart88** · 31/08/2010, 1:25 PM

We've been keeping the hospitals busy during the last few get togethers. I reckon Dr. Alan O'Brien must be on a commission from the Mater.

O'Dea was unlikely to figure anyway and I know few of us here will regret McShane's absence. I hate talking ill of our players but he just fills me with dread. As said elsewhere, it's Trap's fault for picking him but still...

**Noelys Guitar** · 31/08/2010, 1:31 PM

My main worry about Friday's game is the lack of someone on the bench to change the game if things are not going to plan. We have to hope that the 11 starters get a lead and keep it. I believe they will and that the players are going to be really up for this game.

**amaccann** · 31/08/2010, 1:51 PM

Anyone know what the stadium's going to be like; by that I mean the pitch surface, crowd size & their hostility?

**Sullivinho** · 31/08/2010, 2:04 PM

Originally Posted by amaccann

Anyone know what the stadium's going to be like; by that I mean the pitch surface, crowd size & their hostility?

Here's a few minutes of Armenia vs Turkey from a couple of years back:

I imagine that was a fairly hostile meeting. Seems to be a bit of a din going on but it's hardly the Azadi. Pitch/stadium seems a similar standard to Cyprus.

**Sullivinho** · 31/08/2010, 2:12 PM

Originally Posted by Noelys Guitar

McShane returning to Hull and O'Dea in hospital here.

Related incidents. O'Dea was sick with worry but an improvement in his condition coincided with Paul's exit.

**irishfan86** · 31/08/2010, 3:39 PM

Originally Posted by Noelys Guitar

My main worry about Friday's game is the lack of someone on the bench to change the game if things are not going to plan. We have to hope that the 11 starters get a lead and keep it. I believe they will and that the players are going to be really up for this game.

I know what you're saying, but I feel we have a couple of unlikely sources that could do some damage off the bench. Shane Long always provides energy when he gets on, and I think he could be a spark.

If Gibson came on late in a game, he could score from anywhere.

Okay, I'm pulling at straws, but whatever....COME ON IRELAND

**Noelys Guitar** · 31/08/2010, 4:05 PM

Armenian fans views on match. http://www.xtratime.org/forum/showthread.php?t=253480

**Kingdom** · 31/08/2010, 4:11 PM

Thankfully the hysteria seems quite muted here compared to the "other" website, where frankly the reaction to DOD, PMcS, and KT withdrawals have met with collective sh!t-fits while there is a conspiracy that James McCarthy is going back to Scotland because he wasn't called up to replace Duffer.

O'dea was never going to feature, even as backup, most hoped mcshane wouldn't feature anyway, so Treacy is the only real disappointment, as he looked lively in the cameo with argentina,

Thanks Charlie Darwin for that link above, it does seem as if he'll go with Killer at Left back.

Given,
Josh
Ledge
Dunne
Killer

Lawrence
Green
Whelan
McGeady

Doyle
Keane

Bench: Westwood, Kelly, Cunnigham, Foley, Keogh, Gibson, Long, Sheridan.

That's enough really even if it would be nicer to have a bit more in reserve. Cover for all positions when you take into account Josh, and stephen kelly's versatility.

**Kingdom** · 31/08/2010, 4:19 PM

As for the sources of goals, we've always had an ability to share them around. Scoured you tube for old Ireland clips, and one of the first was John Byrne netting an impressive double in Izmir! John Byrne!
even in the present squad, we've had Whelan, keogh, long, Dunney, all score goals when not expected to ease the burden. McGeady is overdue to start scoring, and the fact that he should be first choice for 2 games now that duffer is out, maybe he'll relax and open his account.

Robbie and Doyler will always get goals, and I've no doubt Glenn Whelan will continue to take potshots, and will definitely have success.
We'll be fine.

**Paddy Garcia** · 31/08/2010, 7:09 PM

I would prefer Walters to Sheridan on the bench.

**irishfan86** · 31/08/2010, 7:48 PM

I don't mind Sheridan because he offers something different (height and physicality). I don't know that Walters brings anything different to the team that Doyle doesn't to be honest. I'd have Walters in the squad but if we're looking for a different approach I don't think he's the man.