Shane Ferguson

[Gather round]

I don't know if this is sarcasm or not, but a Greek guy saw me wearing an Ireland top in a pub the other day and wouldn't shut up about it for hours

Indeed I think it's fair to say that Henry's handball made headline news across Europe. But other than that you might be correct in your assertion

No sarcasm intended. I was merely suggesting that what seems crucial to you or I might be trivial elsewhere in the World.

Correct me if wrong, but the Greek and Swedish media didn't have it as running story for weeks, didn't feature sundry coaches, players, foreign ministers nor their equivalent of Bonehead (Vangelis? The lead singer from Abba?) calling for replays and extra teams in the finals etc. etc. So not that bothered by comparison.

Why would the FAI want to broker a deal with the IFA on this matter?

The onus is clearly on the IFA if the FAI are happy with the situation. While I think the IFA and many fans have been a bit hysterical about all this, and we'll still likely field plenty of players from nationalist areas in our teams, it does seem likely that we will be weakened. Whereas the FAI's advantage from two or three extra players in any given squad is relatively less. They might see the advantage in making a generous gesture, which costs little and doesn't actually prevent any player from Andytown to Ztrabane from playing for the Republic. Even if, say, he's already turned out for NI U-17s. The FAI might also see the benefit of co-operation in the future. If, for example, they want the IFA's support or vote to get a big game or tournament in Dublin.

[paul_oshea]

Where is EG?

[ifk101]

Correct me if wrong, but the Greek and Swedish media didn't have it as running story for weeks, didn't feature sundry coaches, players, foreign ministers nor their equivalent of Bonehead (Vangelis? The lead singer from Abba?) calling for replays and extra teams in the finals etc. etc.

Corrected.

So not that bothered by comparison.

You sound like Raymond Kennedy.

The onus is clearly on the IFA if the FAI are happy with the situation. While I think the IFA and many fans have been a bit hysterical about all this, and we'll still likely field plenty of players from nationalist areas in our teams, it does seem likely that we will be weakened. Whereas the FAI's advantage from two or three extra players in any given squad is relatively less. They might see the advantage in making a generous gesture, which costs little and doesn't actually prevent any player from Andytown to Ztrabane from playing for the Republic. Even if, say, he's already turned out for NI U-17s. The FAI might also see the benefit of co-operation in the future. If, for example, they want the IFA's support or vote to get a big game or tournament in Dublin.

Once bitten, twice shy. The FAI made a generous gesture in 1999 which it continues to honour. However it's understandable if it no longer wishes to honour that gesture.

[Gather round]

You sound like Raymond Kennedy

You sound more like Raymond Domenech.

The FAI made a generous gesture in 1999 which it continues to honour. However it's understandable if it no longer wishes to honour that gesture

If it compromised in the past, why not in future?

[ifk101]

You sound more like Raymond Domenech.

"I'm not all that bothered."

If it compromised in the past, why not in future?

The compromise still exists. It's future existence is dependent on the goodwill of the FAI.

[Gather round]

The compromise still exists. It's future existence is dependent on the goodwill of the FAI

Compromises rely on goodwill of all parties.

[ifk101]

Compromises rely on goodwill of all parties.

We'll just describe it as an understanding then as a compromise should also entail that both sides are giving something up. As the IFA is bringing nothing to the table (except legal expenses, their tails between their legs and red faces), any future understanding is dependent on the FAI's goodwill.

[youngirish]

Where is EG?

He's probably too knackered to post after tiring himself out with all that marching about he did last month.

[EalingGreen]

He's [EG] probably too knackered to post after tiring himself out with all that marching about he did last month.

Why on earth would I have been marching around last month, when there's a perfectly convenient Tube station just up the road, with Bus Stops and Taxi Ranks along the way? (I don't tend to drive much, since Parking is a bugger pretty much everywhere round here)

[gastric]

All this about a player who has played once for Newcastle!

[Charlie Darwin]

The player's not important. This is politics.

[gastric]

Sorry, I made the mistake of thinking it was a football site! By the way just to aggravate the situation why isn't the Liam Boyce thread receiving the same treatment?

[irishfan86]

Sorry, I made the mistake of thinking it was a football site! By the way just to aggravate the situation why isn't the Liam Boyce thread receiving the same treatment?

Because we all know Boyce is switching

[gastric]

I can see it now, Boyce and Tidim our two German based strikers playing U21s soon!

[Not Brazil]

Young George attended a football function in Downpatrick a few weeks back and said a few words. Let's say, he was quite clear about his future international hopes...and they did not involve playing at Windsor Park.

So that's another one to the 'possibles' list.

Well, if this fine young prospect (I've watched him play on various occassions for Grovenor Youth, and he's very good) is an honourable young man, and true to his word, he will immediatately withdraw from the Northern Ireland Under 17 squad he was named in yesterday.

If your little tale is true, maybe the youngster will show some integrity.

[ArdeeBhoy]

It's nothing to do with integrity but all about FIFA's rules. Get over it.

[Not Brazil]

It's nothing to do with integrity but all about FIFA's rules. Get over it.

Oh - I'm over it. Don't worry about that.

It's all about playing the hand we're dealt now.

We'll see if young Paul George is a lad of his word - if he is, he'll state publicly, following his inclusion in the Northern Ireland Under 17 squad, that he doesn't wish to play for Northern Ireland.

That's all about integrity.

On the other hand, maybe he does want to play for Northern Ireland - and CDG was telling porkies about functions in Downpatrick.

Shane Ferguson played for Northern Ireland Under 21's last night, by the way.

[ArdeeBhoy]

But it's nothing to do with intent. Or integrity.

The whole population of the North could say they want to play for that team, including 200 schoolboy footballers and various other players up to the age of their mid '30's. But until they get their er, 'exclusive' full cap in a competitive game, your 'argument' is totally pointless. They're all eligible for at least two teams!
And maybe a future GB team!

Blame FIFA. But for once they're being consistent!

[Not Brazil]

But it's nothing to do with intent. Or integrity.

The whole population of the North could say they want to play for that team, including 200 schoolboy footballers and various other players up to the age of their mid '30's. But until they get their er, 'exclusive' full cap in a competitive game, your 'argument' is totally pointless. They're all eligible for at least two teams!

I disagree.

I think someone who (in this case allegedly) boasts about not wanting to play for Northern Ireland, who then plays for Northern Ireland, is lacking in integrity.

If he doesn't wish to play for Northern Ireland, I would expect that wish to be robustly upheld. Don't play him. Give the shirt to someone who wants it.

[ArdeeBhoy]

No, it's called exploiting the rules.

Just be grateful yewse even have a team. And the 3 British sides. Rather than just one.

Perhaps the IFA should take the former to the CAS....