Damien Duff MOTM - WTF?!

[SkStu]

good call on Westwood tricky - he was so steady and reliable that i overlooked him somewhat.

Absolutely McGeady for me though. This is the game that established him on the international stage. Went quiet for about 15 minutes but overall a sublime performance. 2, if not 3, Macedonians on him everytime he got the ball and he still tore them apart. Class act.

[Duggie]

before beglin said duff i said defo damien MOTM. i thought he was outstanding, going forward and his defending. he ran himself into the ground. mcgeady had a good game yes but no question damien for me on sat night. (how crucial was westwoods save though at 2:1)!!

[SuperDave]

Duff had a good game last night but McGeady was the star man on the field. Some of his touches and control were exceptional, he took one clearance down over his shoulder from about 40 yards and killed it stone dead with one touch. Even his crossing has improved, he rarely if at all hit the first defender last night. His goal was well taken and his composure in the last five minutes was vital.

For some reason he always gets stick when he doesn't play well but never gets the credit when he deserves it. I can't help but feel that if he was a Dublin or Cork man he'd be well on the way to Damian Duff levels of reverence, but it seems like he will never get the same appreciation, especially from the media, which is a real pity.

Yes, absolutely. Great first touch. I remember the one you are on about. But, immediately after that, he hit an incredibly sloppy pass straight to a Macedonian player. Literally three seconds after that touch.

Still, I thought he had a great game and was a stonewall motm choice.

[DannyInvincible]

Would agree with the positive sentiment surrounding McGeady's performance on Saturday. He was my MOTM.

In recent times, I've felt he's been at the receiving end of some overly harsh criticism whilst playing for Ireland; claims of "no end-product" and whatnot when he's arguably our most technically-gifted player at the moment. I think people were expecting too much of him. Just because he could run with the ball whilst demonstrating obvious flashes of magic, people were expecting wonders at all times; inch-perfect crosses and goals à la Ryan Giggs versus Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay. The move to Spartak Moscow has clearly done wonders for him so hopefully this was his "coming-of-age moment" in the green shirt. Plus, even when apparently failing to deliver "end-product", the benefits of having a player who can run at the opposition with the ball shouldn't be overlooked. Not only does it help maintain possession and relieve pressure for ourselves, it keeps play in the opposition half and the opposing team on the back-foot. McGeady also happens to win quite a few free kicks around the opposition box.

For what it's worth, Westwood was also composed when called upon and gave us no cause for major worry were Given to be injured again in future.

[The Legend]

I guess I am the only one that thought McGeady gave away the ball a lot as usual, and if he hadn't have scored, there would have been a general moan fest.

[CraftyToePoke]

I guess I am the only one that thought McGeady gave away the ball a lot as usual, and if he hadn't have scored, there would have been a general moan fest.

I thought that, the goal apart he was about his usual self, a little better than normal maybe, but not a MOTM contender, he can have you on the edge of your seat, but not quite on your feet, he comes up that little bit short in posession most times, but well done to him also, it clearly meant a lot to him and he is still young enough to develop his game.

I thought Foley was doing very well until he lost that runner, serious error there.

[Murfinator]

I guess I am the only one that thought McGeady gave away the ball a lot as usual, and if he hadn't have scored, there would have been a general moan fest.

Would agree.

Would love to see stats on how many times McGeady was on the ball that we lost possession afterwards in comparison to Duff. McGeady has wonderful technique but he needs to cop on and develop that match intelligence Duff has because he comes across as brainless with some of his decisions