Macedonia V Republic of Ireland - Saturday, 4th June 2011 - Euro 2012 Qualifier

[DannyInvincible]

This lad would know our players best as he spent a season with Preston, the season before last, as a squad player.

Was the Macedonia captain, though don't know about now.

He played in the same Ipswich team as Walters (and Alan Lee) the season before:







He's a mainstay in their team with over 70 caps - the Balkan Gerrard, apparently - and has had spells with Zenit and Bursaspor in the past. Played against us in Dublin, although Pandev is the current team captain. It's likely they'll field a similar team to that night as ten of the starting eleven from the game have kept their squad places with only Darko Tasevski missing out. The starting line-up that night was: Nuredinovski, Sikov, Noveski, Grncarov, Popov, Sumulikoski, Trickovski, Demiri, Tasevski, Pandev, Naumoski.

Of the bench from that game (Bogatinov, Mitreski, Georgievski, Ristić, Despotovski, Lazevski, Gjurovski), Slavco Georgievski, Igor Mitreski and Stevica Ristić miss out with Lazevski having been pulled out due to injury. The other three, including the wonderfully-named Filip Despotovski, remain in the squad.

Actually, Wikipedia lists their updated squad to face us and has a bit of info on each of their players: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedon...#Current_squad

[DannyInvincible]

I mentioned it already elsewhere, but the Macedonian coach hasn't called a right-back into their squad, so it's looking like Vanče Šikov will fill that role and come up against Hunt presumably, unless McGeady starts on the left for us. Šikov plays with Ethnikos Achna in Cyprus - the same club as Edin Nuredinoski, the keeper who made a mess of McGeady's shot in Dublin for our first goal and Whelan's free-kick for Robbie's goal - and although he was with Olympiakos a few years ago, I don't think he ever played for them as he was sent out on loan to less-illustrious Greek sides.



Judging by the video, however, he has a bit of experience at right-back, although I believe central defence to be his "natural" position. I think he played at right-back in the game in Dublin where McGeady did well against him.

I'd be quite happy to see Nuredinoski line out in goals for them again on Saturday, although they also have 25-year-old Martin Bogatinov as back-up. Bogatinov has 3 caps to Nuredinoski's 11 and has spent his career playing in Macedonia bar his current spell at Karpaty Lviv in the Ukrainian Premier League; "one of the perennial mid-table clubs" who finished 5th last season, according to Wikipedia.

[Fixer82]

Well he only played 4 games for Ireland after that incident as opposed to Babb's one game (Russia away). And it was a year after that incident before he got 1 of his last four caps for Ireland. Considering his international career ended age 25, I think his demise can only really be attributed to that incident, whereas Babb moving away to Portugal, would not have done a lot to help his international prospects, and thus the reasoning for his absence may not be as clear cut.

He was in the 2002 World Cup squad but pulled out injured after Quinn's testimonial in Sunderland. Apparently he broke down in tears he was so devestated to miss out. And if I remember correctly he actually scored in that testimonial game.

[Fixer82]

That was a stunning game. One of my all time favourites. Capped by the stunning goal from Mark Kennedy.

One of the greatest Irish goals of all time. Anyone got a link??

[gastric]

Motivation here for many of our players to shine on Saturday.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...w-2662574.html

[BonnieShels]

One of the greatest Irish goals of all time. Anyone got a link??

Can't find anything right now... but judging from a quick search of the archive a certain Mr Worm might have what we want...

http://foot.ie/archive/index.php/t-64749.html

[gspain]

[QUOTE=Yard of Pace;1492993]I'm sure it was a big factor but I remember reading an interview on the back of the IT sports section on a Saturday with Babb where he was giving out that Kennedy had been forgiven for this incident but he hadn't. In the same interview he was saying how he was so much quicker than any of the other Irish defenders at the time.[/QUOTE]

True but he couldn't outrun a ban garda.

[DannyInvincible]

Trap's selection headache: http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...e-2663922.html

AFTER a two-week headache caused by absent players, Giovanni Trapattoni has a positive problem for Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier with Macedonia because of a man who refused to give up hope of involvement.

Preston defender Sean St Ledger -- who was initially ruled out last week with a knee problem that has kept him out of action since March -- took a full part in training in Malahide yesterday and says he is ready to figure.

The Irish squad flies to the Macedonian capital Skopje this afternoon and Trapattoni will be mulling over the identity of his back four. He had been planning without St Ledger, and declared that Darren O'Dea would partner John O'Shea in the heart of the defence.

However, the 72-year-old will now make a decision between St Ledger and O'Dea, both of whom are on the comeback trail from injuries which ended their club seasons prematurely.

"Sean (St Ledger) is a lot better, but I don't know if I will take a risk with him," said Trapattoni. "But the other players are fit and that is important.

"We have another (friendly) game with Italy (next Tuesday), so I will decide after training tomorrow.

"O'Dea played well against Macedonia in March. This will be a very tough game. We may need to make changes after one hour maybe. That is important."

Trapattoni has indicated that veteran Kevin Kilbane will come in for Stephen Ward at left-back. Paul McShane, Kevin Foley and Stephen Kelly are competing for the right-back slot.

"It's an away game and we need experience," said Trapattoni. "They look for corners and free-kicks and are dangerous in that situation. We must pay attention to these details."

Shane Long returned to training with the Irish squad yesterday after the disappointment of missing out on promotion with Reading on Monday.

You have to hand it to Trap; he certainly has no time for sentiment, the mincing of words or letting poor Darren O'Dea down gently over the clearly obvious superiority of St. Ledger.

Anyway, the Irish team arrive in Skopje today and it looks like O'Shea and Kilbane are confirmed starters at the back anyway. McShane, Foley and Kelly are still competing for the right-back slot, according to McDonnell, although I don't know if his chosen order of mention is any indication as to what he feels might be Trap's preference.

[DannyInvincible]

Some more on the St. Ledger situation from McDonnell: http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...a-2663815.html

SEAN ST LEDGER really shouldn't be flying to Macedonia today. He has ample reason to be resting up at home, or on holiday. Everyone would have understood.

The Preston defender picked up a knee injury 10 weeks ago that was diagnosed at the time as being serious enough to justify a 12-week lay-off. His manager, Phil Brown, told Giovanni Trapattoni that he wouldn't be ready. The medics at Preston said it was a risk. St Ledger said he'd come over to Dublin anyway and give it a bash.

So he arrived last week when others didn't. He turned up for training and struggled, and Trapattoni promptly ruled him out. No chance. His Preston team-mate Keith Treacy seemed to confirm it.

"His knee is knackered, isn't it?" said Treacy last Thursday, before quipping, "at least he came over and showed his face."

Others had failed to do the same. Some were too tired to face it, others relied on their club to send unconvincing emails. St Ledger had his pass to leave.

But he came back for more. For that, the 26-year-old Birmingham-born centre-half -- once saddled with a 'bad boy' image -- will never have his commitment doubted by Trapattoni.

After wandering gingerly around Malahide last week, he was on the training ground at Gannon Park yesterday crunching into tackles. This was, after all, where his injuries started -- an accidental clash with Ciaran Clark back in March which ended his club season early. It was a campaign to forget anyway -- it ended with relegation from the Championship for Preston.

He will move on this summer and acknowledges that international football could put him in the shop window. Yet by the same token he risks aggravating an injury that could scare potential employers away. So, there's nothing cynical about his presence. Why go through the hassle? A simple answer.

"Because it's an honour to play for your country," he stressed. "I haven't played for 10 weeks and I love playing football, whether it's playing in the park, or for Ireland, or watching games on TV.

"I was disappointed not to play in the Carling Nations Cup but I wasn't ready to play until now. I see this as a chance to play in games. It's what I do."

Was he surprised that others had stayed away?

"I suppose so, I think it's up to each individual and how they feel," he responded diplomatically, before tellingly adding, "I am completely the opposite and I will play for as long as I can

And from Emmet Malone: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...298257876.html

Seán St Ledger is flying in training, but his lack of match fitness may cost him a place in the line-up on Saturday

SEÁN ST Ledger looks to be training his way back into contention for Saturday’s game against FYR Macedonia in Skopje.

The 26-year-old, who had all but written off the game a few weeks ago after sustaining a knee injury in a tangle with Ciarán Clark in the build-up to the last Macedonia game, insisted yesterday he is ready for competitive action again.

The central defender hasn’t played for either his club or country since picking up that knock in March, but reckons he has done enough over the past few weeks to declare himself fit for the European Championship tie.

However, all that is certain is that he will be on the team plane this afternoon. Whether he makes the pitch on Saturday evening is something Giovanni Trapattoni will make a final call on over the next 24 hours.

[Mr A]

Was feeling pretty good about this game.

Then I had a series of nightmares about conceding last minute goals last night.

Feck it anyway.

[Stuttgart88]

You have to hand it to Trap; he certainly has no time for sentiment, the mincing of words or letting poor Darren O'Dea down gently over the clearly obvious superiority of St. Ledger.

I think when he said that SSL is much better, he was referring to his injury!

Trap says he is wary of Macedonia looking for frees. That would augur against McShane.

[DannyInvincible]

I think when he said that SSL is much better, he was referring to his injury!

You're probably right actually, although you wouldn't know with Trap sometimes.

[shakermaker1982]

Why not pair up St Ledger and O'Dea at CB and keep O'Shea at RB?

[BonnieShels]

Why not pair up St Ledger and O'Dea at CB and keep O'Shea at RB?

Whilst that makes perfect sense in theory the lack of match fitness goes against that pairing.

In other news I'm starting to get butterflies in my stomach about this game. absolutely cacking it. Good to see the old feelings returning.
Nyiaow!!!

God I love Ireland games! Saturday won't come soon enough.

[French Toasht]

In an ideal world I would prefer Sledge myself, but I think if he plays this has just got a 5th minute injury scenario written all over it. O'Dea has to be preferred purely due to getting games under his belt.

Danny, thanks for the links, the boy Sikov looks technically adept, but at the same time I always think there is a risk of talking up the opposition too much. What you must always remember is that a huge amount of these players play for diddy teams in diddy leagues and there is a reason why they are playing at that standard.

That said we'll lose the game.*

*Superstition of mine. Always bet against us and 9 out of 10 times we get a positive result, so not going to stop now!

[SwanVsDalton]

Same here. Total masochism, but I totally love these games. Kind of annoyed I didn't take the trip over now, but saving up for Russia and fingers crossed we get the right result to set us up to have a go.

[elroy]

Sledge has never let us down. Now some may say that is because he usually has Richie beside him. But I remember in the friendlies last summer, Dunne was out injured and Sledge was very impressive in centre defence. I think it might actually have been O'Dea alongside him. Plus he is good for the odd goal. Problem is with such little match fitness you would have to worry, case in point Dunne V Macedonia at home. But the commitment the last few weeks from Sledge has elevated him to legend staus in my eyes, he is the type of lad we need round and certain others could take heed from him. I hope he gets the good move he deserves this summer.

As for Macedonia, I hope they have the same keeper as in Dublin for starters. Otherwise with the exception of their number 7 that night and the obvious danger of Pandev I didnt feel there was a huge amount to be worried of. Of course away from home is always going to be trickier but we should be mildly confident in our ability to take the three points there.

Win this game, beat Slovakia at home and then by jesus it will be some lead up to the game in Russia!!!

[Stuttgart88]

Sledge's value as the occasional goal-getter is important alright. I think O'Shea is best served in the centre for this game, a solid spine and all that. Let them play around us if we have to.

[The Fly]

Then I had a series of nightmares about conceding last minute goals last night.

That's alright, the match is on Saturday.

[DannyInvincible]

Danny, thanks for the links, the boy Sikov looks technically adept, but at the same time I always think there is a risk of talking up the opposition too much. What you must always remember is that a huge amount of these players play for diddy teams in diddy leagues and there is a reason why they are playing at that standard.

I suppose those highlights reels could make anyone look heroic.

Here's one featuring footage of Edin Nuredinoski, or Butterfingers in English:



He was abysmal in Dublin, and it didn't just look like he was having a bad day at the office; he just looked like a really dodgy goalkeeper, full stop.

I'm not so sure I'd dismiss so hastily they're entire squad, or even the vast majority of their squad, as being made up of players playing with diddy teams in diddy leagues though. To give a quick run-through of the actual squad for the game on Saturday and give an idea of where each of their players are currently based, four of the squad are playing in the Cypriot top tier; two with APOEL, who finished first this season, and two with the team that finished ninth out of 14 teams. Of course, APOEL have also appeared in the Champions League group stages in recent years and didn't exactly shame themselves against world-class opposition by any stretch of the imagination. They've three players playing in the Ukrainian Premier Division; one at the world-famous Dynamo Kiev with the other two at mid-table sides there. Two play in Italy; Goran Pandev with Inter, of course, and one of the younger uncapped players who plays with Parma's youth team. Two more play in the pretty-weak Macedonian top division (ranked 39th in Europe by UEFA; the League of Ireland is ranked 31st in comparison), although they are unlikely to feature this weekend, unless from the bench; they have one cap between them to date. Another plays with Mainz in Germany, who, for some reason, I thought played in the 2nd Bundesliga but actually play in the top tier and finished an impressive fifth this season; the Bundesliga is ranked the third-best league in Europe by UEFA. Mojsov plays with the team that finished third in the Serbian top tier (ranked the 27th-best league in Europe), Sumulikoski's team were relegated from the Russian Premier League after finishing last whilst another member of the squad plays with mid-table Thun in the Swiss top division. The remaining three in the squad play with: Mattersburg, a lower-table team from the Austrian Bundesliga; Pakhtakor of the Uzbek top division; and, Inter Baku, one of the stronger sides in the Azerbaijan Premier League in recent years. To give an indication of the standard there, in 2009, Joe Kendrick, formerly of Drogheda United and Sligo Rovers, played with Neftchi Baku, who won the Azerbaijan Premier League this season. The league overall is ranked 37th in Europe. The Swiss, Austrian and Cypriot leagues, however, are all ranked between the 20th and 16th positions. The Scottish Premier League is ranked 15th just to provide a comparison. I think that's everyone accounted for.

Certainly, they're not exactly scattered throughout the top teams in Europe, but it's not as if they're all playing in total dud leagues either. We have to remember that just because most of our squad are English Premier League-based, it's not necessarily going to be a cake-walk for us. Most of our players may be with English Premier League teams and Sky Sports might have us convinced it's the Best League in the World™ but most are at mid and lower table teams with little or no European experience. Outside of the top four or five clubs in England, the overall standard dips quite significantly and, I would argue, is very much on a par with the general standard around Europe. Even those players we have at the bigger clubs in England, you couldn't even describe them as regulars really. Many also play at Championship level. Without wanting to sound like I'm forecasting doom - I'm relatively confident that we have enough to beat them - arguably, quite a few of them play at a level equal to, if not superior to, the level at which some of our players are currently playing.