Team v Cyprus

**dynamo kerry** · 31/08/2004, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by Slash/ED

I hope Delap makes it, I'd have him in the team without Keane.

Given, Carr, O'Shea, Cunningham and O'Brien will more than likely be the defence. Up front should be Morrison and Keane, if it's Duff than Kerr should be sacked if he's stupid enough to think that will suddenly start working. I sat through years of that rubbish under McCarthy I don't want another manager who does the same thing. Mid field is hard to pick really. Duff is gaurenteed a game obviously but the rest is up for grabs. I'd have two from Delap, Miller and Kilbane in the centre and Reid on the right for both games, the first two would probably be my first choice. Saying Reid isn't ready for the Swiss game is wrong, I'd have killed to have had him on the pitch in the last game away to the Swiss nevermind this one.

I'm going to agree with (almost) all of that. I'd add kavangh to the list of possibles for the centre. other wise spot on Slash man

**Greenbod** · 01/09/2004, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Slash/ED

Up front should be Morrison and Keane, if it's Duff than Kerr should be sacked if he's stupid enough to think that will suddenly start working.

Expect a "Kerr out" campaign from Slash/ED after the team v Cyprus is named..... I for one won't be joining.

**concanta** · 01/09/2004, 10:24 AM

I would have no problem having alan quinn involved if need be over the next week. Miller and Delap look doubtful so we only have kilbane kavanagh duff and reid. We are looking light in midfield and mcgeady should be drafted in.

I still think we have a good chance against Switzerland - should have cunningham and obrien in central defense and have kenae back up front - think he missed last swiss game. i think it will be close but if we can win the first 2 games it will be a fabulous start

**NeilMcD** · 01/09/2004, 11:22 AM

Robbie Keane played against swiss last time,

**pete** · 01/09/2004, 11:37 AM

Delap has never delivered for National team, no chance of playing...

**thejollyrodger** · 01/09/2004, 11:48 AM

Im glad this rubbish about Duff up front has ended. It's complete nonsense and if kerr does it, he's as bad as Mc Carthy.

_____________________________given________________ ______________
carr_____________Cunningham____________o'brien____ _______o'shea
reid_______________kilbane_________Kavanagh_______ _____________duff
______________robbie_____________________clint

Thats my line up considering Holland and RMK arent available. I have Reid and Duff out on the wing where they play best, between the two of them, there should be lots of chance for Robbie.

This is only Cyprus so we should be alright. I think Reid is the most motivated in the squad and Im putting a bet for man of the match performance on him.

Carr is good going forward and hopefully will help out. Cunningham is reliable as ever. O Brien better not ball watch and O' shea better be at the wide awake club.

**Greenbod** · 01/09/2004, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by thejollyrodger

Im glad this rubbish about Duff up front has ended.

Are you sure it has? Where did he play his last game for us?

**concanta** · 01/09/2004, 12:25 PM

what station is the swiss game on?

tv3?

what pubs in london will show it?

irwinsalegend · 01/09/2004, 12:28 PM

I've always said that I thought Duff would be played up front along with Keane and Andy Reid on the left with Finnan on the right. I may be wrong but I think Kenny Cunningham�s interview gives a strong hint that that will be seeing Duffer up front and while I agree that his best position is on the wing I think we have to play the best team for Ireland and not necessarily the best players in their best positions.

Exert from Kenny's Interview

�We�re going to have to be patient and play to our strengths. There�s no point in trying to hit high balls towards Robbie (Keane) or Damien (Duff), we�ve got to play to their feet to give us a chance which means we can�t rush things.�

**Stuttgart88** · 01/09/2004, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by irwinsalegend

Exert from Kenny's Interview

�We�re going to have to be patient and play to our strengths. There�s no point in trying to hit high balls towards Robbie (Keane) or Damien (Duff), we�ve got to play to their feet to give us a chance which means we can�t rush things.�

I saw that interview too, and drew the same conclusions. However, Brian Kerr is quoted in the Sporting Life as saying

"But we've a crop of six quality midfielders in Andy Reid, Kevin Kilbane, Damien Duff, Alan Quinn, Steve Finnan and Graham Kavanagh who can all come in and do a job."

I think the Cunningham interview gives more away though.

**fergalr** · 01/09/2004, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by thejollyrodger

Im glad this rubbish about Duff up front has ended. It's complete nonsense and if kerr does it, he's as bad as Mc Carthy.

Funny how the "where to play the Duffer" question is one of those topics which bring out the basest emotions in some.

Kerr has been playing Duffer up front one and off since Malaysia and circumstances will always dictate who plays where. Right now we have no one else to partner Robbie Keane up front and that's why its seems likely to me that thats where he'll be played. Its not a hanging offence for Kerr and I'm only offering an opinion so relax-i-io.

**thejollyrodger** · 01/09/2004, 12:59 PM

I was on about posts on the board. Yeah, its true, depending on who shows up , dicates who will play where.

I saw clint training the other day and I thought he was fit

and seeeing that Kerr has stuck with him for so long !

�We�re going to have to be patient and play to our strengths. There�s no point in trying to hit high balls towards Robbie (Keane) or Damien (Duff), we�ve got to play to their feet to give us a chance which means we can�t rush things.�

I read that as, lads keep it slow so i can keep up : P

what station is the swiss game on?

tv3?

RTE are showing both

**petef** · 01/09/2004, 1:00 PM

See Connollys injured now as well.

**eirebhoy** · 01/09/2004, 1:13 PM

Originally Posted by Greenbod

Are you sure it has? Where did he play his last game for us?

Where was Robbie?

**Greenbod** · 01/09/2004, 1:54 PM

Originally Posted by irwinsalegend

I think Kenny Cunningham�s interview gives a strong hint that that will be seeing Duffer up front and while I agree that his best position is on the wing I think we have to play the best team for Ireland and not necessarily the best players in their best positions.

Absolutely. Yourself and Fergalr are 100% correct. We have to play somebody out of position. Duff and Reid must both play. I think almost everybody agrees with this. Given that fact, one of them will have to play out of position. It's a close call, but I would prefer to see Reid on the left and Duff up front in a very free role.

**eirebhoy** · 01/09/2004, 2:22 PM

Originally Posted by Greenbod

Absolutely. Yourself and Fergalr are 100% correct. We have to play somebody out of position. Duff and Reid must both play. I think almost everybody agrees with this. Given that fact, one of them will have to play out of position. It's a close call, but I would prefer to see Reid on the left and Duff up front in a very free role.

Who plays on the right then? IMO Duff and Reid will play on both wings, its up to Kerr which wing for each.

**Littlest Hobo** · 01/09/2004, 2:22 PM

Cyprus Match

Given

Carr Cunningham O'Brien O'Shea

Reid Miller Kilbane Duff

Keane Morisson

Defence picks itself. Reckon the Miller/Kilbane combination in the middle, should do enough to break down whatever the cypriots throw at us and provide good offensive qualities needed to carve out the goals we need from this game.

Good to see Robbie's back, he should break Quinny's record. Clint I'm very sceptical off. But he's a good partner for robbie and might get lucky with a strike.

As for the swiss game.

Keep the same backline, providing everyone stays fit.
In the middle I'd stick Big Kav in with Kilbane, to play the holding role. That Yakin geezer is a handfull, so Kav could put the frighteners on him and keep him quite. Again Reid and Duff hogging either wing, and Robbie and Clint providing the Firepower upfront.

Too strong for the cypriots and one over on the swiss, will give us 6 points!! No problems

**thejollyrodger** · 01/09/2004, 2:31 PM

Who plays on the right then? IMO Duff and Reid will play on both wings, its up to Kerr which wing for each.

I agree. Having our two best left wingers basically on the left hand side of the pitch leaves the play very 1 dimensional. Two wingers would stretch cyprus and bring balance to the team.

**Greenbod** · 01/09/2004, 2:35 PM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Who plays on the right then? IMO Duff and Reid will play on both wings, its up to Kerr which wing for each.

Finnan or Miller could play on the right. I think Miller will be fit?? Yes, playing Duff and Reid on both wings is another option, but I think we've a real problem in finding someone good enough to partner Robbie up front. If they're both to play on the wings I'd prefer to see Duff on the right where he has performed well before and would keep Reid on the left. Duff is the more experienced player and I think Reid would be less effective out of position.

Btw, given the injuries we have, I'd play Kavanagh and Kilbane in the center although Quinn has a chance also.

irwinsalegend · 01/09/2004, 2:35 PM

Who plays on the right then? IMO Duff and Reid will play on both wings, its up to Kerr which wing for each.

Steve Finnan will be on the right of midfield. he played him there for 10 minutes against Bulgaria before pulling Steve Carr off and putting finnan right back and i think he seen enough in that 10 miuinutes to confirm that it's the best option.