Ireland V Sweden(A) 22 March & Austria(H) - 26 March 2013 - World Cup 2014 Qualifiers

[SkStu]

Colbert Report - any idea if the game is on tv here at all?

http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/as...ingmatches.pdf

[SkStu]

Colbert Report - any idea if the game is on tv here at all?

http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/as...ingmatches.pdf

Thanks Stu.

[wonder88]

I think Walters should have started up front, but maybe Keane will drop into midfield. Also WBA use Long for 3/4 of the game to wear out the opposition defence so maybe this could be a ploy we plan to use. Will McCarthy replace Whelan in midfield?

[geysir]

My worst fear, Whelan out!

Silver lining, there should be room for Andy Keogh now.

[tricky_colour]

At least Trap has inserted the final definitive nail in the question of, 'is McCarthy a creative player?'.
Apparently it was Trap's reply on this at the press conference that clearly sent some of the assembled media into a tizzy. it was a surreal moment to listen to Trap explain to the assembled puzzled pundits just what defines a creative player and what he does on the pitch.

I was going go to ask you what he said but I found it here

http://www.thesun.ie/irishsol/homepa...s-council.html

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI thinks Ireland have the Stiles but not the style to beat Sweden tonight.

The Italian has made a big call by selecting Paul Green over in-form Premier League ace James McCarthy for the crunch World Cup qualifier.

What swung it in Green’s favour turns out not to be Trap’s belief that he can do a number of Zlatan Ibrahimovic but rather that his work-rate can free Séamus Coleman to attack from right-back.

The gaffer has picked Green to do the ugly legwork, claiming he is Ireland’s version of former Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso (below, left) or Manchester United legend Nobby Stiles.

And Trap insists that adding some Stiles to his side more than covers for the loss of McCarthy, who he says is NOT a creative player.

Trapattoni said: “Paul Green has a good attitude, the same attitude as other players with famous names.

“Gattuso could never play but because of his character, he won the league. In England, there was Stiles, he was a typical player.

“As the away team, we need more protection. It is important that we play our game, it is important that we have the right protection.

“McCarthy has played very well but I couldn’t ask him to play this position. I have respect for James but he is not creative, he is good at keeping possession.

“He is young enough to learn. He can be like Glenn Whelan but Whelan is a better player for us now.”

Considering Trapattoni handed McCarthy his first international start as a playmaker, it seems a remarkable turnaround to now say that the Wigan man lacks a creative spark.

And the manager’s explanation of his gameplan for Sweden left many followers scratching their heads.

I can't say I see him as a particularly creative player either and I think Green showed a high work rate against Poland.

Would like to try Green and Hoolahan myself they might compliment each other.

[Dixie's Cousin]

Whelan out, who is going to pass the ball back to the centre backs now!

[Charlie Darwin]

He's dead right. People have this bizarre idea that McCarthy is the creative outlet we've been lacking. He's a percentages player - a very good one, but a percentages player nonetheless. If Mascherano or Makalele were Irish, I have no doubt the press hoards would laud him as a modern-day Liam Brady.

[tricky_colour]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...-29146990.html

It's the Indo, so the obligatory pinch of salt.

A chance for Green Hoolahan in midfield!!

[DannyInvincible]

McCarthy will step in. Hoolahan won't be starting.

[geysir]

I was going go to ask you what he said but I found it here

http://www.thesun.ie/irishsol/homepa...s-council.html



I can't say I see him as a particularly creative player either and I think Green showed a high work rate against Poland.

Would like to try Green and Hoolahan myself they might compliment each other.

I heard the press conference but
there is this account of what Trap said, in the (ex Cork) Examiner.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/s...rd-226233.html
However, when I put it to the manager yesterday, that McCarthy’s absence could only exacerbate the lack of creativity in the Irish midfield, his answer was instructive.

“No, I’m sorry,” he said, wagging a finger in disagreement. “Despite my respect for James, who I respect very much, you can’t say that he is creative. James is good, is linear, is an easy player but he is not creative. Watch his game. I saw him in many, many games. I hope he increases his personality and takes the ball some more because it is important and he is young enough.”

In the press conference when he was asked again to explain this, he was exasperated saying 'next time you watch a game just observe what he does on the pitch' or however Trap would say something like that.

[Fixer82]

McCarthy defo in for Whelan

[geysir]

Whelan's inferior understudy.
Let's hope he didn't learn anything.

[shakermaker1982]

Walters in for Brady?

[koneinc]

Walters in for Brady?

Looks like it.....

[SkStu]

Ridonkadonk.

[NeverFeltBetter]

What happened? Brady injured or just a last minute switcharoo to fool the Swedes or something?

[SkStu]

What happened? Brady injured or just a last minute switcharoo to fool the Swedes or something?

Trap said he doesn't trust Brady to deliver so put him provisionally in the team and has now decided that Brady won't deliver so pulled him out. May have been influenced by Whelans injury but simply more man-management madness at the end of the day.

[SwanVsDalton]

Probably line up with Whelan in goals now. Trap gonna just shuffle the starting XI like musical chairs until 7.45pm.

Seriously look at that team. I'd consider it a minor miracle for them to pull out a result at this stage.

[SwanVsDalton]

Trap said he doesn't trust Brady to deliver so put him provisionally in the team and has now decided that Brady won't deliver so pulled him out. May have been influenced by Whelans injury but simply more man-management madness at the end of the day.

I've a feeling it probably was influenced by Whelan's injury. Maybe wants to offer Seamie more protection on the right if the midfield doesn't have the deep lying players he first thought...but regardless you're totally spot on. Just utterly stupid to announce something like that.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Well, guess we're counting down to a "Brady disappointed with team exclusion" story.