Scotland V Republic of Ireland - Friday, 14th November 2014 - Euro 2016 Qualifier

**Stuttgart88** · 13/11/2014, 10:38 AM

This will be a fascinating team announcement.

**DeLorean** · 13/11/2014, 10:39 AM

I think we can dominate with three genuine midfielders feeding McGeady, McClean and, crucially, Keane.

**TrapAPony** · 13/11/2014, 10:41 AM

Play a trio of Gibson, Meyler & Hendrick in midfield with McGeady & McClean on the wings and we will be grand.

**Stuttgart88** · 13/11/2014, 10:43 AM

Two of those three started against Italy and we were grand. Meyler lacks match fitness but is a fit lad and oneill rates him.

**Duggie** · 13/11/2014, 10:51 AM

from what i've seen of him Meyler seem's to be a very average midfielder. if he is to go with a trio i'd rather Quinn. hes busy and is a better passer.

**DannyInvincible** · 13/11/2014, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

So that guy on the Scottish forum was right

Im begining to become very sceptical of how injury prone and simple knocks players get now. Why wasnt this happening in the past, I dont think i fully believe medical advances.

No doubt McCarthy will turn out for his club next week. How can he play a thursday and a sunday full 90 and then feel something? Its that just from over-doing it?

Are you casting doubt over the assessment of the FAI's doctor or what?...

It's disappointing he won't play. Had been hoping he'd pull through, but I think Stutts has it spot on in terms of why there's a modern-day reluctance to play players who aren't one hundred per cent fit.

**nigel-harps1954** · 13/11/2014, 10:57 AM

People are over-complicating things. There's always a few posts of "I hope we go with this", and "This should be the way", but O'Neill seems set in his ways with formation and style of playing. Most likely looking at Quinn and Gibson in midfield.

**ifk101** · 13/11/2014, 11:03 AM

McGeady wasn't great in the 10 role against Germany, that'd be my concern about tomorrow - ie we've no (natural) playmaker.

**Fixer82** · 13/11/2014, 11:04 AM

It's very easy to play a full match having picked up a knock or a strain.
It's when the match finishes and the adrenaline wears off that the full extent is felt.
It's a shame. I imagine if he'd had an extra three days he would have made it.
It's a toss up between Meyler, Gibson and Hendrick.
I would suspect Quinn will start.
I'd have no problem with Meyler starting in midfield

**DeLorean** · 13/11/2014, 11:04 AM

Yep, I'd agree. And Walters and Keane up front. The team picks itself now in MON's eyes I'd say.

**paul_oshea** · 13/11/2014, 11:07 AM

To answer Paul's comment, Martin O'Neill said in the Indo that it's not a bad injury and would be no problem if he had another week. So, no need for a conspiracy theory if he doesn't play.

But, I think any of us who have played have played with severe strains and maybe even minor tears. Personally I have never torn a hamstring (I have matchstick legs so don't really have any!) but I have torn ankle ligaments. I reckon a tear is one thing but in the old days international players would play through a strain. These days with players worth so much and with clubs holding power I think an international player just can't risk upsetting his club by playing through a strain.

I think that's all it is.

Ya but it seems to be a consistent injury that he can forego for Ireland but not his club. Its not a conspiracy I am just stating fact. He obviously has some underlying issue or some fatigue issue and "its" prioritised for certain games. You can't just play two games like that in a row and only a few weeks previously take an international break off and return for your club.

I imagine in bygone years they just played regardless. And I am not sure this longevity thing and managing is all its cracked up to be, diet and health yes but not these strains really.

I agree with your point as a whole and this is what I am getting at, I wasn't suggesting any conspiracy.

I do however feel that the Doctors have to go by exactly what they see rather than what they might believe or experience will tell them, especially in this day and age, insurance and managing clubs and expectations etc.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 13/11/2014, 11:07 AM

To De Lorean

You'd like to think so...

**Mr_Parker** · 13/11/2014, 11:27 AM

.....

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B2UY3xcCUAEgDHI.jpg:large

**paul_oshea** · 13/11/2014, 11:33 AM

I am a bit worried about that midfield lasting a full 90. Who can we then bring in to replace them? None of them fully match fit.

**Stuttgart88** · 13/11/2014, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

Ya but it seems to be a consistent injury that he can forego for Ireland but not his club. Its not a conspiracy I am just stating fact. He obviously has some underlying issue or some fatigue issue and "its" prioritised for certain games. You can't just play two games like that in a row and only a few weeks previously take an international break off and return for your club.

I imagine in bygone years they just played regardless. And I am not sure this longevity thing and managing is all its cracked up to be, diet and health yes but not these strains really.

I agree with your point as a whole and this is what I am getting at, I wasn't suggesting any conspiracy.

I do however feel that the Doctors have to go by exactly what they see rather than what they might believe or experience will tell them, especially in this day and age, insurance and managing clubs and expectations etc.

I wasn't suggesting you thought it was a full on "martians shot JFK conspiracy" but I thought there was a hint of scepticism / dissatisfaction in your post.

In this instance he visibly pulled up on Sunday and missed two days training. I suspect the degree of injury that keeps a player out of his international team these days is less than in the past, but I think O'Neill would have had no hesitation to play him if he was in good nick. It's a shame but I think there is no need for scepticism. The balance of power is with the clubs.

We'll win anyway.

**Stuttgart88** · 13/11/2014, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

O'Neill seems set in his ways with formation and style of playing. Most likely looking at Quinn and Gibson in midfield.

But O'Neill's set ways to date have been to play 3 in midfield and one orthodox forward. 442 would be the departure.

**paul_oshea** · 13/11/2014, 11:54 AM

I dont share anyones enthusiasm for a win, least of all now, missing 3 regular starters. We are fine as MON says when we can play with our first 11, and we always need that - yes Germany i know - but its always what mon harps back to.

**Stuttgart88** · 13/11/2014, 11:58 AM

I think Scotland can be got at out wide. But I was showing a bit of bravado there. My head has me worried about their front two, even though neither is in the unplayable category like Ibrahimovic (who we contained once) or Ronaldo.

Key is to be competitive in midfield.

**TrapAPony** · 13/11/2014, 12:01 PM

I think Scotland are being overhyped tbh. With a defence of Whittaker, Martin, Hanley/Greer & Mulgrew/Robertson, they are no world beaters at the back. We can definitely trouble them and I expect us to score. Keep Naismith & Fletcher out of the game then they won't produce much.

**Duggie** · 13/11/2014, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by TrapAPony

I think Scotland are being overhyped tbh. With a defence of Whittaker, Martin, Hanley/Greer & Mulgrew/Robertson, they are no world beaters at the back. We can definitely trouble them and I expect us to score. Keep Naismith & Fletcher out of the game then they won't produce much.

agreed, there a decent side now no doubt but nothing we should be afraid of even with the injuries. Fletcher and Naismith i think have a combined total of 5 international goals, hardly prolific. I'd love to see someone upfront with Keane, and i think we will defo sore goals. with a 5 man midfield i'm not so sure. we haven't the goal scoring midfielders to carry that off.