Republic of Ireland V Switzerland 25th March & Slovakia 29th March 2016 - Friendlies

[nigel-harps1954]

League of Ireland keeper trained with the squad today. That's gotta hurt Westwood

Would think nothing of it. Rogers works for the FAI, and is a 34 year old keeper most likely there to bump up numbers in a training match.

[Fixer82]

No doubt you're right but Westwood sitting at home seeing that might have stung a little

[Stuttgart88]

The fact that he has played for Ireland under O'Neill kind of suggests it has little or nothing to do with his time at Sunderland though, doesn't it? I've a feeling he just got sick of him pulling out of Ireland squads.

That's exactly it I'd say.

[Stuttgart88]

Think it's pretty clear the Forde over Westwood decision has nothing to do with form, league position or gametime, and simply a desire to have Forde around for a combination of:

a) Because he wants a third-choice goalie who will be an optimistic presence and contribute to the squad spirit.

b) Because Forde is a particularly good character more suited to the role above, rather than Westwood.

I can't comment on Westwood's character, but I wouldn't blame him if he was surly or hesitant about being a third-choice keeper in a squad/at a tournament while Forde has been used before in squads simply because he's highly professional, and almost mentor-like in his role as third choice.

You can argue Westwood is more likely to challenge, but I reckon O'Neill's made up his mind that it's Randolph followed by Elliott and the other keeper might as well be a good dirt-tracker.

I don't think that's bizarre at all, pretty common in squad building.

It is, however, much more bizarre that Westwood isn't closer to the team, for which he has legitimate beef. I can't help but feel there's some level of distrust between management and Westwood, for whatever reason.

Clive Woodward said that he left out Austin Healy (?) from his WC2003 winning squad due to personality. Just one termite can bring the house down was how he put it. The last thing the squad needs is a guy who thinks he should be number one occupying the number three spot. This is all a bit presumptuous as for all we know KW is a great character and very team-focussed. Any squad needs good characters and Forde really does appear to be an all round good egg, a good guy to have around and, as SvD says, mentor-like.

My suspicion for a while now is that MON has been frustrated by KW's withdrawals and his omission is a combination of this and the above SvD point.

I think Elliott is very good by the way. Easy to look good in a weak team I suppose. "Optically" I always played my best games losing 2-0 but saving 5 shots. But he is good.

[DeLorean]

The last thing the squad needs is a guy who thinks he should be number one occupying the number three spot. This is all a bit presumptuous as for all we know KW is a great character and very team-focussed.

I'd say it's more than a bit presumptuous though as Westwood has never given us any reason whatsoever to question his character or, in my opinion, his dedication. I believe any squad he pulled out of would have been for genuine reasons as he's missed some games for Sheffield Wednesday also, and seemed to have some fitness issues where they felt it was best that he wouldn't play in the cup games, although plenty of clubs do that anyway. I've no problem with Elliot, I just think Westwood is very clearly the better goalkeeper and far more deserving of a place in the squad. I don't think it's even close between the two to be honest and Forde would be a borderline farcical inclusion at this stage on the basis that he's a great lad. I'm kind of expecting Given to take his place anyway if he returns to full fitness, and we certainly can't afford to carry the two of them.

I don't think these are the comments of a guy who would disrupt the harmony in a squad, even if he doesn't give out free hugs like Fordey (from The 42.ie)

I’d love to be in the squad because I love being part of it and am proud to represent Ireland. Regardless of whether I’m in or not, it’s a really close-knit group. It’s like a family get-together when we link up, which is fantastic.

I’m a big believer in fate and going to Sheffield Wednesday has been a turnaround for me after three years at Sunderland where I played around 25 games in total.

At the end of the day you want to play football and if I’m doing well, it will put me on the radar to try and get into the squad for the Euros.

I’ve been involved for the last seven years and have been in and around the squads for the last qualification campaign even if I may not have played any games.

I’m playing well so I don’t see why I wouldn’t be in with a shout. I feel fully part of the set-up and would like to think I’ll be up for consideration at least.

To qualify was fantastic for the country, everyone involved and me included as a fan. It’s great and I’m absolutely made-up.

Either way I’ll probably be going to France anyway. Hopefully I’ll be in the squad but if not I’ll be there dancing around with the fans!

Whatever happens, there will be no hard feelings.

The goalkeepers get on really well. Whoever plays, we get around each other and try help each other as best we can. It’s a lot different to international level because we all want to achieve something so there is no real needle or ‘he took my place’ mentality.

This isn’t just about 23 players, it’s about the whole country and we’re all part of that regardless of whether we play, we’re on the bench, in the stands or at home.

[tetsujin1979]

Press conference with Roy Keane due to start soon

[Stuttgart88]

I'd say it's more than a bit presumptuous though as Westwood has never given us any reason whatsoever to question his character or, in my opinion, his dedication. I believe any squad he pulled out of would have been for genuine reasons as he's missed some games for Sheffield Wednesday also, and seemed to have some fitness issues where they felt it was best that he wouldn't play in the cup games, although plenty of clubs do that anyway. I've no problem with Elliot, I just think Westwood is very clearly the better goalkeeper and far more deserving of a place in the squad. I don't think it's even close between the two to be honest and Forde would be a borderline farcical inclusion at this stage on the basis that he's a great lad. I'm kind of expecting Given to take his place anyway if he returns to full fitness, and we certainly can't afford to carry the two of them.

I don't think these are the comments of a guy who would disrupt the harmony in a squad, even if he doesn't give out free hugs like Fordey (from The 42.ie)

Yeah, great quote. Even still I've often been frustrated by KW's absence and it's easy to say the right things to a hack. It's just a gut feeling I have that he has pulled out too easily and as you know I'm one of the more tolerant around these parts of players missing camps and trips etc.!

[Closed Account]

Roy Keane has confirmed that Harry Arter and Jeff Hendrick are to miss Ireland's friendlies

[DeLorean]

I was wondering who he was talking about but the feed kept jumping on me. I heard him say that somebody has gone back to their club and was just hoping it wasn't Judge or Arter really. Not ideal for Hendrick either, who may be involved in a playoff final for the Dutch game, I'm sure he'd like to have cemented his place (in the team) fully in these games, although I'd say he's safe enough.

[geysir]

That looked like the son of Stan making an appearance at 11.30minutes.

What a waste of time that press conference was. Wives and girlfriends??

[tetsujin1979]

didn't know Whelan and Gleeson were cousins!

[DeLorean]

Oh right... so that was Gleeson. I thought they were our under 21 players or something! Who was the guy with him?

[DeLorean]

Yeah, great quote. Even still I've often been frustrated by KW's absence and it's easy to say the right things to a hack. It's just a gut feeling I have that he has pulled out too easily and as you know I'm one of the more tolerant around these parts of players missing camps and trips etc.!

Yeah you are, and I've been frustrated when he's pulled out as well. My gut feeling is that 'maybe' he could have played if it was a playoff final for Sheffield Wednesday, but probably wasn't worth it to sit on the bench for us, which is reasonable enough if it meant getting himself right long-term. I think he's been around the scene and present in enough squads for that not to be held against him but, look, it's pure speculation on our part anyway. It would be handy if Tony O'Donoghue and the likes, for once, actually asked a question that we wanted answered. As Geysir mentioned though, the management's policy on WAG's is far more important, so important that Keane didn't even know the answer!

[tetsujin1979]

Oh right... so that was Gleeson. I thought they were our under 21 players or something! Who was the guy with him?

Alan Judge - https://www.google.ie/search?q=alan+...YaDQ0Q_AUIBygC

[DeLorean]

Ah... I should have known him really. Gleeson threw me altogether despite seeing him play (and score) earlier in the season.

[Olé Olé]

I reckon if Arter had done well in one of these two matches then he'd have been in a strong position to start at the Euros. O'Neill often references him and he's done well this season and would offer some guile coupled with workrate. Hendrick has been very good the past campaign but he's a lucky boy that Arter isn't playing these matches either!

I fancy Judge to make an impression over these two matches in a big way. He's playing with huge confidence and is involved in a huge portion of Brentford's goals. With Wes suffering a dip in form of late then we need another AM with a touch of creativity. Different player to Wes, obviously, but who doesn't like an AM with a big goal and assist record this season (even if it is only in the Championship)? Offers flexibility across the front three in midfield (if we go with a diamond or even 4-2-3-1) from what I've seen of him also.

Not sure who else will be afforded opportunities. Duffy? The Euros have probably come too soon for him. If he had played even a portion of the minutes Keogh has done in the qualifiers then he'd be in a good position but, as it stands, he'll do well to get in the squad if we have Clark, O'Shea, Keogh and Wilson for the four centre-half berths (Wilson, Brady and Ward for the left-back spots offer good versatility too).

[backstothewall]

Arter out and has gone back to England. Hendrick struggling and likely to follow in the next few days.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/...double-header/

[geysir]

Ever since Roy started out with one, beards are "trending" in the squad, but of course Roy's is the most overgrown.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Have Westwood or Delaney done anything to damage morale in the team though?

Delaney himself refuted rumours that there were any issues between himself and Keane.

And fair enough he's 34 (or 35 according to MON) but his Premier League experience, leadership abilities and position as captain at Palace could stand us in good stead if O'Shea were to be ruled out.

His left-footedness and distribution have also been broached as potential positives.

I just don't think MON should be so blunt about leaving him out.

Wilson's fitness is a worry, Keogh is Keogh and Duffy doesn't have the experience Delaney does.

[Closed Account]

Hmmm, probably not much in this.....
http://www.corrieredellosport.it/new...le_amichevoli/

NYON - In the next hours the Uefa convene an emergency meeting to determine what, if any friendly matches scheduled during the stop of the championships, you can play in Europe. Belgium-Portugal has already been canceled: ilm Brussels Government has declared three days of national mourning. The Uefa is considering whether to block the entire program in view of the expected European Championship tests in 2016, whose final phase will start next June 10 in France. On 13 November, at the Stade de France he was playing the friendly between France and Germany when it unleashed the murderous rage of Islamic terrorists. Today, under attack it is Brussels, the heart of Europe. After November 13, it was canceled the Belgium-Spain race. Now he threatens to blow up everything.

But there's more. In the coming days, the European Football Association will meet with leading representatives of the French government to take stock of the European Championship finals, to be held in France from June 10 to July 10 next. It grows the party of those who want to cancel the whole event, deeming insufficient the drastic security measures launched a month ago and that, fr alia, provide for certain games to be played behind closed doors. Italy, in Group E, should play in these races: June 12, at 21, Italy-Belgium; June 17, 15 hours, Italy-Sweden; June 2, at 21, Italy-Sweden.