Serbia v Rep of Ireland - Rajko Mitić Stadium, Belgrade (WCQ) Monday, 5th Sept. 2016

**TheOneWhoKnocks** · 01/09/2016, 8:44 PM

McClean, McGeady, O'Dowda, Walters, Long, Murphy.

6 players for 4 positions. 1 of whom is sorely lacking match practice in McGeady and another who hasn't played a competitive match in O'Dowda.

It's not a lot is it?

I know depending on the way he configures the team, Hendrick, Hoolahan or Quinn could take up a wide position.

It's still not a lot when you factor in McCarthy's injury.

Think he could have called up at least one more outfield player. And Henderson instead of Rogers.

**Stuttgart88** · 01/09/2016, 9:07 PM

It's terrible really. Scandalous even. Especially given how many clean sheets Henderson has kept already this season. As for McGeady, his lack of match fitness was evident in Lille. If he'd only have been fitter he'd have carried the ball 40 rather than 30 yards through the middle before finding Hoolahan. We're doomed. We've suddenly gone from being competitive at the Euros to being a clapped out bunch of geriatrics missing the most criticised player of the summer, McCarthy. Add to that the fact that an exciting youngster has been called up, something someone has been crying out for, well, that's it for me. My passion for the Boys in Green is over as of now.

**geysir** · 01/09/2016, 9:21 PM

I can't remember when I had passion.

**tetsujin1979** · 01/09/2016, 9:38 PM

I can't even spell pashun anymore

**geysir** · 01/09/2016, 10:00 PM

Against Oman, a couple of times the tv cameras picked out that bare chested fan. the green giant/hulk, at all times he was giving it welly, he had passion.

**paul_oshea** · 01/09/2016, 10:56 PM

Get in there. Get in there robbie.

There is a good photo of a belgique beauty pecking his right cheek online at eurl 2016

**tetsujin1979** · 02/09/2016, 12:27 AM

Ah, never mind

**Charlie Darwin** · 02/09/2016, 12:29 AM

I can't tell if I'm asleep or awake.

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**jbyrne** · 02/09/2016, 8:14 AM

Originally Posted by geysir

Against Oman, a couple of times the tv cameras picked out that bare chested fan. the green giant/hulk, at all times he was giving it welly, he had passion.

seems the cameras pick up on him every home game now. he made the papers too I think. brings his kid to the match also. gas man

**Stuttgart88** · 02/09/2016, 9:52 AM

Anyway, has Arter done enough to start in Serbia? Someone will have to replace McCarthy. I'd say yes.

**DeLorean** · 02/09/2016, 10:02 AM

Not sure, O'Neill seemed a bit jumpy when the same question was put to him after the game. His words were positive ("he's done his chances no harm" or something to that effect) but his body language suggested something else, to me at least. McCarthy wasn't fully ruled out at that stage either though I don't think. He lost possession and made a stone wall yellow card tackle in the first minute the last night also, only escaped because it was a friendly and probably so early. He'll need to use his brain a bit more if he's thrown into the side in Belgrade.

**Stuttgart88** · 02/09/2016, 10:21 AM

I missed the first minute. First two actually. that's how much interest I've lost sine the realisation we're not conforming to TOWK's standards.

**Ol� Ol�** · 02/09/2016, 10:46 AM

Any fella want to hazard a guess at the side? I'm hoping Coleman is fit but doubt McCarthy will be. I'm plucking for the following anyway:
Randolph
Coleman Keogh Clark Ward
Whelan
Hendrick Arter/Wes Brady
Walters Long

I think that's a fine side. There's always the chance he'll play Brady LB and McClean LM which isn't particularly devastating for me but I'd still like to see Brady in midfield after the Euros.

Hard to know who'll get the nod in midfield between Hoolahan and Arter. It's an away match so Arter being that bit more dynamic might stand to him. Two all-action midfielders beside eachother would be great to watch. I'd prefer Wes but I'd predict Arter.

Hard on Daryl Murphy who showed well at the Euros? Yes. But he doesn't offer a huge goal threat and this might be a fixture where we only get limited opportunities. Walters has scored in important games and will do some shift in in away match.

**CraftyToePoke** · 02/09/2016, 10:52 AM

I think that side is a decent shout Ole Ole. Wes would edge Arter for me to start.

**nr637** · 02/09/2016, 11:20 AM

I would be hopeful with that line up as well but....................................there is always a but..................isn't there,

Considering the injuries that are rumoured in the squad, I'd say Christie for Coleman if injured, Keogh only if O'Shea is out, Quinn is a possible starter ahead of Arter and it would not surprise many if Wes did not start!

**jbyrne** · 02/09/2016, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by nr637

Considering the injuries that are rumoured in the squad, I'd say Christie for Coleman if injured, Keogh only if O'Shea is out, Quinn is a possible starter ahead of Arter and it would not surprise many if Wes did not start!

its been reported that both coleman and oshea trained fully with the squad today

**geysir** · 02/09/2016, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by DeLorean

Not sure, O'Neill seemed a bit jumpy when the same question was put to him after the game. His words were positive ("he's done his chances no harm" or something to that effect) but his body language suggested something else, to me at least. McCarthy wasn't fully ruled out at that stage either though I don't think. He lost possession and made a stone wall yellow card tackle in the first minute the last night also, only escaped because it was a friendly and probably so early. He'll need to use his brain a bit more if he's thrown into the side in Belgrade.

I missed the first 20mins of the game, was harvesting my spuds.

I listened to Richie and machine gun Kenny natter away on rte highlights about the upcoming qualifier.
It was a good intelligent chat, easy on the ear.
Kenny thought the 433 formation was the most interesting thing, not the individuals who filled out the roles and probably O'Neill will persist with it, following on from 2nd half v Italy and v France.
He sees Arter as an attacking midfield player, but v Oman was placed in the Whelan defensive midfield role where he's not at home stepping on the toes of the back 4. Kenny sees him having much more impact 20m up the pitch.
Whatever folk may say about Glen, he's at home in front of the back four.
Kenny also said that the onus was on Harry to get forward, to the question of, "was Harry following orders?", therefore in Kenny's opinion Harry can do it but didn't discipline himself to do enough to make a convincing argument for his inclusion.

**pineapple stu** · 02/09/2016, 11:36 AM

I'm not fully sold on Christie as yet, especially for a game like this.

I just get the feeling he's great as an attacking full, but is defensively suspect. Think he even got caught out once or twice on Wednesday, but Oman weren't anywhere near good enough to take advantage, and he by and large had the time and space for some great runs down the channel to compensate.