i see there's some (virtual) exchange of words between O'Neill and Koeman about our James.
I hope O'Neill reminds Koeman that he has 2 European cup medals compared to Koeman's solitary one.
Horgan starts...?
DID YOU NOTICE A SIGN OUTSIDE MY HOUSE...?
No chance Horgan starts or is even on the beach against Austria.
You'd probably find a carbon copy Duff goal somewhere alright.
Funny, the main (only?) criticism I'd have of Horgan is that his finishing has been poor throughout the groups. Even last night, with his shot in the first half straight at the keeper from a good position. Then he goes and scores a great goal like he did.
Would be interesting to see him feature in Austria. Can't tell if they're a step up from Zenit or not.
I think playing for Ireland in a WCQ away to Austria would be a massive step up to be honest, regardless of whether they are actually better than Zenit or not. Wouldn't mind seeing him get a run though.
I think it's obvious really.
There is no way he should be starting, but he would be a useful option from the bench should we be chasing a game. He should definitely be in the final squad.
Jonny Hayes has played for Ireland and has hardly played at a high level of football throughout his career. Aiden McGeady doesn't offer much and wouldn't get into most Championship squads at this juncture of his career.
I think too much emphasis is placed on the domestic league (and I'm no fan of it).
Portugal just won a European Championships and they traditionally have some mediocre - to put it kindly - players padding out their national team alongside lads like Ronaldo.
I mentioned Hayes. In his brief cameos for us he hasn't looked lost. I think Horgan would offer significantly more than even him.
We're not exactly flush with options either. Pilkington can't be depended on to be fit.
O'Neill has 16 midfielders in that provisional squad.
With 3 forwards selected in the final squad and cross out McGeady, McCarthy, O'Kane, Gleeson, Hourihane, O'Dowda, Hayes,
then Horgan might make the cut.
Years ago, Liverpool were masters at picking up guys from the lower leagues and turning them into world beaters. Those days are somewhat gone, but sometimes players have a class no matter what their surroundings or what the general standard around them is. The LOI isn't a high standard league, but there are players that could be fine players if given a chance, just like the next Messi could come from the Moldovan league.
Horgan is in my opinion easily capable of making the step up to international football. He has it in his locker to be a very good player and more than anything he gives us something different to what we have. I for one would like to see him involved at some point during the game.
Pity the likes of John Egan weren't involved in the squad. O'Neill is every bit as much as conservative as Trap, but if he gets us to the world cup I won't complain.
If ward is fit, allowing brady to play in mid field i wouldn't mind seeing McClean upfront
Looks like Prodl will miss Watford's game tomorrow. He's a decent player.hopefully misses the game next Saturday.
Last round of club action before the big one
Was gonna put it here but got a bit carried away!
Keiren Westwood Started
Colin Doyle Started Danny Rogers Started Darren Randolph Substitute Ian Lawlor Not in Squad Shane Duffy Started
C Sheet
Paul McShane Started C Sheet Yellow Séamus Coleman Started Ciaran Clark Started Richard Keogh Started Alex Pearce Started Andy Boyle Started Cyrus Christie Started(46) Injured John O'Shea Not in Squad Injured Stephen Ward Not in Squad Injured Robbie Brady Started(75) Goal
Eunan O'Kane Started
Assist
Aiden McGeady Started(89) Assist
Wes Hoolahan Started Yellow Stephen Gleeson Started Conor Hourihane Started Jonny Hayes Started Daryl Horgan Started Jeff Hendrick Started(86) Harry Arter Started(76) Yellow Glenn Whelan Started(71) Own Goal Callum O'Dowda Substitute(81)
David Meyler Substitute James McClean Not in Squad Suspended James McCarthy Not in Squad Injured Stephen Quinn Not in Squad Injured Jonathan Walters Started
Assist
Adam Rooney Started Assist David McGoldrick Started Kevin Doyle Started
It was a convenient day for McClean to be suspended.
O'kane and Wes on the pitch at the same time could be interesting. Both excellent passers with a bit of creative magic
O'Neill to call on Arter to fill McCarthy midfield void
Is the team starting to pick itself?
------------ Randolph------------
Coleman - Clark - Duffy - Brady
-------- Whelan - Arter ---------
- Hendrick-Hoolahan-McClean -
------------- Walters ------------
I would agree ,bar two selections I would go with Westwood for Randolph and Keogh for Duffy
I'd choose Westwood as well but I was going with what I think O'Neill will do. Keogh for Duffy is definitely a possibility but I think he'll keep faith with the big fella.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...-35191219.html
THe infographic attached is pretty depressing we have lost a lot more than won against most teams :/
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And I really love your knockers,I'm a labourer by day,
I **** up all me pay,Watching footy on TV,
Just feed me more VB,Just pour my beer,And get my smokes, And go away
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