Has Hogan been added to the squad, or just confirmed his allegiance?
I think O'Neill will go with, (lack of) injuries permitting:
Randolph
Christie Clark Duffy Ward
Walters Whelan McCarthy Brady McClean Murphy
If McCarthy is fit can't see whelan starting. Don't see why Hendrick would be dropped now if he is starting at burnley as he is especially for an away game where he tends to be more comfortable but he does need to get his work rate back up. Can't see Murphy starting away from home if long is fit think we will need that pace to keep Georgia honest to stop them playing a very high line and squeezing us and dominating the ball in our half. I think Brady offers us more at left back gets on the ball much easier he really struggled to have any impact against Austria in a midfield role at left full he can use his delivery into the box regularly which is when we look dangerous and ward does not offer this. Arter to make up the 3 in midfield.Mcgeady wes and Murphy off the bench to change things.
It seems unlikely McCarthy will be match-fit at this stage, although Everton do have two European games as well as their two PL games between now and then, so hopefully he will see some game time.
I can't see Hendrick being dropped either, nor would I want him to be.
I knew I forgot someone.
Of course Hendrick will play. Hopefully at the expense of Whelan who is on the decline it seems.
I think McClean will play advanced role as Ward is playing well and Brady won't be dropped
-------------Elliot
Christie Duffy Clark Ward
---- Arter Whelan Brady
-Hendrick --------- McClean
------------Walters
with Long for McClean, McGeady for Hendrick and Murphy for Walters as the evening progresses.
Here they come! It’s the charge of the “Thanks” Brigade!
I actually think he should drop Hendricks, might be the kick in teh hole that he needs
Been flying all over scouting Georgia these last few weeks. They love Jano Ananidze, the Spartak ace who many are tipping to score a few against Ireland. Another young player to watch is definitely Jaba Jighauri, who is a huge talent that many tip to have sort of a coming out party VS the Irish. According to his wiki page, he was named after Jabba the Hutt, by his folks, who are huge Star Wars fans.
Ucha Lobjanidze is coming to the end of a fine career anchoring the vast Georgia Defense. He would love nothing more than to go out with a win at home over the Ireland squad.
They do have some interesting action in net, as reserve keepers Giorgi Makaridze and Roin Kvaskhvadze continue to heap enormous pressure on incumbent legend Giorgi Loria with their fine play.
Otar Kakabadze is a 22 year old stud that Georgian management think can develop into a powerhouse at right back. He is currently plying his trade at Spanish side Gimnastic after being loaned out to legendary Danish Superliga club Esbjerg fB last January. At 6'2", he is taller than most Irish players, and for that matter, Irish citizens.
I think all this could potentially be problematic for a decent, but certainly not dominant Irish side. Georgian fans also tend to light fires in the stands at home matches which could prove distracting for the Irish Lads. Stephen Hunt reported that he once was grazed in the side of his head by a bottle of Argo Dark, the most popular beer in Georgia, while playing in Tbilisi.
I'll get to Serbia next.
"At 6'2", he is taller than most Irish players, and for that matter, Irish citizens"
I guess 6'2 is taller then most human beings. we might be 10% smaller , but we're 100% funnier
I'd say Randy is assured of his spot after doing fine against Austria and getting himself a new club. You could be spot on with the rest of the side I think, injuries permitting, especially with Shane Long seeing so little game time and James McCarthy showing no signs of recovering in time.
it doesn't look good for Jon.
From the bbc report of a league cup game,
Jon Walters, received lengthy treatment for an ankle injury early on in the game and was substituted.
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