Kerr defends meaningless friendly

[Reality Bites]

Has Kerr been questioned about why he hasn't played young McGeady in China match, as this seems to be one of the main talking points from an otherwise forgettable affair!!

[JimmyP]

I know, there won't be much better chances than a friendly against China.
The few times he's played, he's only gotten a couple of minutes...
I think he was the only squad member not to play in the 2 games -?

[Stuttgart88]

I reckon he felt he was under pressure to actually win the game to restore morale after Israel. He was probably expecting to be one or two up and having the luxury of bringing him on. I'd say he was able to sense the frustration from the crowd.

I also think he reckons Doherty's height rather than McGeady's trickery is the most likely solution to finding ourselves making no progress late on against Israel.

In hindsight playing Barrett instead of McGeady against Croatia was an even stranger decision, given that Barrett didn't get called up for the Israel / China squads.

I have a feeling that Kerr is trying to do the likes of Miller & Barrett a favour by putting them in the shop window. Judging by what I've seen it's a shop selling damaged goods.

[Junior]

Another possible explanation I read elsewhere could be with regards his position at Celtic.

Sutton is injured, Hartson was rumoured injured at Wales, perhaps MON asked Kerr not to play him because of this? It wouldn't be the first time that a club manager had influenced national team selection for friendlies would it

[dr_peepee]

Kerr hinted before the friendly that McGeady would play little or no part in the game.

[soylent green]

Maybe Kerr took note that McGeady warmed down after the U21 game on the Friday night with a trip to MacDonalds on the Tel Aviv beachfront.