What's all the Cullen talk for? He's finished a loan at League One and has yet to do much at Championship level. Mick had a few kind words. And he's young. But still... Maybe it's the dearth of options.
Also, we don't know what's going to happen in the new season in England. If he gets into the west ham side, the first question that's going to be asked is "why isn't he in the England squad".
This was a real opportunity to stop that conversation ever before it starts.
A little more irritating when we actually finished the game with a substitution to spare, granted it was still only 1-0 in the 93rd minute so not really the time to be focused on anything other than getting the win. Hard to believe he didn't use all three though given some of the performances.
It's not just that, this was the only realistic opportunity to tie him for the next 18 months(Euros qualification dependent). It would be ok if we had a not so important list of qualifiers left.
Mick Mc should have been stung on this, and yet it wasn't asked once. There really is no excuse to miss another one.
I'm a bloke,I'm an ocker
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
The post noting Wales' position in their group says it all, for me.
I'm not for capping lads for 3 minutes to tie them down. One thing that Mick has brought back is unity and team spirit. I think capping lads who may regret playing for us in a year's time is creating potential to spoil the atmosphere. Not worth it, imo. I watched the League 1 play off final. Cullen looked promising but for me did not stand out as someone ready for top flight football. He's not far off, mind.
(McGeady beating players at will while only half-fit did, however....but that's another debate)
I’d say many’s a collective groan was heard in pubs when you were in England Benno,might not have had much to do with John O’Shea though.
John O'Shea's best form for Ireland came after Trap took over onwards. I think around 2008. I remember the panel discussing why he had started suddenly attacking the ball. Up till that point he was always tentative. As for playing at full-back, he always was too wasteful in possession there, he'd lamp these hopeful balls down the line to no one and we'd give away the ball again and again and again...
All the Cullen talk is happening because Hendrick is rank average and has been in a green shirt for a while (throw in Whelan and we really have a midfield to be reckoned with). Hendrick has been on borrowed time for quite some time, but in typical Irish fashion we will keep throwing the dice until Jeff has his first good game in 15 or 16 internationals, and then it'll be like: "Hendrick played really well - quieting all the naysayers who have been criticizing his performances of late"
Dan Crowley should have been brought in by now (at least to the training camp) and how much worse could Cullen have played (instead of Hendrick) the other night? As Diggs pointed out, he would then have been an option for the next game. It's very simple for the remainder of the campaign - If Ireland beat Switzerland in September, McCarthy's methods will have been deemed a success (in how he's developing his squad). But anything other than a victory will start the second-guessing of the manager.
They were missing some important players and lost two difficult away games, don't think that indicates anything really in terms of the attitude/commitment of their players.
I kind of agree with the rest of your post though, well, I'm kind of torn on it. I would have been happy to see Cullen capped the last night as I think he could have added a bit of balance to our midfield, while also having the bonus of him being now tied to us.
Tie no one. As Robbie says, we are Ireland.
For me, give them time, which they have ample amounts of now and then let them decide. Us deciding for them? Absolutely give me a break. No way. This is a country and team that needs characters and passion and 100%. I mean, jaysis, Robbie actually scoffs at the Rice situation.
To tie someone to represent this country? Case by case but with Cullen in Portugal and then on....no way. Not a chance. If he gets his place on merit, yeah.
I'm pretty sure I read that Ben Davies was ruled out for the two games but I see he played. Obviously they were missing Ramsey.
I thought the main point was that Wales' aggressive approach in tying players down isn't working for them, because of their current group position. I don't think you can judge that on two difficult away games. And maybe qualifying for only one competition in 65 years is part of the reason for their (relatively new?) approach.
Last edited by DeLorean; 18/06/2019 at 8:18 AM.
Last edited by DeLorean; 18/06/2019 at 8:19 AM.
Tbh I'm just sick of the "What would Wales Do" mob. we should nearly do the opposite to them
They are 2nd last they did lose to Hungary and at the beginning of the qualifiers I would have swapped places with them. Croatia would win the group and I would be confident we would come 2nd in that group ahead of Slovakia and Hungary. Wales have also appointed a manager with virtually zero experience and a man of absolutely zero integrity. We have an very good manager who is respected and loved by most. Their qualification track record is a disgrace. We have qualified 6 times in modern football compared to their 1.
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