Hondermarck called up to replace the injured Johansson.
Looks like he got his eligibility sorted too. Excited to see him play!
I’ve read 2 interpretations of the new rules:
1) you’re only locked in if A) you’ve played 4 senior international games , or if B) you’ve played a senior game at or over the age of 21, or if C) you’ve played in a major tournament.
2) a) same c) same b) if you’ve played a senior game or competitive underage game over the age of 21
There’s hasn’t been any examples to test the rule so far but the likes of Gallagher and Coventry would be people who are eligible to switch under criteria a but not criteria b.
I guess time will tell which interpretation is correct
Hondermarck called up to replace the injured Johansson.
Looks like he got his eligibility sorted too. Excited to see him play!
My opinion is that you should just assume you are at least as smart as the person who pens the article when it comes to inerpretating FIFA statutes. In regards to switching countries, age does not matter if the player has not been capped at senior competititve level. It is very common for players to be over 21 and still playing at competitive u21 level.
Seemed a positive start for the 21s. Unlucky slip for the Italy goal but Italy were looking the more dangerous as it went on.
Sadly, Lee O'Connor looks a weak link in this side tonight. Some poor passes and touches and Italy seem to be targeting him a bit. Would expect more from one of the most senior squad players. Saying that, I remember Seamus Coleman being a weak link in a few 21s games and he turned out alright!
Sucker punch on the break to put Italy 2 up just as Ireland were really pressing. Tierney had a couple of decent chances after coming on. Ebosele had an impact too, although he made a few bad errors first, probably nervy.
There's a lot of quality in this 21s squad but not sure the management is getting the best from them. Seems to be a pretty rigid 4-3-3/4-5-1 every time and it's not working particularly well. Would be interesting to see something a bit different against Sweden. Might get to that game for a closer look.
I really liked our midfield 4 all very good players individually I'd be surprised if each of them didn't win senior caps. The centre halves are raw but o brien seems to be on a massive upward curve in the last year so he may have a high ceiling. Distribution from the keeper very poor compared to kelleher and bazunu. Striker options in this group very average compared to partott idah and connolly. Hopefully ferguson plays Tuesday and we use the test of the campaign to give him exposure. Hopefully ebosele can keep developing and come through as a wingback .
That's my feeling as well. Based on where the individuals are at a club level, maybe we can be expecting more. It is a decent squad even accounting for the absence of U21 eligible players in the senior squad.
Criticising a kid here I know, but not seeing the player in Conor Noss. Our play breaks down more often than not when he gets on the ball.
What about Brian Maher? Made some fine saves and looks comfortable on the ball. Saw him earlier in the campaign and he didn't impress me. Really did last night though. He is very small for a keeper. I hate to highlight the obvious. Is he 5 foot 10?
What happened to Oko Flex?
What is the verdict on Maher? He is signing for Derry City. I don’t watch or really care about the u21s but the bits I pick up in here are that he doesn’t entirely convince?
Probably a very good league of ireland keeper. Doubt he’ll get a move across the water purely due to his height
Dull enough game in Tallaght. Sweden look happy enough tapping the ball around and taking a draw. Not a lot of movement or penetration from either side. Sweden maybe the best chance. Wright and Tierney stand out for me. Kilkenny is tidy and back four not done a lot wrong.
Loving Kilkenny. Reminds me a lot of Cullen but a little more progressive in the passing (Cullen obviously has other attributes, not saying he's better!). He is showing an eye for an interception too which is positive for a man that is just learning the position.
Really liking smallbone tonight
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