Ireland v Hungary and Armenia - September 2025

[Kingdom]

Just wondering, even from an insight perspective, would it not have made sense to include O'Dowda?

[Kingdom]

Apparently Louie Barry has declared for us and was considered for this squad

That would have sparked whooping and hollering a few years ago, that it's been quiet says a lot for his standing right now.

[SkStu]

In terms of the squad I predicted in the first post the changes are Coleman, O'Dowda and Molumby out and Dunne, Lawal and Phillips in. Not sure if that's stronger or weaker overall. Not having Festy as a bench option was always a strong possibility, but disappointing nonetheless.

HH apparently spoke of the squad being difficult to pick because of a "need" to limit the number to 23 players. Not clear yet if it was picked up on in terms of what the "need" is though - is it because that's the number he wants to work with or is it because he has been set a limit by the association.

It definitely lends weight to Razors theory about a limitation by the FAI.

Squad is the squad. The omissions more or less = the inclusions so there’s nothing worth getting too hung up on. I’d have liked Festy and Molumby both in there as add-ons. Delighted with Lawal being called up but want to see him deployed as a DM.

[SkStu]

That would have sparked whooping and hollering a few years ago, that it's been quiet says a lot for his standing right now.

I’m whooping and hollering at this bit of Barry’s tea.

[Razors left peg]

That would have sparked whooping and hollering a few years ago, that it's been quiet says a lot for his standing right now.

We've had too many false dawns to get excited until they are actually good in a green shirt. He might be a Finn Azaz, but could just as likely be a Tom Cannon... let's save the whooping for something worth whooping for

[Kingdom]

We've had too many false dawns to get excited until they are actually good in a green shirt. He might be a Finn Azaz, but could just as likely be a Tom Cannon... let's save the whooping for something worth whooping for

We're singing from the same hymn sheet here, and hands up, I've been (more often than not) the one doing the whooping plenty in the past.

[Kingdom]

I’m whooping and hollering at this bit of Barry’s tea.

Fond of the tea-bagging are you, or is it loose leaf?

[pateen]

Is Molumby injured?

[Kingdom]

Is Molumby injured?

Nope.

[seanfhear]

I’m whooping and hollering at this bit of Barry’s tea.

Barry's is Fine Gael tea lest any have forgotten or just don't know !

[Kingdom]

Barry's is Fine Gael tea lest any have forgotten or just don't know !

Barry's Tea is the bestest tea on this fine island. That a Kerryman can accept that means you should all accept it.

[seanfhear]

Barry's Tea is the bestest tea on this fine island. That a Kerryman can accept that means you should all accept it.

I must admit that I have drunk that Blue-Shirt tea and it is good tea but it is still Blue-Shirt tea !

[Razors left peg]

Is Molumby injured?

If you were to nitpick the squad Id have Molumby over Philips, but its a fairly marginal call and not one that I think anyone would be too upset about.... apart from Molumby himself

[pineapple stu]

Wasn't Phillips dire in Luxembourg? Like, even by comparison with the rest? I'm surprised he's kept his place tbh. Molumby has flattered to deceive often, but I think he can feel hard done by.

But it's not going to be transformational to the squad for sure

[MeathDrog]

I think Molumby is the fall guy for the mental capitulation in Wembley with our complete inability to manage the game. Heimer was horrified after that match and can't look at him the same. It's hard to blame him.

[Dermobohs]

Barry's Tea is the bestest tea on this fine island. That a Kerryman can accept that means you should all accept it.

Shocking. I’m appalled .
Thompsons finest, the lovely Punjana is the only allowable tea for everyday cuppas.
Spot of earl grey in the evening.

[Razors left peg]

Wasn't Phillips dire in Luxembourg? Like, even by comparison with the rest? I'm surprised he's kept his place tbh. Molumby has flattered to deceive often, but I think he can feel hard done by.

But it's not going to be transformational to the squad for sure

Yeah I wouldnt be a fan of Philips at all. Great attitude and will run all day, but Molumby is a better footballer. We really need someone coming through there

[Fixer82]

Yeah I wouldnt be a fan of Philips at all. Great attitude and will run all day, but Molumby is a better footballer. We really need someone coming through there

I will wait a while before I judge Phillips but my instinct is that you are right

[Kingdom]

Squad selection aside, I'll be interested in how HH approaches this one. He's making the right noises, but he's kind of conceded that he'll take the draw at home (not unwise, fair is fair).

Kerkez, as much as I like him, looks like someone who can be targeted defensively and it is absolutely clear he's a liability in the air. In that respect, for any set-pieces, I would overload the front, go long and attack him with someone unusually capable in the air - Matt Doherty, Jack Taylor, or COD (had he been selected). Let Ferguson Collins and O'Shea draw their big lads away and isolate Kerkez.

Secondly, Szobosolai. I'd man mark him, I'd sit Jason Knight on him all game - well technically I would sit Molumby on him all game, but in lieu of him not being in the squad, I'd give it to Knight. He's a fine player and he could really kill us in an area where we've shown scant willingness to learn this decade.

[Eirambler]

In his press conference he mentioned Hungary's ability from long shots and what will be our need to make sure the space around the edge of the box is closed down quickly. It was a welcome change from his predecessor, who completely ignored the issue and seemed to refuse to make a plan to deal with it.