Let's face facts. Brian Kerr is on his way. There's no practical sense to saying he isn't. However we here at irishvibe wish to focus on the players for a little bit. They had a part to play too and with several of them announcing their retirement from international football (some more missed than others) it's time for others to step up and try to carry the banner. Irishvibe looks at some of the likely lads, some we've seen before, some we're seeing for the first time. Read on...
So far Roy Maurice Keane, Kenny 'The king' Cunningham and Steve 'no nicknake' Carr have all shuffled off their international coils and have planned to be walking dogs (presumably) on international days. Also considering that certain people perhaps should retire or perhaps have severly diminished roles in future campaigns (ok, we mean Skilbane, Ginger Pele as a striker, Matty Holland (sorry) and Graham Kavanagh) there appear to be a few slots opening up. The entirety of centre midfield for example.Our selction criteria here is that they be young, first choice at their club and hungry for success. Let's look at the candidates.
Stephen Reid
Blackburns loss of the Duffer yielded their gain of Stephen Reid and he's not let them down since. Some storming football, competing for places with some fairly big names like Brett Emerton, Tugay, Robbie Savage and Mort Pedersen (all until recently full internaitonals). Reidy has yet to really fulfil his potential for Ireland since a horror injury kept him out for almost a season and a half. Having initially being a right sided midfielder for Millwall he's been in an attacking centre mid for Rovers and a good one too. He's certainly in with a shout for a spot in the park for Ireland. It's up to the next manager to decide where though. Based on his competituve nature it seems with more exposure he could well be a big hit for us on the drive to 2006.
Ronnie O'Brien
Abandoned to success out in Dallas, Ronnie, former 'Person of the Century' Candidate has been nothing short of sensational. Twice an MLS All-star and in the running for Player of the year regularly he's much loved over there. With so many of the US team playing at home it's a wonder he's deemed unsuitable for the Irish squad. With strong running ability,. good control and a good tackle in him it's difficult to see why he should be denied a chance if he wants it. He's previously displayed a reluctance to be drawn on it but has been less than positive about the Irish set-up.
http://www.irishvibe.com/article257.html
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