QuoteHe was rated 8 and 8.1 on Sky.
Well a lot of people did say it was Kilbanes best game for Everton in years.Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
Last edited by NeilMcD; 11/09/2006 at 4:04 PM.
In Trap we trust
He was rated 8 and 8.1 on Sky.
Carsley had a great game on saturday and had a hand in 2 of the goals.I would play him on the 7th .
I hope Stan doesn't read the Times and take the rating to heart.
Last edited by geysir; 11/09/2006 at 7:39 PM.
I know this is a bit of a 'wacky' idea, but I often wonder if Finnan could do a job in central midfield for us?
Reasons.
a) Reliable.
b) Comfortable on the ball.
c) Keeps it simple.
d) Can see a pass
e) Can make a pass.
Yes I have my doubts about him in that position, but then I have my doubts the rest of our central midfield options too!! I mean he is normally played out of position anyway, so he would be less out of position there.
Finnan may be better than some we have but my mantra-like obsession at the moment is simple:
Play central midfielders in central midfield.
A player who doesn't have the awareness or instincts required will ultimately be shown up in central midfield.
I think we should play Finnan where he plays best.
My current thinking is:
Finnan--Dunne--O'Brien --AN Other (Kilbane or O'Shea, Harte injured I expect)
---Reid---Carsley
Doyle--Kav--Duff
------Robbie----
Why?
Carsley to keep things calm and simple. If he's good enough to do a job against Sissoko and Alonso he should be good enough to play Cyprus.
Reid to keep things solid, but having freeedom to get forward.
Doyle & Duff offering pace and trickery and having instructions to get forward and run at the box. Kavanagh, benefitting from the support of Reid & Carsley behind him, to have attacking license to play Robbie in, avoiding the need for Robbie to drop as deep as he does to get the ball.
The full backs will have license to get forward too.
As I see it, whilst on paper you're playing only one forward, the reality in Germany was that our forwards rarely had the ball in advanced positions anyway. In this selection, we have an orthodox back four, a solid core in midfield and an attacking "diamond" of Kav, Doyle, Duff and Robbie. Everyone will be naturally suited to the role he's given, except maybe Robbie who's not a natural line-leader, but I think it has its merits.
I think it certainly addresses our misfunctioning central midfield & I also think it keeps our best attacking players closer together. In Stuttgart all our attacking resources were isolated for most of the match.
However, deep down, I think 4-4-2 will be best, simply because I don't believe our management has the nous to explain how this'll work!
Comments appreciated.
I would play a more adventurous team against the Cypriots than the Czechs:
Given (or Kenny if Given still injured)
Carr Dunne O'Brien Finnan
McGeady Reid Miller (or Ireland if he gets a few games) Duff
Keane Doyle
Against the Czechs I'd drop Miller and play Kavanagh.
Too early for Tabb. Though I agree that we can afford to be more adventurous against Cyprus than the Czechs, it doesn't make sense to me to promote a U21 on the basis of one full game for Coventry.
A Slovak guy posted his assessment of the Slovakia side on chatsoccer recently. He said the 6-1 against Cyprus flattered them as every chance Slovakia had, they took. It's not long ago that Cyprus beat Wales 1-0 and should have beaten us. I'm not saying that we should be afraid of Cyprus but I don't think unnecessary experimentation is warranted either.
I think Tabb will be a very good player in due course. soccerc correctly predicted that he'd be more likely to impress in midfield than as a forward, where Givens deployed him.
He should definitely get a run out before the likes of Alan O'Brien or Terry Dixon but unfortunately I have a feeling the current management only watch the Premiership and Sunderland.
Tabb is very talented. I've rated him highly for a while. I think Coventry have a great chance at promotion this season so we could see him in the Premiership next year.
I also think Staunton should have Supple in the squad ahead of Henderson as I think he's the better keeper and would be surprised if he doesn't get more matches between now and the qualifiers than Henderson or at least the same amount (0).
On a side note considering our lack of a decent holding/defensive midfielder I believe Michael Doyle also at Coventry should be looked at in a future friendly as he might help to fill a gap until J O'Brien or Garvan mature or an alternative option becomes available.
Looks a good bet to me with Finnan in his proper position. I think I'd go with Doyle up front though as he looks a good man to hold up the ball, and then Robbie supporting from the right and Duffer coming from the left would give us plenty of attacking ability
No excuse for Staunton not knowing him. They used to be teammates! Is Doyle also possible left-back cover? Can Stephen Hunt play left-back?
Doyle probably has more pace too, and is arguably a more natural finisher. Definitely better in the air.
I'd say no on both counts. Doyle is reasonably versatile but I wouldn't stick him at LB. He never plays there for Coventry. Definitely wouldn't put Hunt at LB he's a slightly built, skillful winger. Playing defensively wouldn't suit him at all.
When is the squad to be released?
My Guarantee
Am looking for old Irish matches on VHS, PM me if you have some and I'll upload them here
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