the same Wembley that was in bits for both FA cup semi-finals?
Personally I think Reading will bottle it which, as Elroy stated, could be a good thing for Long (and maybe even Mooney?)
I think Doyle and Hunt will both get a move to a mid-ranking prem team next season anyway so would be good to see one of the other teams go up (preferably Sheff Utd I suppose) to increase our Irish contingent there...
"Well I think they'll be a little disappointed with that" - Matt Holland on TV3 after 5-2 drubbing by Cyprus
Long would benefit from a full season in the Championship as a starter. However Doyle's career seems to have nose-dived since Christmas. Can't remember the last time he scored and hasn't been able to command a place in a faltering Reading team.
Always look on the bright side of life
He was apparently carrying an injury and naively playing on, not realising it was effecting his form... So i read anyway
Mikey Stafford in the Guardian today says he's just getting over a knee injury.
Long seems to have been doing some Stephen Ireland training over the summer.
An important season for Long to see if he can cement a starting place up front, esspecially with Doyle gone. Rodgers has given him Doyle's former no.9 shirt for this season.
http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co....e-performance/
Big season ahead for long, tipped as joint favourite for the championship golden boot:
http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/News...744731,00.html
I have to say Long looked like a man possessed away to Norwich last season. He really looked a genuine talent & a genuine athlete. Time to step into Doyle's wake & seize the moment.
I've always been very impressed with Long when I've seen him play. He reminds me of Scott McDonald in a lot of ways but spends a lot more time outside the box.
I have to say I find it very interesting he's joint top favourite for top scorer. I thought on reputation alone some of the others would have been up there.
scored four the other day in a friendly in sweden aswel..probably similar a similar player to doyle in that he will score a good load up until christmas and then lose form..hopefully not do
I guess I'm the only one whos never really been too impressed by Long. However, I've always maintained that he is young and raw and perhaps he is finally reaching his potential. Also he probably never really devoted full time to footy when he was younger as I believe he was a hurler as well.
My Guarantee
Am looking for old Irish matches on VHS, PM me if you have some and I'll upload them here
I think he's shown potential in short bursts, 2 goals against Denmark, setting up Andy Keogh for the second goal against Forest in the B game, and all-too-brief cameo on the right wing against Poland. Trapattoni clearly has faith in him, and for me that is enough.
Pretty nasty two footed lunge resulting in a RED card yesterday. Poor reaction after not being awarded what he saw as a definite free kick. He had only come on at HT, sent off around the 80min mark. Poor discipline.
I thought you were off the drink Ronnie?
"No, I drink to help me mind my own business....can I get you one? (c) Ronnie Drew
On SSn the commentator at the match said it was obvious it was going to happen since the second he came on. Seriously needs to cop himself on. Being that petulant while playing for a manager who is in serious trouble is not clever
I saw him in the Championship highlights, he's put on a bit of weight too.
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