Irish Players Abroad 06/07

**tetsujin1979** · 06/03/2007, 11:53 AM

Done and done, but unison.ie is free to register on

Staunton eyes up Latics' bargain-buy Folan
Steve Staunton is ready to add Wigan Athletic striker Caleb Folan to his striking options.
The Republic of Ireland boss has been impressed with the way the former Chesterfield striker has adjusted to life in the top flight with the Latics.
Folan, 24, qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents and has made it known that he would love the chance to play for Staunton.
"Steve has known about Folan for a while and saw him at Chesterfield. When a big man with Irish qualifications starts scoring in the top flight of course it'll be noticed," said a source close to the Irish boss yesterday.
When Folan was a trainee at Leeds United he was watched by former under-21 team manager Ian Evans but was never selected.
Like a number of talented youngsters including Andy Keogh, Folan has gone on to prove himself in the lower divisions since leaving Elland Road.
His 14 goals for Chesterfield earlier this term earned the Leeds-born target-man a €750,000 move to the JJB Stadium.
The 6ft 2in striker scored his second Premiership goal for Paul Jewell's side against Manchester City on Saturday.
"Caleb's fee looks really good business and he's got two goals. If those goals help keep us in the Premiership then that's worth 20 times what we paid," said Jewell.

**dr_peepee** · 06/03/2007, 12:33 PM

Haven't seen him play but with those stats and a target man 'tag'..... Nice one!!

**shakermaker1982** · 06/03/2007, 12:39 PM

With a name like that I knew he must have Irish blood! We are spoilt for choice up front but fingers crossed we find a new Paul McGrath some time soon.

**bwagner** · 06/03/2007, 3:31 PM

thanks bud

**tetsujin1979** · 07/03/2007, 9:26 AM

From Aiden McGeady's latest diary entry: http://www.icons.com/mcgeady/diary.html?06.03.07

It was pleasing for me to hear that Massimo Oddo, the Milan right-back, who I faced on the night in Glasgow, has since said that I have the ability to play in Serie A. When you hear something like that from a player at Milan you know it's good, especially when it comes from a player you have played against directly.

**livehead1** · 07/03/2007, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

From Aiden McGeady's latest diary entry: http://www.icons.com/mcgeady/diary.html?06.03.07

That clown mcGeady was useless in the first leg. He didn't beat his man once and was on the back foot all game

**John83** · 07/03/2007, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by livehead1

That clown mcGeady was useless in the first leg. He didn't beat his man once and was on the back foot all game

People said the same of Ronaldo the last time Man Utd played Milan. Milan are no pushovers.

**eirebhoy** · 07/03/2007, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by livehead1

That clown mcGeady was useless in the first leg. He didn't beat his man once and was on the back foot all game

First of all, was there a need to call him a clown? Secondly, McGeady was marked by 2 players, Oddo and Gattuso. Milan got their tactics spot on against Celtic, more than any team that has played at Celtic park recently. Double mark the wide players (with 2 world class players) and job done. When I say marked, the full backs couldn't even pass it to them they were marked so tightly. If you expect McGeady to beat Oddo and Gattuso then I'm sorry, you need to lower your expectations. It was similar to when France came to Lansdowne and didn't give Duff an inch.

I can understand you critising him if he tried to beat the player and kept failing but it can only be good if he has the intelligience to know when to take on the player. Also, Strachan will get the best out of him. Strachan was impressed with him against Milan, that's all that matters.

Still can't believe you called him a clown for no obvious reason. He's a grumpy bugger but not a bad person and certainly not arrogant.

**geysir** · 07/03/2007, 12:38 PM

Spot on about McGeady at that Milan match. I still don't know how Milan could double up on both wide players at the same time and still have defenders to spare in the middle.
Isn't Finnan, even at this stage of his career, developing his ability? There's even more of a physical upright presence about himself on the pitch whereas in the past he looked kinda hunched and shy.

**CraftyToePoke** · 07/03/2007, 2:58 PM

Mark Yeates and Conrad Logan were part of a winning leicester side in a practice match yesterday v coventry.

Here:http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page...992087,00.html

Also, Stokes, Adan Rooney has come 3rd in the Champoinships 'apprentice of the year' award thingy, good news for him, but overall a little dissappointing maybe, that he didnt impact more at first team level after his impressive end to last season, but Stoke are throwing the pennies around to be fair to him.

HERE:: from the blue army site

Leicester City youngster Eric Odhiambo finished third in the search for the Championship's apprentice of the year.

The Academy striker, who made his City debut in the Carling Cup game against Aston Villa in October, was one of six youngsters to be nominated for the accolade at the Football League Awards.

Cardiff defender Chris Gunter, who has made seven first-team appearances for the Bluebirds this season, won the Wickes Young Apprentice Trophy, with Stoke's Adam Rooney the runner-up.

**eirebhoy** · 07/03/2007, 4:02 PM

Originally Posted by CraftyToePoke

Also, Stokes, Adan Rooney has come 3rd in the Champoinships 'apprentice of the year' award thingy

2nd.

**theworm2345** · 07/03/2007, 9:16 PM

Originally Posted by CraftyToePoke

Leicester City youngster Eric Odhiambo finished third in the search for the Championship's apprentice of the year.

Odhiambo and his brother Eddie (Anaclet of Oxford) are Tanzanian

**eirebhoy** · 07/03/2007, 9:33 PM

I've never really got excited about Darren O'Dea or called for him to be called up to the Ireland squad but I think I'll start raving about him now.

He was leading the line and ordering the likes of Lennon and Naylor about at the age of 20. McGeady played very well too in the hole behind the Vennegoor.

**tetsujin1979** · 08/03/2007, 9:41 AM

Ian Daly came off the bench to equalise for Man City's reserves in their 1-1 draw with Preston North End's reserves in the Pontin's Holiday League.
City's line up also included Michael Daly (no relation) at centre half.

Preston North End review: http://www.pnefc.premiumtv.co.uk/pag....html?ptvParm=
Man City review: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pa...&newsid=409128

**livehead1** · 08/03/2007, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

I've never really got excited about Darren O'Dea or called for him to be called up to the Ireland squad but I think I'll start raving about him now.

He was leading the line and ordering the likes of Lennon and Naylor about at the age of 20. McGeady played very well too in the hole behind the Vennegoor.

saw very little to convince me any more about mcgeady last night. some very nice touches on the ball but consistantly failed to beat his man, losing possession.

**livehead1** · 08/03/2007, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

First of all, was there a need to call him a clown? Secondly, McGeady was marked by 2 players, Oddo and Gattuso. Milan got their tactics spot on against Celtic, more than any team that has played at Celtic park recently. Double mark the wide players (with 2 world class players) and job done. When I say marked, the full backs couldn't even pass it to them they were marked so tightly. If you expect McGeady to beat Oddo and Gattuso then I'm sorry, you need to lower your expectations. It was similar to when France came to Lansdowne and didn't give Duff an inch.

I can understand you critising him if he tried to beat the player and kept failing but it can only be good if he has the intelligience to know when to take on the player. Also, Strachan will get the best out of him. Strachan was impressed with him against Milan, that's all that matters.

Still can't believe you called him a clown for no obvious reason. He's a grumpy bugger but not a bad person and certainly not arrogant.

didn't like mcgeadys comments saying he was happy to hear he would be able to play in serie a. i think he should simply concentrate on his own game at this moment in time.

**gustavo** · 08/03/2007, 10:14 AM

Of course he should be happy people saying that , doesnt mean he suddenly going to be arrogant .

**eirebhoy** · 08/03/2007, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by livehead1

saw very little to convince me any more about mcgeady last night. some very nice touches on the ball but consistantly failed to beat his man, losing possession.

I don't know what you're looking for from him.

He played behind the striker and you're still looking for him to beat the players. Last night was the most confident I've ever seen him away from Celtic Park in Europe. Very encouraging.

/edit - btw I wouldn't be suprised if Oddo's comments were the reason McGeady looked so confident. He's the kind of person that cares too much what people think. I actually think he spends too much time on the internet.

**paul_oshea** · 08/03/2007, 2:23 PM

livehead i can see where you are coming from he has done nothing yet. we need to wait and see. if he starts doing it for ireland then we can comment.

**zenokelly** · 08/03/2007, 6:30 PM

Have seen a lot of McGeady this season and am not impressed at all with his play. A better manager at Celtic Park would see that and wouldn't be picking him like Strachan. Although I think if he gets a move from Celtic to a club with a better manager that they could bring the best out of him because he's got bags of abilty. Wouldn't put him near the team for the 2 games in Croker.

But O Dea was the best man on the park last night for the Bhoys and Staunton really needs to take note because if he can put in a performace like that against one of the best sides in Europe, he can surely do a job against mediocre Welsh and Slovakian teams