QuoteThe thing I can't understand is why they don't just get Mick Byrne to use his magic sponge on Doyle's injury. Surely this is the main reason he was brought back!
Do you know something we dont about Sionkos post match activities.Originally Posted by elroy
Last edited by gustavo; 05/10/2006 at 11:35 AM. Reason: tidying quotes
In Trap we trust
The thing I can't understand is why they don't just get Mick Byrne to use his magic sponge on Doyle's injury. Surely this is the main reason he was brought back!
SIGNATURESCOPE
Steve Staunton feels Kevin Doyle is now unlikely to play in Republic of Ireland's Euro 2008 qualifier against Cyprus.
The Reading striker is battling to shake off an ankle strain in time to feature in Saturday's game in Nicosia.
Though Doyle is making steady progress from the knock, he has been unable to train fully this week and will also sit out Friday's session.
Ireland coach Staunton admits the 23-year-old is getting better, but feels that if he were to play against Cyprus, he would miss next Wednesday's clash with Czech Republic.
"Kevin Doyle is the same as yesterday and he is going to sit out tomorrow as well," Staunton told Sky Sports News.
"We'll see how he is and give him every opportunity to be fit for Saturday. If he's not, he's got every chance to be ready for Wednesday.
"On Saturday, it's looking like he'll probably not (play). He is improving vastly every day and I am going to give him every chance.
"On the other side of the coin, if he does play on Saturday, there is every chance he won't play on Wednesday."
Staunton is toying with alternatives to partner Robbie Keane in attack, if Doyle is unfit, with Clinton Morrison and Damien Duff among the options.
He added: "Clinton's played there a few times before. He will get hold of it, he's got an eye for goal and he has looked sharp in training.
"I would have no problem with him, or big Alan (Lee), to come in, or Damien might play up there with Robbie. We've got options."
Liam Miller also skipped training on Thursday with a slight foot injury, but Staunton expects the Sunderland midfielder to be available for the Cyprus game.
Staunton concluded: "Liam Miller has a slight wee strain underneath his foot. It's nothing major and he'll be training tomorrow."
skysports.com
Looks like it's Clinton up front with Keano. ******.
"If God had meant football to be played in the air, he'd have put grass in the sky." Brian Clough.
You'll NEVER beat the Irish.......you'll just draw with us instead!!!
Don't be so dramatic, Clinton scored some crucial goals for us in this past qualifying campaign.
He should have no problems against the likes of Cyprus.
I just hope Staunton has the sense to leave Duff out on the wing instead of using him up front.
A pairing of Keane and Duff up front would be horribly ineffective in my opinion.
Yeah I agree Morrisson upfront is not a disaster he is not in form as much as doyle is and not as clever a player but he is well able to get a goal or 2 against them as he has done it before. Doyle is more important kept for Wednesday if there is any doubt in my view.
In Trap we trust
Obviosly it's a blow not to have Doyle for this game but I'm sure Morrison will go out and give his all to try and earn a place in the team. The Keane and Morrison partnership was pretty decent anyway. Just looking at the team that beat Cyprus 3-0 a couple of years ago:
Given, Carr, O'Brien, Cunningham, O'Shea, Kilbane, Kavanagh, Andy Reid, Duff, Keane, Morrison.
The difference for this game will be Kenny for Given, Finnan for Carr, Dunne for Cunningham, someone for Kavanagh, McGeady for A.Reid.
Are we stronger or weaker for Saturday?
I'd say it's much the same.
Kenny isn't as good as Given but I doubt goaltending will play a huge factor in this match. It will come down to our ability or lack of ability to score.
I rate Dunne higher than Cunningham was back then.
Andy Reid and McGeady are both around the same level in my estimation.
Finnan is an upgrade on Carr.
Liam Miller or Douglas are able replacements for Kavanagh.
Duff may not be as good now as he was then, which is cause for concern. But if he can't work his magic against the Cypriots then we are well screwed anyway.
Has anyone seen a few of Millers performances for Sunderland? How has he being doing, i heard in his first few games he was putting in MOM performances, havent heard alot lately though
You alot are making Cyprus out to be rubbish, but they aren't.The Slovakia match was a blip.
Last edited by Soper; 05/10/2006 at 3:02 PM.
I posted this elsewhere but
We dont know how good we are yet thats the way i look at it, We will know a lot more this time next week, Sure Stan has made a few baffling decisions but lets give him the benefit of the doubt and see where we stand after this series of games.
In a funny kind of way playing Morrison on Saturday and Doyle on Wednesday might work out because Clinton has a lot more International experience which will be useful away from home. Home games generally are 'easier' for newer less experienced players to play in because of the crowd and travelling etc
Clinton's a decent player and does try but he hasn't been getting game time at all this season and like O'Brien will not be match sharp. That's why I'm not optimistic about the pairing - at least Doyle has played in all his PL matches and been grabbing goals.
I'll be happy with a 1 nil at present, 3 points is essential.
"If God had meant football to be played in the air, he'd have put grass in the sky." Brian Clough.
You'll NEVER beat the Irish.......you'll just draw with us instead!!!
Long, Hunt, Clarke, Connolly, or Murphy
What the **** is wrong with you Staunton
My Guarantee
Am looking for old Irish matches on VHS, PM me if you have some and I'll upload them here
I wouldnt have at least 3 of those you mentiond in the squad.
and the other 2? What the hell is the point in not having at least 1 of them when you only have 2+5/6 of a striker available (Morrison has a thigh injury, though he should be fine). Whats the point in sacrificing Duff's ability in the midfield for a striker we could have for no cost more than a plane ticket to Nicosia?
Last edited by theworm2345; 06/10/2006 at 1:59 AM.
My Guarantee
Am looking for old Irish matches on VHS, PM me if you have some and I'll upload them here
Fair enough but i dont think Long Hunt (im presuming the Reading guy) and Murphy are ready or indeed deserving for international football yet .
Long and Clarke aren't international standard, just yet. They don't have a case for a full international call-up either as neither of them are first-choice players at their respective clubs.
Hunt is not international standard and never will be.
Connolly has had his chance, it's time to move on.
Murphy didn't set the LOI alight when he was with Waterford - and, honestly, he hasn't improved that much at Sunderland to jusify a call-up. We have a long list of players in that position that are better than Murphy.
Lads I think its about time to stiop bitching and moaning about Stan's selections for the squad and get behind the lads. Bar the Carsley debacle (and McPhail) I can honestly say that its the best we have at the moment and providing he picks the right team I think we can get something out of both matches!
And sure when he picks the next squad we can start the bitching all over again!
Yeah agree that the only slightly controversial decision is leaving out carsley. the rest are much of a muchness. his team selection against germany was disappointing so lets hope he changes things about there. i.e. no kilbane and no o shea. have never remembered a more miserable atmosphere in the run up to a match. everyone ya talk to is totally pessimistic. Well done John Delaney for bringing the "Passion" back to Irish football. You complete ****ing ******.
He only came on as a last minute sub against Wednesday last Saturday and almost gave away a goal
Forget about the performance or entertainment. It's only the result that matters.
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