Sean St. Ledger

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

I'm a fan of St. Ledger, but he was caught out ball-watching for Italy's goal in Croke Park straight after he had scored what we all thought would be a famous winner up the other end. Then again, the whole team were in a bit of a trance after we took the lead and seemed to take it for granted we had the game in the bag. At least St. Ledger wasn't caught completely out of position. Otherwise, your praise for him is generally spot on and I don't mean to taint it.



Isn't that a contradiction, or do you mean we need him operating and attuned to SPL-level standard?

Yes, its a contradiction. I omitted an all important "not" in my original post. In summary - I think a St Ledger move to Celtic would not be his best option.

St Ledger struggling with a hamstring injury!

http://www.pnefc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10362~2107627,00.html

Went off injured in last nights game. Hopefully nothing too serious! But considering the recent hammie injury it could be related. With McShane also out i'd say we're looking at a Foley/Kelly Dunne O'Shea Kilbane backline. Kilbane started as left back for Hull which improves his chances of starting in front of Cunningham

Interestingly Keane has been playing O'Dea at left back, altho he was subbed off last night.

Worm posted a quote on the Irish Abroad thread saying that St Ledger's substitution was only precautionary. I think McShane is the one we all hope is, eh, less precautionary.

O'Dea has played LB quite a lot in his career so far. Off the top of my head Id say at least a 1/3 of his appearances for Celtic were at LB. Though his natural position has to be at CB. Still looks more comfortable than say McShane at FB (albeit on the Left).

I just don't think O'Dea has the pace or the on-the-ball ability to play the role at international level. I think he can be a very good centre half for Ireland but I really think we should explore the likes of Ward/Cunningham/Kelly in that role first.

If O'Dea plays there consistently for Ipswich and does well, I'm open to changing my mind, but I honestly don't think he has any of the attributes of a successful left full except being naturally left footed and a good tackler, which in my view is only half of what you need to be a top fullback.

Agree with all of that. But if he's in the squad on merit as a CB backup, then its good to know he could also aquit himself well at LB if required. Afterall KK is not a defender (ok well only recently dropped back to the role) and McShane is certainly not a FB and these are our current first choice full backs.

Ward played a lot of the game on Saturday against Everton at left back and he looked very comfortable. I remember him getting "skinned" at LB a few times early last season but so far this year he looks like a much more accomplished player. Timing of tackles and reading of game looks a lot better. I will be very surprised if he is not included shortly in the squad. Especially if we pick up any more injuries.

Heard from a contact in the game that Zenit St Petersburg are interested in St Ledger.

Spalletti, is believed to have sounded out Trap and Tard, both of whom have recommended St Ledger to 2 Italian clubs.

Good move or not?

Originally Posted by the doc

Good move or not?

Surely the standard would be a bit higher than the Championship? I suppose it depends on the club, too.

Zenit seem to be one of the top dogs in Russian football right now, a full 17 points ahead of 'Aiden McGeady's Spartak Moscow' (© RTE Sport). I wonder who the Italian clubs are..

Sean seems to have lost momentum. A while back I was anticipating a move to the premier league or one of the likely lads in the Championship but his form has been patchy.

In fairness, he always seems to put in a good shift in a green shirt. His club form can be a little inconsistent for a player with his obvious ability.

It would be a great move. I think he needs to move and his club form won't get him a move to the premiership. Once he plays regularly Zenit would be a fantastic move.

Obviously on a personal level it would be a great move for him. But I suspect this rumour is more to drum up potential buyer interest in St Ledger as Preston need to sell.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...St-Ledger.html

Looks like the Premiership awaits Irelands St Ledger!

Well, he'd be in the mix at both clubs to start, but not sure I'd want him going to Aston Villa and potentially reducing Clarke's chances (although maybe Houllier does seem him as more of a midfielder).

I think Villa would be the better move for him personally given Liverpool's dire record of late, although we'll see what transpires come January. Either would surely be preferable to him remaining in the Championship for now. Also, partnering Dunne in defence would only be beneficial to us and both players at international level, although I would also be concerned that it might hurt Clark's chances of first-team action. Then again, as irishfan86 says, Houllier seems to have Clark set out for a defensive midfield role.

I can't see him moving to either club as he's simply not good enough. It would be a dream to see him partner Dunne at Villa but c'mon, do you really seem him starting over James Collins?

What have Aston Villa, Liverpool, Zenit, 2 unnamed Italian clubs, Celtic, Everton and WBA all in common?

Answers on a postcard and addressed to "the doc", Preston.

Is Skrtel any better than him?