Thought I'd throw a couple of more names into the hat.... Sheff U pair of Alan Quinn & Derek Geary(are 3 Prem starts more likely to get Geary into B squad ahead of his EL equivalent?), Irelands forgotten man, Stephen McPhail at Cardiff - he is doing well for them, Paul Butler......just joking. Depending on the objective of B team, Alan Lee should be involved, has not started a proper involvement yet. Of course adding a Senior Squadder will reduce places for players we know less about, but thats where the objective is important. I think a good idea would be a Home Nations type B tournament, giving regular activity for U21 ineligible players.
"as always i will be focused on coaching and training my team" Rafa B
I don't think anybody currently elligible for the underage sides should be included in the B squad (except for keepers). I mean the whole idea is to provide a platform for those guys currently without one. Plus, when you think about it, you'll learn as much from them at that level as you would throwingthem in to a one off game with players they've had little or no exposure to and most likely will never have again thereafter. It's a waste of a valuable showcase to include Clarke, Stokes etc
I've said this many times. It should only be used to view players that could potentially be assets down the line, either outright or subject to a bout of injuries. Not as a token gesture to Eircom league or Football leauge stallwarts.
I wouldn't include Trundle at this point with his age. We've enough depth and youth in that position that it's highly unlikely he'll ever be needed in the next couple of years. I don't really know enough about the eircom league to comment on who should be in but I feel there's little to be gained by including anyone over the age of 27, or there abouts. Fact is english football is the benchmark wheather we like it or not, and we really can't assess somebody unless the've been tested on a regular basis against a better standard of opposition than what the EL has to offer.
Point is we shouldn't waste the oppertunity to look at players needed in crucial areas. I think we've enough depth up front to waste a call up for too many striking options. Name just three (Alan Lee, Jason Byrne+1 ) and give them all run. Name 4 keepers Murphy, Stack + 2 including whoever is the regular back up for the 21's (Dunno if it's Supple or Logan)
In the defense, no point in dropping O'Brien to the B squad given we know what he's about. McCarthy straight in the first 11 with St Leger, maybe Alex Bruce on the bench, and Jason Gavin. Wouldn't call up Doherty. Again it's about exposue to players so why bother. S Kelly at right full. Left full is position that can be a gatway to the fist team squad. Are there any left fulls playing regularly to a high standard in the EL or in the football leagues?? Maybe CLive Clarke (got taken off after 27 minutes of his coventry debut, but one fan reckoned they seen him vomit on the pitch just before hand)
McPhail should start in the middle definatley. Anyone's gues who else. Micky Doyle, Willo Flood, Jay Tabb, Martin Rowlands. We've a derth of midfeilders all playing at a similar level on or around the first team squad.
Looking forward to seeing the squad announced though. Should make an interesting read.
KIETH FOY!!!!
He plays for Sligo Rovers and i quality! He was Captain of the Ireland U-16 team that won the European championship a few years back! it included Duff and Keane!
But on a more serious note what about Ian Harte? How come he has suddenly dissapeared of the radar?
have you been watching us all season? Keith has put on more weight as the season progressed and got lazier all along. No way is he even B international standard at this stage. The talent and ability is there, but the hunger for it to be used isnt, and thats why he went from starting in the Championship with Forest to playing with us.
as for Ian Harte, he was injured the last round of games, but should make the squad i would imagine this time....
I wonder will the two squads be exclusive. Like will someone be able to play a bit on tuesday and be on the bench on wednesday??
Was thinking about Lee and A.Quinn really.
So are the squads coming out tomorrow morning?
P.S.
I can't even argue for Connolly to be in the squad because he hasn't been scoring (though he has been playing well )
My Guarantee
Am looking for old Irish matches on VHS, PM me if you have some and I'll upload them here
Are the squads being announced today?
Bookmarks