Ireland to play Ecuador and Bolivia in May

**Four Eyes** · 23/05/2007, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

Kaviedes is one to watch out for though.

Especially in Championship manager 02/03

**tetsujin1979** · 23/05/2007, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by youngirish

Don't rate Potter. That midfield looks exceptionally dodgy though I suppose Stan has the excuse of having a serious lack of resources so we'll let it go this time (he should have brought and played Garvan though who is a far, far better player than Potter so again he's not entirely blameless).

Potter seemed quite assured on the ball in the games I saw him play for Wolves, and he's certainly happier there than on the right wing.
I said before that the Kilbane-as-central-midfielder experiment had to end after the Cyprus debacle, following the Wales and Slovakia games, he showed he could play there, as long as he had a dedicated defensive midfield partner, which Potter is. Given the squad that's there, and the mysterious lack of players like Garvan and Whelan, Potter and Kilbane isn't too bad.
According to Stan, he did approach McPhail to come on the tour, but he had already committed to an operation after the season ended and had to to turn it down.

**eirebhoy** · 23/05/2007, 11:06 AM

I'm happy with Kilbane in the centre to the dirty work and keep things simple but that won't be his role tonight.

**Manc Irish Wolf** · 23/05/2007, 11:16 AM

Young Irish, Have you seen Potter play recently? He's only 22, was rated highly by Benitez and is improving with every game. Admit that Garvan is a good prospect and should be in the squad, however that's no reason to dismiss Potter - he's a good option as a holding midfielder, handy if we revert to a 4-3-3 and is certainly a better option than other Irish Squad regulars such as Liam Miller in the middle. With Garvan, McCann & O'Brien coming through in that position, it can only be healthy.

Hope he plays a young 4-3-3 team with:

Doyle

Kelly, O' Cearuill, Bennett, Kilbane

Potter, Gamble, Hunt

Doyle, Long, Stokes

**Wolfie** · 23/05/2007, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by Manc Irish Wolf

Young Irish, Have you seen Potter play recently? He's only 22, was rated highly by Benitez and is improving with every game. Admit that Garvan is a good prospect and should be in the squad, however that's no reason to dismiss Potter - he's a good option as a holding midfielder, handy if we revert to a 4-3-3 and is certainly a better option than other Irish Squad regulars such as Liam Miller in the middle. With Garvan, McCann & O'Brien coming through in that position, it can only be healthy.

Hope he plays a young 4-3-3 team with:

Doyle

Kelly, O' Cearuill, Bennett, Kilbane

Potter, Gamble, Hunt

Doyle, Long, Stokes

Given what's available - that's about the most viable team you could pick.

Coverage starts at 1am - best get the matchsticks for the eyes.

**theworm2345** · 23/05/2007, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by Wolfie

Given what's available - that's about the most viable team you could pick.

Stokes and Long over Murphy?

**Wolfie** · 23/05/2007, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

Stokes and Long over Murphy?

Hands up on that one, Worm.

To be fair, Murphy's recent form should have in ahead of Stokes.

**Metrostars** · 23/05/2007, 12:30 PM

Strange that my ticket for tonight's game says 7:30pm but other places I read 8pm. I am very much looking forward to having a look at our young prospects. I dont expect a very big crowd, maybe 20K and mostly Ecuadorians. Keep an eye out for my flag, first row, about half way between the half way line and the end line on the right on the far side as you look at the TV.

**youngirish** · 23/05/2007, 1:00 PM

Originally Posted by Manc Irish Wolf

Young Irish, Have you seen Potter play recently? He's only 22, was rated highly by Benitez and is improving with every game. Admit that Garvan is a good prospect and should be in the squad, however that's no reason to dismiss Potter - he's a good option as a holding midfielder, handy if we revert to a 4-3-3 and is certainly a better option than other Irish Squad regulars such as Liam Miller in the middle. With Garvan, McCann & O'Brien coming through in that position, it can only be healthy.

Indeed I have Manc Irish Wolf. I just don't think he's much cop. Very limited player IMO. Hopefully J O'Brien will be fit next season or Garvan gets a call up because I really fear for our future if Potter becomes a mainstay of the Irish midfield.

For the record I wouldn't have Liam Miller near the squad either, he's rubbish. Our best central midfielders available when fit are (in no particular order):

A Reid
S Reid
Carsley
Garvan
Ireland
J O'Brien
Kavanagh

**geysir** · 23/05/2007, 1:17 PM

Nah, they're all limited rubbish as well.

**Manc Irish Wolf** · 23/05/2007, 2:04 PM

I don't think he will beome the mainstay of the Irish Midfield, as like you say Garvan and O'Brien are better prospects, however he is young and improving and it's more beneficial to see what he can do, than play tried and tested midfielders like Kilbane, Kavanagh and Carsley - none of whom have set the world alight in that particular position.

Good shout with regards to Murphy - probably deserved on form - just think that Stokes, Doyle and Long have will have a bit more class in the long ter, - tough one, as Murphy and Keogh have played quality this season.

**bwagner** · 23/05/2007, 4:33 PM

whats the hold up in naming the team...Does stan not know there names

**Wolfie** · 23/05/2007, 4:49 PM

Just read that 25 players have pulled out of the tour due to injury, personal commitments and hair washing commitments (Insert Carsley gag here).

Get ready for a lot of changes during the game. Stan stated the other day:

"We're only allowed to use six subs so we'll try and give everybody a run. They've all been very good to come out, they're all keen and eager and it would be nice to give everyone a run".

**eirebhoy** · 23/05/2007, 4:59 PM

Originally Posted by Wolfie

Just read that 25 players have pulled out of the tour due to injury, personal commitments and hair washing commitments.

Injured:
Shay Given
Paddy McCarthy
Steven Reid
Jonathan Douglas
Andy Reid
Darron Gibson
Damien Duff
Caleb Folan
Sean St Ledger
Derek Geary
John O'Shea

Not called up to give them an early pre-season:
Richard Dunne
Stephen Carr
Lee Carsley
Robbie Keane

Club Commitments:
Darren O'Dea
Aiden McGeady
Ian Harte
Steven Finnan
Paul McShane

Personal Commitments:
Alan Quinn
Stephen Quinn
Liam Miller
Stephen Elliott
Stephen Ireland

**strangeirish** · 23/05/2007, 5:59 PM

Steve Staunton has named his side to face Ecuador in the international friendly in Giants Stadium, New Jersey. Kick-off is at 1.00am Irish time.
1. Colin Doyle (Birmingham)
2. Stephen Kelly (Birmingham)
3. Alex Bruce (Ipswich)
4. Alan Bennett (Reading)
5. Stephen O'Halloran (Aston Villa)
6. Daryl Murphy (Sunderland)
7. Kevin Kilbane (Wigan)
8. Darren Potter (Wolves)
9. Stephen Hunt (Reading)
10. Kevin Doyle (Reading)
11. Andy Keogh (Wolves)