The team / squad for san marino

--------------Given/Kenny
Finnan/Kelly--Dunne-McShane/McCarthy--Harte
McGeady--Ireland/A.Reid-Carsley-Duff
------------Keane-Stokes

Subs:
Henderson
JOSH
Kilbane
Elliott
Connolly
whoever isn't picked from the XI above (i.e. if Andy Reid starts, put Ireland on the bench, etc)

Don't think there's any real need for Given to play, give Paddy Kenny a run out.
Likewise Finnan, let Kelly show what he can do - assuming he's fit
Fairly attacking/creative midfield, just let Carsley do what he does for Everton, mop up and pass the ball to a more advanced player. Whelan can come on and do the same in the second half.
Let Robbie and Stokes blitz their defence, we need a hatful against this shower or it'll be considered a waste

My predicted team

Given
Kelly Dunne McShane Finnan
McGeady O'Shea Carsley Kilbane
Keane Stokes

Depressing!

I think i'd put Stephen Hunt instead of Kilbane... both journeymen but at least Hunt is in form...

Alan O'Brien was hopless tonight, could not deliver a decent cross let alone beat his man.

Interestingly Liam Lawrence has been playing some excellent football for Stoke. I still can't understand why he was not given a run out against Sweden. Given the weaknesses across the midfield it's very strange that he has not had an opportunity. He was one of Sunderland's few bright spots last year and could fit very well into the current team.

Looks like O'Brien has the same coach that took over Duff about 2 years ago. Why they just won't let wingers take on players I'll never know.

Did anyone think it was glaringly obvious that his team mates (butt and Martins in particular) weren't passing to him, even though he was in acres of space so often. Can't see why he was in any Ireland squad so far. Has offered us nothing.

Yeah, I actually felt very sorry for him tbh. He obviously lacks self belief and he wouldn't call for the ball once. His teammates were a disgrace. One of the young centre halves was trying to get the ball to him and that target man striker that came on also passed it to him once or twice. They'd obviously be friends with him off the pitch. Martins was passing turning inside to nobody when O'Brien was in acres of space. The crowd also gave a big cheer when the ball got to him. The longer it went with him not getting a pass the more his confidence was draining out, I know exactly how he felt.

It doesn't look like he'll ever be good enough for Ireland but it's not his fault and I wish him well in his career.

Keano back on the mark and looking lively last night!

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Yeah, I actually felt very sorry for him tbh. He obviously lacks self belief and he wouldn't call for the ball once. His teammates were a disgrace. One of the young centre halves was trying to get the ball to him and that target man striker that came on also passed it to him once or twice. They'd obviously be friends with him off the pitch. Martins was passing turning inside to nobody when O'Brien was in acres of space. The crowd also gave a big cheer when the ball got to him. The longer it went with him not getting a pass the more his confidence was draining out, I know exactly how he felt.

It doesn't look like he'll ever be good enough for Ireland but it's not his fault and I wish him well in his career.

Just out of interest is there any Newcastle fan here who tell us the roots of Andrew Carroll, the tall front man for Newcastle. Is he Irish? I've never heard of him before.

Not Irish but he's the spitting image of Gary Breen.

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Yeah, I actually felt very sorry for him tbh. He obviously lacks self belief and he wouldn't call for the ball once. His teammates were a disgrace. One of the young centre halves was trying to get the ball to him and that target man striker that came on also passed it to him once or twice. They'd obviously be friends with him off the pitch. Martins was passing turning inside to nobody when O'Brien was in acres of space. The crowd also gave a big cheer when the ball got to him. The longer it went with him not getting a pass the more his confidence was draining out, I know exactly how he felt.

It doesn't look like he'll ever be good enough for Ireland but it's not his fault and I wish him well in his career.

I dont understand why Newcastle didnt let him out on loan to Wolves, he needs to play for a bit and get confidence. He's still a prospect albeit one who has been rushed in.

Anyone know when the squad is being named?

Given is out for a month but hopefully he won't be needed.

Originally Posted by DeNiro

Anyone know when the squad is being named?

I'm wondering the same thing but my guess is probably next Monday

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

Given is out for a month but hopefully he won't be needed.

You never know with this lot

My predicted lineup:

------------Henderson--------

Carr---McShane--Dunne---Finnan

McGeady--Carsley---A. Reid---Kilbane

-------Keane---Stokes------

The lineup if I was manager:

-------------Kenny-----------

Finnan----O'Dea---Dunne----Geary

McGeady---Carsley--A. Reid---Hunt

--------Keane------Morrison-----

I'd bring Connolly back into the squad, but probably wouldn't play him. I'd take one of Keane or Morrison off early in the second half or at half-time and give Stokes a run out.

Roeder said Duff will be fit for Newcaslte's next game. I'd have McShane over O'Dea. It's his spot to lose.

I'd have O'Dea in the squad, and McCarthy too, but it really is McShane's spot to lose. He could have had 2 goals in the second half in Lansdowne when he stayed up from corners and free kicks, might not be a bad bet to open his account. He scored recently for WBA

I reckon this is what'll be picked...


--------------Henderson--------------
--------------------------------------
Finnan ---Dunne---McShane---Kilbane
--------------------------------------
--------------Carsley-----------------
McGeady------------------------Hunt-
---------------A.Reid------------------
---------------------------------------
------Stokes-----------Keane (c)------

Kevin Kilbane is NOT a full back. He's getting a lot of stick from Wigan supporters as well on their websites. O'Shea should play there.

I'd play a Premiership keeper in Kenny ahead of Henderson and Connolly for Stokes and bring the latter on for a run later on. I still haven't forgiven Connolly for getting sent off against Belgium in the play-off game and I don't really rate him but he is scoring goals at the moment.

Originally Posted by OwlsFan

I still haven't forgiven Connolly for getting sent off against Belgium in the play-off game........

That was sheer stupidity alright.