Denmark vs Ireland - Match Thread

**NeilMcD** · 14/08/2007, 9:09 PM

I am the opposite I have only seen him have one bad agame and that was Chile at home when he was played out of position in a three man defence that was all over the shop.

**Billsthoughts** · 14/08/2007, 11:15 PM

agree with above. hes usually been pretty good.

**theworm2345** · 15/08/2007, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by NeilMcD

I am the opposite I have only seen him have one bad agame and that was Chile at home when he was played out of position in a three man defence that was all over the shop.

Have you ever seen him play in the league?

**tetsujin1979** · 15/08/2007, 12:21 AM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

Have you ever seen him play in the league?

He was a regular in the side that finished second in the championship, and birmingham had a solid record when he started, winning 24, drawing 6 and losing only 9 games.
When he was a regular in the Spurs side, he scored a few crucial goals, but then Lee returned from injury and he lost his place.

**theworm2345** · 15/08/2007, 3:01 AM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

He was a regular in the side that finished second in the championship, and birmingham had a solid record when he started, winning 24, drawing 6 and losing only 9 games.
When he was a regular in the Spurs side, he scored a few crucial goals, but then Lee returned from injury and he lost his place.

I've seen him play for Ireland a few times and for Birmingham a few times, as far as I can remember he's been pretty bad almost every time. He may have played, but did you ever watch the matches?

**tetsujin1979** · 15/08/2007, 9:38 AM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

I've seen him play for Ireland a few times and for Birmingham a few times, as far as I can remember he's been pretty bad almost every time. He may have played, but did you ever watch the matches?

I've seen him play a few times, seems to try and get forward quite a bit.
Never really outstanding, but never really screwed up either - he wouldn't play that often if he did - but you don't really want your full backs to be the best player on the pitch.

**NeilMcD** · 15/08/2007, 9:43 AM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

Have you ever seen him play in the league?

Yeah I would say most of his games for Spurs in the league and about 5 of his games of Birmingham. Good decent fullback in my view.

**Torn-Ado** · 15/08/2007, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

Whenever I've seen him Kelly has been a bunch of ****e

And what about Carr. When did he last put in a good performance for Ireland. Carr is dire. The amount of times he got roasted on that wing was ridiculous.

I'd take Kelly before him anyday.

**Dr. Ogba** · 15/08/2007, 10:48 AM

Talking about full-backs I think its well worth keeping an eye on Kevin Foley at Wolves now. I think he'll turn out to be a better player than Kelly anyway...

**bawn79** · 15/08/2007, 2:27 PM

Anyone know when the squad for this one is named?

**theworm2345** · 15/08/2007, 2:49 PM

Originally Posted by bawn79

Anyone know when the squad for this one is named?

Tomorrow

**Stuttgart88** · 16/08/2007, 8:44 AM

From today's Guardian:

Eriksson may have constructed one of the most cosmopolitan squads in English football but it was Johnson, a Mancunian, and Stephen Ireland, from Cork, who stood out throughout.

I was critical of Eriksson here a few weeks ago after reading him admit he hadn't seen any of his signings, and also seeing one of the UK papers list its probable first XI excluding Ireland, but in fairness he's giving the local players a chance and, so far, with good effect.

It still concerns me how we should accomodate Ireland though.

Ireland excelled with Joey Barton covering every inch of the pitch and now I think he's being partnered by Hamaan, a tall and rangy holding player. Do we have anyone who can provide the grit to match Ireland's creativity? Steven Reid if fit can do what Barton used to do for City but time is running out for Reid to establish himself as an international.

Or must we play Ireland in an advanced role with 3 behind him?

Here's my latest thinking on the team:

----------Given------------
O'Shea-Dunne-McShane-Finnan
---A.Reid--Carsley--Hunt---
---------Ireland-------
-----Keane----Doyle---

Subs from: Kilbane, McGeady, Carr, a centre back, Elliott and/or any of the young forward tyros making their mark. Is Miller playing well enough to merit a squad recall?

On the positive side there's creativity, width, grit & balance (bar Finnan on the left). Reid can play perfectly well on the right, and he, Ireland & Keane can all interchange if on the same wavelength.

Hunt & McShane would bring an attitude to the team that's been missing in recent years, and who knows, if Spurs' poor start continues maybe Robbie will look at Ireland as his main chance of glory.

On the negative side, it's a vertically challenged midfield and may struggle to contain a bigger side.

The Guardian this morning commented on Stephen Hunt's excellent crossing.

I believe Colin Doyle made a brilliant save near the end last night and Bruce was furious claiming Doyle was fouled by O'Donovan in the follow up, leading to the equaliser. I also heard on SKY that Doyle flapped badly at a cross (from Miller) moments earlier.

As said in another thread, McShane is far from the finished & polished article but he brings leadership and attitude. He & Dunne will probably always have an error just around the corner, but by & large I think it's a good pairing. McShane - the "new" Kevin Moran anyone?

**DeNiro** · 16/08/2007, 8:51 AM

Good post stutts, but can S. Reid be omitted that easily? McShane and Hunt do bring an attitude to the team, but so does Doyle. I think he was the pioneer of it until McShane came along. Doyle made a fantastic last minute save last night, but O'Donovan pulled him back from getting up. He was pretty average Sunday. Should start against Denmark.

Staunton could do anything with this squad today. I suspect Folan and/or Norris will be in it. Don't agree with either. Would like to see Potter in. He did well in the States and would make the midfield less vertically challenged.

**Stuttgart88** · 16/08/2007, 9:04 AM

Originally Posted by DeNiro

can S. Reid be omitted that easily?

In ordinary circumstances I'd have him in in a flash. I've rated him for ages. But he needs to be match fit. He hasn't played since Stuttgart I think, club or country. I'd like to see a fit Joey O'Brien return too.

Potter looked the part in the US I agree and I'd like to see him play some part in Denmark.

**passinginterest** · 16/08/2007, 10:25 AM

Squad announced:
Goalkeepers:
Nick Colgan Barnsley
Colin Doyle Birmingham City
Wayne Henderson Preston North End

Defenders:
Stephen Carr Newcastle United
Richard Dunne Manchester City
Steve Finnan Liverpool
Stephen Kelly Birmingham City
Paul McShane Sunderland
John O'Shea Manchester United

Midfielders:
Jonathon Douglas Leeds United
Stephen Hunt Reading
Stephen Ireland Manchester City
Kevin Kilbane Wigan Athletic
Aiden McGeady Celtic
Alan O'Brien Hibernian
Darren Potter Wolverhampton Wanderers
Andy Reid Charlton Athletic

Strikers
Kevin Doyle Reading
Stephen Elliot Wolverhampton Wanderers
Robbie Keane Tottenham Hotspur
Andy Keogh Wolverhampton Wanderers
Shane Long Reading
Daryl Murphy Sunderland

EDIT: Adding link, Carsley left out, but, still in plans for the big games. Agreement with Staunton that he's not called up if not going to be used

**tetsujin1979** · 16/08/2007, 10:33 AM

no real problems with the squad. Maybe the omission of O'Halloran after impressing in the states, but he's not playing for Villa lately and we're looking to prepare for the double header in September.
If you wanted to be picky, there's only 6 defenders. Interestingly all are playing in the Premiership.
Stokes staying with the U-21s so?

**Dr. Ogba** · 16/08/2007, 11:00 AM

Why in the hell are Colgan and Douglas there? What have they done to merit being in that squad????

Murphy in for Colgan
Garvan/McCann/Whelan/anyone else in for Douglas

And Alan O'Brien

ffs

Apart from that, glad to see Potter there and the strikeforce looks pretty strong...

**DmanDmythDledge** · 16/08/2007, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

From today's Guardian:

Eriksson may have constructed one of the most cosmopolitan squads in English football but it was Johnson, a Mancunian, and Stephen Ireland, from Cork, who stood out throughout.

I was critical of Eriksson here a few weeks ago after reading him admit he hadn't seen any of his signings, and also seeing one of the UK papers list its probable first XI excluding Ireland, but in fairness he's giving the local players a chance and, so far, with good effect.

It still concerns me how we should accomodate Ireland though.

Ireland excelled with Joey Barton covering every inch of the pitch and now I think he's being partnered by Hamaan, a tall and rangy holding player. Do we have anyone who can provide the grit to match Ireland's creativity? Steven Reid if fit can do what Barton used to do for City but time is running out for Reid to establish himself as an international.

Or must we play Ireland in an advanced role with 3 behind him?

Here's my latest thinking on the team:

----------Given------------
O'Shea-Dunne-McShane-Finnan
---A.Reid--Carsley--Hunt---
---------Ireland-------
-----Keane----Doyle---

Good post. Ireland has been playing RM for City so far this season and has been doing fairly well. He was their best player in pre-season so he seems to have won a place in the starting line-up, although he will have to continite to be on his toes. I think we would be fine leaving him on the right and allow him to drift in, leaving Andy Reid in the centre. On the left we would need someone like Duff or Hunt to provide the width that we would be lacking on the left. I'd stick with the normall 4-4-2:

Ireland--A. Reid--Potter--Hunt

I'd have S. Reid and Duff if they were fully fit.

BTW interview with Stephen Ireland here- http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....spotlight.html