I agree with Stuttgart in regards to Ireland. I personally think we would have done better without him in our midfield, despite the goals. I watched the Slovakia away game a second time and it amazed me just how little Ireland was offering the team, particularly when we were defending. He was often miles away from the ball and not really trying to get back and help. I remember there was one point when he picked up a man and then just stood still for about 5-10 seconds only for that player to advance forward, receive the ball and get a shot in. The fact is that it seems as though his attitude during the game is bad just as it is in regards to him wanting to play for us again. I definitely think he can offer us something positive, but only in a 5 man midfield (in the hole behind the strikers) or as an impact substitute.
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