Can anyone saying that Ireland should be in the team please tell me exactly where in the team you'd play him and who else you would pick as a consequence?
I'm not saying he should be in or out, just asking the appropriate question. It'd a bogus statement just to say "he should be playing". Only a twit couldn't see that it's not that simple.
I've said a few times above how I would fit him in, but it'd be interesting to see what others think.
Having him the squad is a no-brainer though.
Pointless & belligerent response.
Many here talk about him being a potentially great addition to the team and I personally think it's a necessary question to ask those people - to keep the whole "will he, won't he, should he, shouldn't he" debate in its proper context.
Disgrace that he hasn't won young player. Young has been good this season(very good at beginning, seriously tailed off since), but nobody can really argue he has been better than Ireland. However im sure the fact that Ireland has basically retired himself from international football for no reason whatsoever cost him votes and hence the award. Being voted for by other players means it sometimes reflects more than just who's played well over a given season and i have no doubt this cost Ireland
Last edited by carloz; 27/04/2009 at 7:47 PM.
My Guarantee
Am looking for old Irish matches on VHS, PM me if you have some and I'll upload them here
English players will always get more votes as its a glorified popularity contest,
Evans and gabby Agbon also finished ahead of him
Oh my god, OMFG, im watching the awards there stephen ireland didnt even finish in the top 3 for young player, im insulted. What has football become at all. Johnny Evans and agbonlahor ahead of him. Christ thats fairly bad tbf.
COBH RAMBLERS FIRST DIV CHAMPS 2007
http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/GameDayDetails fantastic website by tetsujin1979
4/5 says its his granny. The first one he killed.
I like high energy football. A little bit rock and roll. Many finishes instead of waiting for the perfect one.
Start him on the bench. Bring him on for one of the wingers, or even Robbie Keane's role if needed (I think this is where we'd see his best form).
If we were chasing a game I would consider dropping one of our central midfielders (Whelan/Andrews/Gibson) and let him drive from midfield.
I'd definitely have him as a starter but in what position would depend on the opposition. For example, if he came back now for the remaining games I'd start him on the right against Bulgaria with the freedom thats given to McGeady. I think it'll be of the utmost importance to hold possession in Sofia and McGeady wouldn't be anywhere near as good at that as Ireland.
I'd play him in the same position against Cyprus for the above reasons but I'd put him in centre midfield for the home games against Italy and Montenegro. His workrate has improved immensely since he last played for Ireland and I think he'd excel in the middle in the home games cause the opposition won't be intent on attacking and Ireland could make the telling contribution to break them down.
If Stephen Reid is fit for the last three games, I'd play Reid and Andrews in the middle against Cyprus with Ireland on the right, and I'd play Reid and Ireland in the middle for the two home games. I think they would be an excellent combination.
Last edited by lionelhutz; 28/04/2009 at 9:08 AM.
from http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....real_superhero
Club skipper and erstwhile Republic of Ireland team-mate Dunne admits that he has stopped asking the 22-year-old when he might re-sign on for duty in the green of his country but is nonetheless glowing about Ireland's season of brilliance that is likely to eclipse all-comers in City fans' own player poll to be taken in the coming weeks.
Was asked about his future with Ireland today and said "to be honest it doesn't look as if i'll ever go back". Seemed to indicate he just doesn't like international football.
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