Republic of Ireland Team Talk/News/Rumours

legendary.xix · 12-11-2011 6:16pm

niallsparky wrote: »

Would be crazy to pick Meyler given his limited experience at international level IMO.

You sure? I'm sure if you take a little history at team/squad selections, you'll see players being brought without the relevance experience. If you are looking at a possible player to come into the Irish squad. Meyler will be one. He's got a good attitude. He's a good player. If he's injury free over the next few months, just wait and see.

Bounty Hunter · 12-11-2011 6:17pm

after some games to test out players further pre squad selection i'd optimistically hope for the following keeping in mind that under trap radical change wouldnt be expected.

GOALKEEPERS
1. Shay Given
2. Keiren Westwood
3. David Forde

DEFENDERS
4. Richard Dunne
5. Sean St Ledger
6. John O'Shea
7. Kevin Kilbane
8. Stephen Kelly
9. Darren O'Dea
10. Stephen Ward

MIDFIELDERS
11. Aidan Mc Geady
12. Glen Whelan
13. Keith Andrews
14. Damien Duff
15. Seamus Coleman
16. Darron Gibson / Meyler
17. James McCarthy
18. Steven Hunt

FORWARDS
19. Robbie Keane
20. Kevin Doyle
21. Shane Long
22. Simon Cox
23. Jon Walters

The team wouldnt see much change though imo

Given
O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward
Duff, Andrews, Whelan, McGeady
R.Keane + 1

must say its nice how much genuine competition there is for the +1 CF spot atm

legendary.xix · 12-11-2011 6:17pm

Cian A wrote: »

We have between now and the summer to prepare, of course we should be experimenting with the squad and trying to give guys like McCarthy, Coleman, Wilson, Cunningham, Clare, Brady, Hoolahan games.

Will there be many friendly dates that will give players a chance?

Raskolnikov · 12-11-2011 6:18pm

niallsparky wrote: »

Would be crazy to pick Meyler given his limited experience at international level IMO.

Trap has stated on a few occasions that he likes Meyler and thinks he is the type of player who fits into our system. It was unfortunate that he got crocked when he did, because he definitely would have gotten game time for us.

Speaking of Meyler, he said that Fraizer Campbell is elligible for Ireland, tried to get him to declare for Ireland over Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/DavidMeyler

Could have been taking the mickey though.

Mr. Guappa · 12-11-2011 6:53pm

The friendlies will be very important in determining who goes. Trap has shown that those who perform in friendlies (Cox) will be given a shot in the games that matter. We've got some versatile fringe players in the likes of Coleman, Wilson and Keogh, which could be a useful attribute if your trying to squeeze in a fifth striker.

BOHtox · 12-11-2011 7:12pm

Given, Westwood,
Kelly, Dunne, O'shea, St Ledger, Clark, Ward
McGeady, Duff, Whelan, Gibson, Andrews, Fahey, Hunt
Keane, Doyle, Long, Walters

These, to me, are a definite 19. There's plenty of friendles between now and then that we can use to add to the squad. I think you need three goalkeepers so I'd imagine Forde, Joe Murphy and Brian Murphy will get time during the friendlies to impress.

I'm not too sure what else we need in defence. O'Shea and Kelly can play right back. Dunne, O'shea, Ledger and Clark can play centre and Ward and Clark can play left. Maybe, as there's no midfielders I'd play as defenders, I'd call up either a natural left or right back. Players like Foley, Cunningham or Kilbane, whose experience and versatility could be priceless in the tournament.

In the midfield I think I'd keep it pretty much the way Trap likes it. Andrews and Whelan and if we need a goal bring on Fahey. Perhaps for versatility I'd call up Coleman but I also think Hoolahan and Pilkington should get a look in.

I've always been a fan of 5 strikers in a tournament. I know some only bring 4 but 5 covers you. Best, Cox and Stokes could all be added to the squad.

Overall most players in the squad are quite versatile with only a few being stuck to one position. I think we'll be okay in terms of depth because of this. I reckon Trap has something similar to this already done and is just waiting to add the final 5,6,7 or whatever's left on his list. He'll be travelling all over England watching our lads in the new year that's for sure.

Helix · 12-11-2011 7:22pm

syngindub wrote: »

Will Mr.Ireland try to wriggle his way into this?

why would he? he's made it pretty clear he has no intention of playing international football for ireland

leposean · 13-11-2011 12:34am

1.Shay Given
2.Sean St LEdger
3.Stephen Ward
4.John O'Shea
5.Richard Dunne
6.Glen Whelan
7.Aidan McGeady
8.Keith Andrews
9.Kevin Doyle
10.Robbie Keane
11.Damien Duff
12.Stephen Kelly
13.James McCarthy
14.Darren O'Dea
15.Stephen Hunt
16.Kieran Westwood
17.Liam Lawerence
18.Shane Long
19.Jonathan Walters
20.Simon Cox
21.Keith Fahey
22.Paddy Kenny
23.Kevin Foley

tonycascarino · 13-11-2011 1:21am

As long as McShane, Delaney, Green, Kilbane and Keogh don't get picked then I'll be happy

DH2K9 · 13-11-2011 1:26am

Dotrel wrote: »

Here's the list of every player who was selected (either XI or bench for at least 1 game during the qualification campaign so far. I'm limiting my selection to them.

In the interest of simplicity and probably fairness I'd limit selection to players who actually did the work to get us there.

The number in brackets "( )" in the amount of onfield minutes they've put in during the campaign
===

GOALKEEPERS
1. Shay Given (900)
2. Keiren Westwood (90)
3. David Forde (0)
4. Joe Murphy (0)

DEFENDERS
5. Richard Dunne (810)
6. Sean St Ledger (720)
7. John O'Shea (705)
8. Kevin Kilbane (540)
9. Stephen Kelly (375)
10. Darren O'Dea (360)
11. Stephen Ward (360)
12. Kevin Foley (90)
13. Ciaran Clarke (0)
14. Damien Delaney (0)
15. Greg Cunningham (0)
16. Marc Wilson (0)
17. Paul Mc Shane (0)

MIDFIELDERS
18. Aidan Mc Geady (940)
19. Glen Whelan (885)
20. Keith Andrews (540)
21. Damien Duff (485)
22. Paul Green (312)
23. Liam Lawrence (241)
24. Darron Gibson (179)
25. Keith Fahey (176)
26. Steve Hunt (173)
27. James Mc Carthy (3)
28. Seamus Coleman (0)

FORWARDS
29. Robbie Keane (892)
30. Kevin Doyle (548)
31. Shane Long (234)
32. Simon Cox (208)
33. Jon Walters (93)
34. Andrew Keogh (31)
35. Cilian Sheridan (0)

=====

Personally I'd prefer an 3-7-8-5 squad so I'd start just chopping names off from the bottom. The only exceptions are the case of Paul Green who has put in a large number of minutes but is generally useless, never should have been capped to begin with and seems to thankfully have disappeared off the radar for good anyway. Forde has made the bench three times and Murphy just once so he clearly gets the choice as third goalie. So that leaves you with a final squad of ......

GOALKEEPERS
1. Shay Given (900)
2. Keiren Westwood (90)
3. David Forde (0)

DEFENDERS
4. Richard Dunne (810)
5. Sean St Ledger (720)
6. John O'Shea (705)
7. Kevin Kilbane (540)
8. Stephen Kelly (375)
9. Darren O'Dea (360)
10. Stephen Ward (360)

MIDFIELDERS
11. Aidan Mc Geady (940)
12. Glen Whelan (885)
13. Keith Andrews (540)
14. Damien Duff (485)
15. Liam Lawrence (241)
16. Darron Gibson (179)
17. Keith Fahey (176)
18. Steve Hunt (173)

FORWARDS
19. Robbie Keane (892)
20. Kevin Doyle (548)
21. Shane Long (234)
22. Simon Cox (208)
23. Jon Walters (93)

==

Some may question the absense of James McCarthy but frankly I reckon he can just shíte off back to Wigan for all I care. Go watch the matches in the pub with Stephen Ireland for all I care. As for Coleman he might set Goodison alight but he's clearly not convinced Trapp he's the right sort of player for Ireland yet so that's good enough for me.

Whatever about james mcCarthy, Seamus Coleman is one of the most consistant performers in the Premier League which is exactly what Trap should want. How he doesn't start ahead of kelly I do not know

DB10 · 13-11-2011 2:41am

Coleman in for me and possibly Leon Best. Wes Hoolahan should be in as well, no chance of more then one of them being picked though I'd say.

McCarthy and Wilson can jog on as far as I'm concerned, those two and Stokes have blown their chance. Wouldnt bother with Gibson either.

As for the rest, Kilbane a maybe due to his service to the country, he could get one last huurah as a reserve, certainly more deserving than McShane.

I'd also tell Cox that he needs to go on loan if he doesnt break into the WBA side.

monkey9 · 13-11-2011 2:49am

There'll be no surprises in the squad for the Euro's, Not much of a thread really, Trapattoni will go for the same old, despite what may happen from now until next summer!!

darkman2 · 13-11-2011 3:10am

Probably no chance for Robbie Brady to get a look in prior to this tournament? He looks like he could be a quality player based on what I have seen of him at Hull.

corcaigh07 · 13-11-2011 3:11am

mcshane will be a definite

TaosHum · 13-11-2011 3:27am

Even though Trap does seem to have his favorites (McShane, Keogh), a certain few like Green (injured), Kilbane and Lawrance have all but disappeared from Traps plans, so I wouldn't be assuming guys on the fringes that have been in most squads will be automatics come the Euro's.

If you believe Brady, who stated that Trap would be giving guys like Coleman, McCarthy and hopefully Holohan a chance to show what they can do in order to make the squad/team, then certain guys are going to have to miss out. Also I wouldn't count out guys like Pennant and Ferdinand who have stated they want to play for Ireland.

tolosenc · 13-11-2011 3:30am

What about that peno saving goalie from Sligo? Could be handy if we make the knockouts! :P

Given, Westwood, Forde
Ward, O'Shea, Dunne, St. Ledger, Kelly, Kilbane, O'Dea
McGeady, Duff, Whelan, Andrews, Fahey, Hunt, Hoolahan, Coleman
Keane, Walters, Cox, Doyle, Long

Standbys: Best, McCarthy, Gibson, Foley, Clarke, Murphy

Sir Gallagher · 13-11-2011 3:41am

Seems to be be a few digs at McCarthy here, whats the latest with him has been giving us the brush off?

It's fantastic to have all those striking options.

AgileMyth · 13-11-2011 5:28am

Still a long long way off. A lot will happen between now and then. Injuries will be picked up and players will hit form.

We could well see an uncapped (thus-far) player included in the squad. Anthony Pilkington or even Robbie Brady could force their way in.

adamski8 · 13-11-2011 12:29pm

TaosHum wrote: »

Also I wouldn't count out guys like Pennant and Ferdinand who have stated they want to play for Ireland.

jesus i hope not, while they might play well for us if they come now its just a case of them not being good enough for england and coming in on the backs of players who have got us to the euros, it would piss off some players for sure and that wouldnt be good

YouTookMyName · 13-11-2011 12:58pm

If Anthony Plikington continues his form he must be worth a few games in the new year friendlies.

ArmaniJeanss · 13-11-2011 1:28pm

How many international dates are set aside for friendlies next year? I heard the guys on ITV say that after Tuesdays game v Sweden that England have just one game v Holland from now until late May.

So if thats the international calendar it doesn't leave much room for experimentation for Trapp. By May games you'd be expecting the first XI to start friendlies and any substitutues to be players likely to be in the 23 man squad. Which doesn't really give anyone much scope to force their way in from outside.

TheRedDevil10 · 13-11-2011 6:29pm

Goalkeepers
Shay Given
Keiren Westwood
David Forde

Defenders
Ciaran Clark
Richard Dunne
Kevin Foley
John O'Shea
Darren O'Dea
Sean St.Ledger
Stephen Ward
Marc Wilson

Midfielders
Keith Andrews
Seamus Coleman
Damien Duff
Stephen Hunt
James McCarthy
Aiden McGeady
David Meyler
Glenn Whelan

Forwards
Kevin Doyle
Robbie Keane
Shane Long
Jon Walters

Players like Darren Randolph, Shane Duffy, Greg Cunningham, Stephen Kelly, Darron Gibson, Wes Hoolahan, Keith Fahey, Simon Cox and Leon Best just missing out.

Paddy Kenny, Paul McShane, Kevin Kilbane, Damien Delaney, Paul Green, Keith Treacy, Stephen Ireland, Liam Lawrence, Caleb Folan and Anthony Stokes should be nowhere near the squad.

Eathrin · 13-11-2011 6:40pm

Goalkeepers
Shay Given
Keiren Westwood
David Forde

Defenders
Ciaran Clark
Richard Dunne
John O'Shea
Darren O'Dea
Sean St.Ledger
Marc Wilson
Greg Cunningham

Midfielders
Keith Andrews
Seamus Coleman
Damien Duff
Stephen Hunt
James McCarthy
Aiden McGeady
Glenn Whelan
Keith Fahey
Wes Hoolahan

Forwards
Kevin Doyle
Robbie Keane
Shane Long
Jon Walters

darkman2 · 13-11-2011 6:44pm

This is a headache for Trapattoni. We are somewhat blessed for talent up front atm.

Keane
Doyle
Cox
Walters
Best
Long

Only 4 of them will be going to Poland/Ukraine. This is a bit of a pickle. For example can he really have Walters and Cox ahead of Best who is scoring week in, week out in the EPL? Right now, yeah Walters and Cox have done a job for Ireland but you would expect Best would do equally well in the friendlies. I think Long, Doyle and Keane are probably certs. But Doyle is not on form right now. He would never think of dropping Doyle? But we are going to end up with with two very disappointed forwards.

I would take

Keane
Doyle
Long
Walters

But it's a very tough choice tbh. Cox has done well for us and played more then Walters but on balance Walters might offer a bit more. Who would you take?

BERBA · 13-11-2011 6:46pm

Keane Doyle Long Walters for me

whatawaster · 13-11-2011 6:47pm

Keane, Doyle and Long should be certainties.

I would take Walters

Predalien · 13-11-2011 6:48pm

I think there's a good chance he'll take 5 forwards with Best missing out, if not then Keane, Doyle, Cox and Long. I'd personally take Walters ahead of Cox but then there's no replacement for Keane that'd fit with the manager's way of thinking.

Laois_Man · 13-11-2011 6:53pm

YouTookMyName wrote: »

If Anthony Plikington continues his form he must be worth a few games in the new year friendlies.

It happened with the likes of Baab and McAteer on the build up to USA '94. You WILL see players never before considered who'll come out of the woodwork

Zatman · 13-11-2011 6:55pm

can see him taking 5.

keane
long
doyle
walters
cox

Ferris_Bueller · 13-11-2011 6:58pm

Think he could take 5, with Best missing out. Walters can also play midfield, and if we don't bring Cox, in Traps mind we have no cover for Robbie. Cox would want to start getting more games under his belt though imo.

The_B_Man · 13-11-2011 7:02pm

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

Think he could take 5, with Best missing out. Walters can also play midfield, and if we don't bring Cox, in Traps mind we have no cover for Robbie. Cox would want to start getting more games under his belt though imo.

Ye good point. He can hardly bring a benchwarmer to the Euros!

i think the best bet,as someone touched on above, is:

Keane
Long
Cox
Doyle

with Walters brought as a midfielder.

Dotrel · 13-11-2011 7:08pm

Laois_Man wrote: »

It happened with the likes of Baab and McAteer on the build up to USA '94. You WILL see players never before considered who'll come out of the woodwork

McCarthy didn't take anyone new to the world cup in 2002.

YouTookMyName · 13-11-2011 7:44pm

Laois_Man wrote: »

It happened with the likes of Baab and McAteer on the build up to USA '94. You WILL see players never before considered who'll come out of the woodwork

He has 1 cap for the under 21's. He could be a decent option.

Laois_Man · 13-11-2011 8:04pm

Dotrel wrote: »

McCarthy didn't take anyone new to the world cup in 2002.

True but we did have a few very decent players who definately fit into the "england rejects" category who had joined us in the previous couple of years cos we did look good enough to qualify for something. No players like that would have been looking at the current squad in the same light until now. I think you WILL see players popping up over the next 3 or 4 months talking about wanting to break into our squad.

Whether or not those players should get a chance is a different thread for that time. But nobody can say this squad doesn't badly need an injection of some quality!

SantryRed · 13-11-2011 8:23pm

Laois_Man wrote: »

It happened with the likes of Baab and McAteer on the build up to USA '94. You WILL see players never before considered who'll come out of the woodwork

You do realise Giovanni Trappatoni and Jack Charlton are different people?

dsmythy · 13-11-2011 8:29pm

Wait and see how they play in the next few weeks is all I'm saying.

Kiwi_knock · 13-11-2011 8:34pm

I think he will only take 4 strikers (Keane, Doyle, Long and Walters) and then have Keogh as cover if needs be.

I think Cox is unfortunate but I can not see him getting game time at WBA, and I can not see WBA letting him go out on loan either.

Crash Bang Wall · 13-11-2011 8:38pm

Bring 5,

Keane
Doyle
Long
Walters
Cox

Seen Best at a Newcastle game a few weeks ago and he looked very poor

Laois_Man · 13-11-2011 8:39pm

SantryRed wrote: »

You do realise Giovanni Trappatoni and Jack Charlton are different people?

I haven't said anything about the managers. I've talked about the players who have and will again come out of the woodwork. Please pay attention.

killwill · 13-11-2011 8:44pm

A front 3 of Long Keane Cox? I will get my coat!!!
I think it should be Keane, Long, Walters and Doyle.

CSF · 13-11-2011 8:47pm

Walters and Best because they're not actually Irish.

Edit - Nor is Cox actually. Bring back Niall Quinn.

Bobeagleburger · 13-11-2011 8:51pm

Best will have to start banging them in to even get a look in.

BOHtox · 13-11-2011 9:14pm

It's far too early to tell. Come back after the Premiership and ask the question. You never know. Conor Sammon could start banging them in at Wigan enough to warrant a look-in.

tolosenc · 13-11-2011 9:15pm

Laois_Man wrote: »

True but we did have a few very decent players who definately fit into the "england rejects" category who had joined us in the previous couple of years cos we did look good enough to qualify for something. No players like that would have been looking at the current squad in the same light until now. I think you WILL see players popping up over the next 3 or 4 months talking about wanting to break into our squad.

Whether or not those players should get a chance is a different thread for that time. But nobody can say this squad doesn't badly need an injection of some quality!

What's obvious is that Trap won't have the likes of Ferdinand or Pennant in the squad. While players like Clifford, Brady, Hoolahan, and Pilkington may play their way into the team, they've always wanted to play for Ireland, and no one would begrudge them being there.

Trap is all about a team's mentality and playing for each other, which he would ruin by dropping St. Ledger for Ferdinand or Fahey for Pennant. He knows far better than that.

If those guys state that they want to play for us, I'd be perfectly happy to see them in squads for WC2014 qualification, and the World Cup, should we make it.

Bondvillain · 13-11-2011 9:22pm

Trap's the type of boss who'd give you a pay rise if you made it into work during a snowstorm, even if you were sh*te at your job. Dedication to a cause seems to play well with him.
As a consequence, Best has done his future prospects no harm by turning up at Malahide yesterday, despite carrying a couple of injuries.
Trap made special mention of it and thanked him during the press conference, so Best has done his prospects no harm at all.

Mad as it sounds, if a 5 man strike force was to be picked, it could be one from Doyle and Long who lose out.

Keane is a definite. Cox should be in as, as well as being impressive in his previous games for us, Trap seems to see him as a direct replacement for Keane, which would be certainly handy if anything should happen to Keane between now and the tournament, or if he were to pick up an unfortunately timed knock. The fact that he's a benchwarmer at WBA is irrelevant. It seems one could be 6th choice striker at Galway United and if you turned up on time when summoned for Ireland, and made sure to call him "MR Trapattoni" at the press conferences, then you're pretty much guaranteed a run out, no matter how many minutes you've played for your club this year.

So if Best is to be the cavalier wild card (and despite yesterday's good PR that's still a very long shot....) , then 3 from Walters, Doyle and Long just wont go, and Walters would seem to have done enough to show he's very nearly 1st choice as the hard working, channel-running target man, a position trap has moulded Long & Doyle for in the past.

If trap decides that with all of the above and possibly Keogh as emergency cover, theres an embarrassment of riches upfront, combined with the unsubstantiated rumours of some friction last time out between Doyle/Long and the gaffer after the Slovakia switcheroo, then it may be Doyle (or more likely Long) who ultimately watches the tournament on Telly. Rightly or wrongly, our Gio doesn't seem to be a man afraid of the big decision.

I like far fetched theories.

eh i dunno · 13-11-2011 9:28pm

Walters
Keane
Long
Doyle
Best
Cox

Could we not bring 6 strikers? Think we brought 6 to Italia 90?

We brought 7 according to google http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/1990/squad_ire90.html

legendary.xix · 13-11-2011 9:32pm

Crash Bang Wall wrote: »

Bring 5,

Keane
Doyle
Long
Walters
Cox

Seen Best at a Newcastle game a few weeks ago and he looked very poor

Agreed with this. I think Trap will take all 5.

Bondvillain · 13-11-2011 9:38pm

eh i dunno wrote: »

Walters
Keane
Long
Doyle
Best
Cox

Could we not bring 6 strikers? Think we brought 6 to Italia 90?

We brought 7 according to google http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/1990/squad_ire90.html

Jaysus, I know the drill, but that list is still quite a shocker: The last time we qualified for the Euros, nearly half of our squad was born in the 1950's, and our manager was almost a teenager by the end of World War 2.

I feel old.

Anyway, despite my rambling earlier, it's all premature; all 5 potential strikers could have packed in the football and have gone to join the priesthood by the time the tournament comes around. We'll be in a better position to know more in a few months.

SantryRed · 13-11-2011 9:45pm

Laois_Man wrote: »

I haven't said anything about the managers. I've talked about the players who have and will again come out of the woodwork. Please pay attention.

But they're different managers! There's no way Trappatoni will shift things about. If he can it'll be the same 11 which has started almost all these games this campaign.

legendary.xix · 13-11-2011 9:48pm

For the '02 World Cup Trap brought: 3 goallies, 7 defenders, 7 midfielders and 6 forwards.

I'm not going to go through the whole 23. The starting XI of Friday night will go. O'Shea and O'Dea will be on the plane, as will Westwood. Fahey and Hunt will go as well. Upfront we do have plenty of options. For our 23 man squad, I can see Trap going with 5 strikers and Keogh.

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