Ireland v Czech Republic

Red Crow · 10-02-2012 2:01pm

Lot's of cotton wool for Keane and Dunne hopefully.

Kirby · 10-02-2012 2:12pm

Mitch Connor wrote: »

What happens if one or two of the midfielders get injured in the last couple of weeks of the league? We end up having to bring in players, like McClean, who will have no experience of playing in the set up required. It is pathetically stupid to not bring in a few of the fringe players for the warm up games - we know what the first 11 will be and we know what they can do, same of the consistent backups to them, we need to see the players outside of the probably 23 get some game time and experience.

I agree with this. We already know what the established group can do. They qualified us. Use these friendlies to test out the promising unknowns. That way if injury strikes, they are familiar with the setup and exactly what trap wants from them.

Going with the same old same old in friendlies is a mistake.

AGC · 10-02-2012 2:15pm

That_Guy wrote: »

So you wouldn't mind stepping aside for a young lad to take your place even though you've played every minute of every game in the run up to the Euro's?

Did i say that??

The regulars who have done well deserve their spot but there is names in that squad who do not play regular football and who are massively out of form. Why do they deserve more chances??

That_Guy · 10-02-2012 2:28pm

AGC wrote: »

Did i say that??

Nope. Just a hypothetical scenario really.

The regulars who have done well deserve their spot but there is names in that squad who do not play regular football and who are massively out of form. Why do they deserve more chances??

I've criticised the team selection before but despite not being chosen for their respective squads, maybe... Just maybe Trap sees a lot of hard work going on in training behind the scenes that we don't see.

McClean is a flash in the pan at the moment. I doubt Trap had any intention of bringing him in just yet. He's on a good run of form at the moment but has only played a handful of games for Sunderland.

I don't think sticking him in against Spain or Italy would be a great help to his progress either to be honest.

ironbluedun · 10-02-2012 2:44pm

he should have brought in a few new faces just to freshen things a bit.....otherwise complacency

Vokes · 10-02-2012 2:49pm

cgpg5 wrote: »

Not bothered about him leaving out McClean he won't start anyway, but that will be the squad going to the euros more than likely minus 1 player who probably be a striker. Cox seems guaranteed to go so things mightn't look great for Shane Loing which would be a disastrous decision.

He'll bring those 5 forwards for sure considering we play a system with 2 upfront. If we brought only 4 forwards, then injuries/suspensions to 2 of the forwards going into the last group game (which is not totally unlikely) would leave us with no backup forward.

AGC · 10-02-2012 2:52pm

That_Guy wrote: »

Nope. Just a hypothetical scenario really.

I've criticised the team selection before but despite not being chosen for their respective squads, maybe... Just maybe Trap sees a lot of hard work going on in training behind the scenes that we don't see.

McClean is a flash in the pan at the moment. I doubt Trap had any intention of bringing him in just yet. He's on a good run of form at the moment but has only played a handful of games for Sunderland.

I don't think sticking him in against Spain or Italy would be a great help to his progress either to be honest.

He has to take a risk, we will be up against it in all 3 group games. McClean is the form player, let him play against the Czechs to prove himself.

His 'Flash in the pan' could continue and he could get better, why take the chance on leaving him out for a run of the mill player??

cgpg5 · 10-02-2012 2:54pm

Vokes wrote: »

He'll bring those 5 forwards for sure considering we play a system with 2 upfront. If we brought only 4 forwards, then injuries/suspensions to 2 of the forwards going into the last group game (which is not totally unlikely) would leave us with no backup forward.

Many teams go with 4 though. I know we don't have a midfielder who can really cover attack but its hard to imagine we'll play two out and out strikers anyway I'd say Doyle will play off Keane against the Spanish and Italians. If worst came to worst Duff could cover this role. Just can't see who else he'd leave out? McCarthy possibly which would be a very poor decision, but he'll pick Fahey regardless I'd say.

Vokes · 10-02-2012 3:03pm

He has never deviated from the 2 out-and-out forwards (open to correction on this) and can't see him changing even against Spain/Italy. Fully expect it to be those 5 forwards going, with Keane + 1 other to start obviously. He'll leave out Fahey or Coleman for Euros I reckon.

Paparazzo · 10-02-2012 3:21pm

That_Guy wrote: »

I disagree somewhat. Yes friendlies are important in terms of blooding in new players and trying out various tactics but not when we've only got three games to prepare for a tournament.

The tactics that McClean knows at Sunderland are quite different to that of Trap's. He'll learn in time but I think three games before we play the likes of Spain and Italy is too little time to prepare in my opinion.

I want to see new players being introduced as much as the next guy but I'm content with what we have at our disposal for now.

I'm the opposite. 3 games, including the training sessions involved and the training camp in Poland is plenty of time for a player to learn how trap plays. It's not a complicated way we play. If he doesn't perform as the manager asks in training or the friendlies, fine, don't bring him.

Pro. F · 10-02-2012 4:46pm

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

I'm sorry, but they are also men. Men who will be asked to go out in three successive games in a short space of time against opponents who are technically and athletically superior to them from 1 - 11. And they will be asked to make a fist of it each time, to close that technical / athletic gap through passion, pride and determination alone.

A settled camp with an element of siege mentality about it will help to achieve that. A sense that the players in the squad are the people to earn this shot will help to achieve that. A shared experience of previous disappointments will help to achieve that. A sense that extraordinary effort on the pitch will be repaid in faith and loyalty from the manager will help to achieve that.

This is not a run of the mill premiership side. This is something a lot more important - and complex - than that.

I completely agree that we need a united and committed squad and a settled camp helps in that regard. But the odd change here and there would not interfere with that.

Trap has already introduced new players to the squad and moved other players out of it over time. I cannot agree with the idea that it has to be a closed shop in order to get passionate effort out of the players.

LuckyLloyd · 10-02-2012 4:51pm

Pro. F wrote: »

I completely agree that we need a united and committed squad and a settled camp helps in that regard. But the odd change here and there would not interfere with that.

Trap has already introduced new players to the squad and moved other players out of it over time. I cannot agree with the idea that it has to be a closed shop in order to get passionate effort out of the players.

Quite an organic process though, wasn't it? If McClean is still playing like this in the premiership in 18 months time he will be an Irish regular by that stage, no doubt.

clubberlang12 · 10-02-2012 5:06pm

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

If McClean is still playing like this in the premiership in 18 months time he will be an Irish regular by that stage, no doubt.

What if he is still playing like this come May and Trap hasn't brought him into any of the prevailing friendly squads? Does he still decide not to bring a young, in-form winger who could add something different than our other present wingers? Or does he then decide to bring in a player who had no experience at this level or with in the set up?
No one is expecting him to suddenly be commanding a starting role in the senior team. But to exclude what could be a very useful resource from having any involvement in the preparation or friendly game itself is very naive on Traps part.

Pro. F · 10-02-2012 5:18pm

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Quite an organic process though, wasn't it? If McClean is still playing like this in the premiership in 18 months time he will be an Irish regular by that stage, no doubt.

Yes it was an organic process. And I'm not against keeping a fair bit of consistency in the team in friendlies so they can practice and focus as a team. But there has to be a balance struck and Trap's squad selection is just far more conservative than it needs to be. Having some competition for squad places and starting positions is not going to harm the commitment of the players.

Just to be clear, I'm not calling for McClean to be starting in this friendly. I think that since he is obviously so good that he should have been introduced to the squad before now anyway. And arguing about the inclusion of individual players in the starting line up can only go so far when I disagree with Trap's long term decisions in forming the team.
But I do think McClean should be called up to the squad.

Yakult · 10-02-2012 5:54pm

Now isn't the time for McClean to be called up. With the Euros so close, the team that's playing that tournament need any opportunity they can get to play together. Can see him being introduced after the Euros tho. Plenty of time for the guy to get games.

WoollyRedHat · 10-02-2012 6:26pm

Trapattoni has spoken to McClean since he announced squad.
Has also said there are 4 or 5 names he has in mind but won't include now because it is too soon... we can imagine who they may be.. anyway hopeful for those looking for new blood after euros

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/trapattoni-we-have-no-time-to-change-539368.html

Raskolnikov · 10-02-2012 7:17pm

theoneeyedman wrote: »

the manager has a responsibility to select the best players available to him

Like Steve Staunton did? :pac:

Raskolnikov · 10-02-2012 7:30pm

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

Given, Westwood, Forde, O’Shea, Kelly, Ward, Dunne, St. Ledger, O’Dea, Foley, Whelan, McCarthy, Coleman, Andrews, Fahey, Gibson, Duff, McGeady, Hunt, Keane, Doyle, Long, Cox, Walters.

Interesting that out of that squad, only 4 players are in the Championship.

Rhys Essien · 13-02-2012 12:35pm

With Dunne out for a month,oppurtunity to call up regular Premiership defender Marc Wilson.
Will Trap call him up,will he Fcuk.

nordydan · 13-02-2012 2:35pm

Duffy called up to replace Dunne

blinding · 13-02-2012 2:39pm

nordydan wrote: »

Duffy called up to replace Dunne

It goes against Traps usual modus operandus but I am glad that he has given the young lad a chance. Shane is a bright hope for the future.

NUTZZ · 13-02-2012 2:44pm

Rhys Essien wrote: »

With Dunne out for a month

They're saying he's out for 8 weeks now, undergoing surgery today.

Beefy78 · 13-02-2012 2:50pm

Anyone know how ticket sales are going for this one?

paddy kerins · 13-02-2012 3:01pm

nordydan wrote: »

Duffy called up to replace Dunne

Is Clarke injured as well?

That_Guy · 13-02-2012 3:43pm

Beefy78 wrote: »

Anyone know how ticket sales are going for this one?

Seem to be ok. Tickets are €20 in the upper stands for adults and €10 for kids which is pretty decent value to be fair.

paddy kerins · 13-02-2012 6:32pm

sugarman wrote: »

Yep, knee ligiments in training during the week. Out for awhile.

Ah right. Was wondering why he didn't get the nod ahead of Duffy

G.K. · 13-02-2012 8:22pm

Sleger/O'Dea to start then?

Stevecw · 13-02-2012 8:44pm

G.K. wrote: »

Sleger/O'Dea to start then?

Or cud go with Kelly O'Shea St Ledg Ward which is more likely

G.K. · 13-02-2012 9:21pm

Oh yeah, forgot O'Shea.

tolosenc · 13-02-2012 10:17pm

sugarman wrote: »

They were €20/10 all round last week for awhile!

Still a good few left, id say 70% sold so far.

This is what they should have been doing for the Cup of nations last year.

My mate got us a €50 quid ticket each...

It's on level 4. Is that like a private box, or something?

Ireland v Czech Republic

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