Kelly to take Finnan's place in the swiss match

Tellox · 02-10-2002 9:15pm #1

from fai.ie -

Leeds United defender Gary Kelly seems certain to win his 52nd international cap when the Republic of Ireland take on Switzerland in the crucial Group Ten European Championship qualifying tie at Lansdowne Road on October 16 due to injuries to Steve Finnan and Stephen Carr.

Kelly had to be satisfied with a place on the substitutes' bench in the 4-2 defeat by Russia in the opening Euro 2004 qualifier in Moscow's Lokomotiv Stadium on September 7. Now injuries to Fulham's Finnan and Tottenham's Carr are likely to hasten Kelly's return.

And that could mean an unexpected recall to the green shirt for Birmingham City skipper Jeff Kenna who won the last of his 27 caps in the scoreless draw with Turkey in the European Championship qualifier in Bursa almost three years ago when coming on as a substitute for Carr.

Kelly made his first starting appearance of the season in Leeds' 4-1 hammering by English Premiership leaders Arsenal at Elland Road on Saturday morning. And now he seems certain to be in Terry Venables' side along with nephew Ian Harte when Leeds take on Ukrainian side Metalurg Zaporizhya in Thursday's UEFA Cup first round second leg tie. Leeds lead 1-0 from the first leg at Elland Road last week.

Finnan seems certain to miss out the Swiss game after picking up a knee injury in Fulham's 2-0 defeat by Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. A club spokesperson said that Limerick-born Finnan had suffered medial ligament injuries to his knee and would miss the club's next two matches.

Finnan's injury is a matter of concern to Fulham boss Jean Tigana as the player had only returned from several weeks on the sidelines with a similar knee problem. Now Fulham are hoping to have Finnan back for their Premiership clash with Manchester United at Loftus Road on October 19 - three days after Ireland's Euro tie with the Swiss.

Carr only returned to training with Spurs at White Hart Lane on Friday after picking up a groin injury on the first day of the season. Irish boss Mick McCarthy will not name his squad until early next week with Kenna and Manchester United's John O'Shea almost certain to be in the reckoning.

I'd like to see how kelly does, seeing as finnan had a very bad game last time round... as lets keep in mind that loss isnt really an option this time round if we want to escape playoff's

Waylander · 03-10-2002 9:26am

It is not like we have never seen Kelly play the right back slot before. I know I am repeating myself but O Shea has nearly been player of the season for United so far and has played both full back and centre back positions. He has earned the right, although he is better in centre of defense with Gary Breen on the bench.

GoneShootin · 03-10-2002 9:40am

there must be an Alex Ferguson reason as to why O'Shea hasnt already got a game for the international squad. cynicism and paranoia abound !

Sposs · 03-10-2002 10:30am

O shea should be in there he has been outstanding this year and the mind boggles that he cant get into the squad.Jeff kenna is suppose to be getting a call up as cover for right back,he's having a good seaon with Birmingham

TwoShedsJackson · 03-10-2002 12:51pm

If Kilbane's picked on the left wing again I'm going to go mental - he can't even get a game for arguably the worst team in the Premiership at the moment.

When will McCarthy realise that dropping him, putting Duff there and starting Keane and Morrison (or Gray bleedin' Doherty even) up front would be better.

Kilbane is crap, how he's lasted this long I do not know.

BKtje · 03-10-2002 1:30pm

i cant believe that O'Shea prob wont be playing. Mick really is a muppet ffs.

/me chants O'Shea O'Shea

( i concur on the drop kilbane to the errrrr away from irish football bit)

yop · 03-10-2002 1:39pm

Lads It makes me laugh to think we are all here, supporters, we all agree that O'Shea plays, that Kilbane should be shot, Duff on the left and Morrison & Keane up front - Now why the fuc can't the so called Irish manager see this!! or are we just muppets who know what we are at!!

McCrappy is pissing me off no end :mad: