Republic of Ireland Team Talk/News/Rumours 2017

GLaDOS · 11-03-2016 4:44pm

Nice to see Forrester included. He'll most definitely be cut by the final squad but at least he's being looked at.

keeponhurling · 11-03-2016 5:46pm

dr.kenneth noisewater wrote: »

He's been out injured most the season!

Hasn't played since the Germany game

Mushy · 12-03-2016 5:53pm

Mcgeady scored today. Peterborough putting their awful run behind them, coincides with Forrester returning to the team.

Mushy · 12-03-2016 6:37pm

Mushy wrote: »

Mcgeady scored today. Peterborough putting their awful run behind them, coincides with Forrester returning to the team.

Peterborough ended up losing to two late goals, but Forrester was taken off!

Ferris_Bueller · 12-03-2016 7:15pm

Good to see a few new faces in the squad but can't see Forrester, Doherty or Hayes making the squad when it gets cut. I would think the two games at the end of the month will be most important for Arter and Judge, they have a real chance of making it into the squad for the Euros and possibly even a starting XI if they were to make a good enough impression, I can't see Hoolahan starting all 3 group games.

tayto lover · 13-03-2016 11:31am

We should be blooding new lads.
Also can't see the point of having Doyle and Keane in the squad for friendlies. Both past it now imo.

Kerrydude1981 · 13-03-2016 2:25pm

Good to see these comments from Mark Noble

http://www.the42.ie/mark-noble-ireland-2657259-Mar2016/

Dirty Dingus McGee · 13-03-2016 5:33pm

Kerrydude1981 wrote: »

Good to see these comments from Mark Noble

http://www.the42.ie/mark-noble-ireland-2657259-Mar2016/

It's quiet depressing that the FAI and our various managers over the years haven't had as much respect for our national team as Noble appears to have.

noodler · 13-03-2016 5:38pm

Has an away jersey for the euros been announced?

HalloweenJack · 13-03-2016 5:41pm

Players with little or no connection to the country have been playing international football for decades, for dozens of different countries.

We're not the first, we won't be the last to do it. Especially considering our smaller population base and less developed national league, we should look to expand our pool of potential players as much as possible. Nothing wrong with it whatsoever.

Yeah, it's nice to have lads in the side that are Irish born and bred but if there's somebody out there who's eligible, can improve the side and is actually interested in doing his best for us, I don't see why we shouldn't approach them.

Hercule Poirot · 13-03-2016 6:09pm

HalloweenJack wrote: »

Players with little or no connection to the country have been playing international football for decades, for dozens of different countries.

We're not the first, we won't be the last to do it. Especially considering our smaller population base and less developed national league, we should look to expand our pool of potential players as much as possible. Nothing wrong with it whatsoever.

Yeah, it's nice to have lads in the side that are Irish born and bred but if there's somebody out there who's eligible, can improve the side and is actually interested in doing his best for us, I don't see why we shouldn't approach them.

Of course we were right to approach Noble, we should be looking at any player who can improve the squad regardless of how thin their link to Ireland may be

But, as in Noble's case, I wouldn't want a player on the panel/squad who wasn't fully committed - they don't have to have been born in Ireland with a shamrock in each hand but we do require full commitment. I actually appreciate Noble's honesty and I respect his decision.

HalloweenJack · 13-03-2016 6:22pm

Hercule Poirot wrote: »

But, as in Noble's case, I wouldn't want a player on the panel/squad who wasn't fully committed - they don't have to have been born in Ireland with a shamrock in each hand but we do require full commitment. I actually appreciate Noble's honesty and I respect his decision.

I'm really impressed by what he had to say, it's nice that he put so much thought into it and made such a mature decision. He comes out of it looking very good and it's nice to know that there are players out there who really do care.

However, I don't have a problem getting some mercenary in, even if he's just doing it to get his name in the spotlight or whatever. If he actually delivers on the pitch, I have no complaints.

The ones who sign up and are not arsed one way or the other can feck off. That said, I can't remember the last time there was one who played for Ireland but was clearly not interested.

I think with second or third gen players, they come in all shades of commitment and interest and it'd be very silly of us to dismiss them all because of a few bad apples.

Dirty Dingus McGee · 13-03-2016 6:31pm

sugarman wrote: »

By bringing in who?

A large amount of players who only wanted to play for Ireland because they weren't good enough for their real country.

If Ireland put as much effort into developing our own players than chasing anyone with a hint of an Irish grandparent we'd be far better off.

Hercule Poirot · 13-03-2016 6:37pm

HalloweenJack wrote: »

I'm really impressed by what he had to say, it's nice that he put so much thought into it and made such a mature decision. He comes out of it looking very good and it's nice to know that there are players out there who really do care.

However, I don't have a problem getting some mercenary in, even if he's just doing it to get his name in the spotlight or whatever. If he actually delivers on the pitch, I have no complaints.

The ones who sign up and are not arsed one way or the other can feck off. That said, I can't remember the last time there was one who played for Ireland but was clearly not interested.

I think with second or third gen players, they come in all shades of commitment and interest and it'd be very silly of us to dismiss them all because of a few bad apples.

This discussion has reminded me of this classic (I don't know how to do the fancy article link-thing):

A few years later, in 1973, London-born Terry Mancini learned from club-mate Don Givens his Irish mother entitled him to play for the Republic. He spoke recently of the pride he felt upon getting the opportunity to do so although, famously, he had never heard Amhrán na bhFiann prior to lining out for his debut against Poland at Dalymount park in October 1973.

As he subsequently recalled: “The music started playing and it went on and on and I turned to Don Givens and said “for f**k sake, their national anthem don’t half go on,” and he said ‘That’s ours, Terry’. I didn’t have a clue.”

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/granny-rule-still-kicking-up-a-green-storm-1.583490

Dirty Dingus McGee · 13-03-2016 7:45pm

sugarman wrote: »

Who are the "large amount of players"?

Quite a decent amount of players who decided to play for Ireland over the years.Obviously these players will never outwardly admit Ireland was a second choice but we all know that a large amount of players who have played for Ireland down the years played for us as we were a second choice.

Players should now be forced by FIFA to declare for a country when they are 18 and not be allowed to change their minds.

Also my point was as much in relation to chasing players to play for Ireland , Kevin Nolan for example as it was in relation to actually picking players.

HalloweenJack · 13-03-2016 7:48pm

Dirty Dingus McGee wrote: »

Players should now be forced by FIFA to declare for a country when they are 18 and not be allowed to change their minds.

Cause every 18 year old knows exactly what they want in life and are fully comfortable with who they are.

Utter nonsense.

Dirty Dingus McGee · 13-03-2016 7:56pm

HalloweenJack wrote: »

Cause every 18 year old knows exactly what they want in life and are fully comfortable with who they are.

Utter nonsense.

An 18 year old pro soccer player certainly should and most do.If he's old enough to decide he wants to play soccer professionally then he's surely old enough to decide what country he wants to play for.

I think you underestimate the maturity of people of that age who are making life changing decisions all the time.

HalloweenJack · 13-03-2016 8:19pm

Dirty Dingus McGee wrote: »

An 18 year old pro soccer player certainly should and most do.If he's old enough to decide he wants to play soccer professionally then he's surely old enough to decide what country he wants to play for.

I think you're very naive about teenage footballers and the whole situation. Not all players are players because they decide they want to be. Agents and family pressure are big factors. And when it's all you know, turning pro seems like a great option.

I think you underestimate the maturity of people of that age who are making life changing decisions all the time.

And I think you're ignoring the influence of agents and parents, especially on players of that age.

The Grealish situation showed both sides, the immaturity and the influence of parents on a young lad.

Dirty Dingus McGee · 13-03-2016 8:34pm

HalloweenJack wrote: »

I think you're very naive about teenage footballers and the whole situation. Not all players are players because they decide they want to be. Agents and family pressure are big factors. And when it's all you know, turning pro seems like a great option.

And I think you're ignoring the influence of agents and parents, especially on players of that age.

The Grealish situation showed both sides, the immaturity and the influence of parents on a young lad.

Players still should be able to decide for themselves at a young age, it's a short career so every decision you make as a professional sportsman is done without much life experience, there may be outside influences affecting a decision but they have to think for themselves and asking a player to choose his country at 18 is not that big an imposition and it would ensure the sanctity of the international game.

If you don't have very strict regulations on international sport it loses relevance and what makes representing your country special.

HalloweenJack · 13-03-2016 8:46pm

Dirty Dingus McGee wrote: »

If you don't have very strict regulations on international sport it loses relevance and what makes representing your country special.

Which brings me back to my original point: Practically every team nowadays has players who were born in other countries or who have strenuous connections. This has been going on forever, it's nothing new.

International football isn't about representing your country anymore, it's about winning. As a small nation, if we limit our talent to only patriotic players, we're going to fall behind.

This needs to trickle down into the minds of the fans. It's different for us but it's foolish to think or demand that it be the same for the players.

Dirty Dingus McGee · 13-03-2016 8:55pm

HalloweenJack wrote: »

Which brings me back to my original point: Practically every team nowadays has players who were born in other countries or who have strenuous connections. This has been going on forever, it's nothing new.

International football isn't about representing your country anymore, it's about winning. As a small nation, if we limit our talent to only patriotic players, we're going to fall behind.

This needs to trickle down into the minds of the fans. It's different for us but it's foolish to think or demand that it be the same for the players.

If that is the case then it is just and inferior version of the club game and might as well not exist.What is the point supporting Ireland when we are admitting it isn't really Ireland that is out on the field.

The composition of the Rugby team is a complete joke at the moment.

HalloweenJack · 13-03-2016 8:59pm

Dirty Dingus McGee wrote: »

If that is the case then it is just and inferior version of the club game and might as well not exist.What is the point supporting Ireland when we are admitting it isn't really Ireland that is out on the field.

It's still our country representing us in the sport we love.

keeponhurling · 14-03-2016 11:00am

These RTE updates of how Irish players did over the weekend are always good

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/0314/774680-irish-abroad-mcgeady-strikes-best-comeback-and-m/

keeponhurling · 14-03-2016 11:03am

tayto lover wrote: »

We should be blooding new lads.
Also can't see the point of having Doyle and Keane in the squad for friendlies. Both past it now imo.

They are probably both still there on merit though.

Don't think Doyle will make the Euros squad, but we are only 1 or 2 injuries from needing him.

Keane is the captain of the team, and wants to be there for the friendlies.

Kerrydude1981 · 15-03-2016 9:32pm

Looking at clips of Jonny Hayes

Have never seen him play but looking at the clips he looks an exciting addition to the squad

http://www.the42.ie/jonny-hayes-ireland-all-you-need-to-know-2659388-
Mar2016/

Have ye seen him play lads?

Wilberto · 15-03-2016 9:49pm

RT&#201 wrote: »

After starting the last two games for Aston Villa, conceding seven goals, Clark has struggled to cement a starting place in one of the worst sides to play in the Premier League.

I'm glad they tried to mince their words anyway! :pac:

:P

eire4 · 17-03-2016 9:50pm

Kerrydude1981 wrote: »

Looking at clips of Jonny Hayes

Have never seen him play but looking at the clips he looks an exciting addition to the squad

http://www.the42.ie/jonny-hayes-ireland-all-you-need-to-know-2659388-
Mar2016/

Have ye seen him play lads?

He has been one od Aberdeen's best players this season no question about it. Certainly worth giving him a look.

Wilberto · 17-03-2016 9:58pm

eire4 wrote: »

He has been one od Aberdeen's best players this season no question about it. Certainly worth giving him a look.

So, he's one of the best players in the SPL this season?

Have we not been through this before?

:pac:

eire4 · 18-03-2016 8:09pm

Wilberto wrote: »

So, he's one of the best players in the SPL this season?

Have we not been through this before? :pac:

Yes he has had a career best type of season for Aberdeen so fine by me to give him a call up and a look. Obviously its not like he is some young up and coming 20 year old he has played well this season so its worth giving him a look in the squad and see how he does.

Wilberto · 18-03-2016 9:26pm

eire4 wrote: »

Yes he has had a career best type of season for Aberdeen so fine by me to give him a call up and a look. Obviously its not like he is some young up and coming 20 year old he has played well this season so its worth giving him a look in the squad and see how he does.

It's more the standard of the league he's playing in is what I'm getting at. Personally, I'd look at League one before I'd look at the SPL, and that includes "the mighty" (lol) Celtic.

keeponhurling · 19-03-2016 12:31pm

Wilberto wrote: »

It's more the standard of the league he's playing in is what I'm getting at. Personally, I'd look at League one before I'd look at the SPL, and that includes "the mighty" (lol) Celtic.

You were stretching a bit, in order to get your dig in at Celtic.
No wonder he didn't quite understand what you were getting at.

Wilberto · 19-03-2016 6:29pm

keeponhurling wrote: »

You were stretching a bit, in order to get your dig in at Celtic.
No wonder he didn't quite understand what you were getting at.

It was a fairly thinly veiled dig at Celtic wasn't it?! :pac:

whatawaster81 · 19-03-2016 8:31pm

Squad is reduced to 33, Forrester misses out. However Hayes is retained and could be in line for a debut.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/0319/776036-forrester-misses-out-as-oneill/

keeponhurling · 19-03-2016 10:13pm

Realistically the only uncapped player who I think could make the squad is Alan Judge. (Unless Hayes makes a serious impression)

Interesting also that Westwood was not kept in the squad.
That would appear to end his Euro 2016 hopes

Ferris_Bueller · 20-03-2016 12:28am

I would agree. Some comments on FB saying Forrester should feel hard done by being left out but I think he would have been surprised at getting a call up in the first place and the Euros is happening a bit too soon for him, definitely think we will see him in the jersey eventually though. These friendlies are big for Arter and Judge IMO, I would almost expect them to be included at this stage but hard to know who would lose out. Is Judge strictly a CM or can he play on the wing or how flexible is he? Haven't actually seen him play despite seeing multiple clips of his goals.

sky88 · 20-03-2016 1:31am

What was the point of naming the bigger squad then reducing.

Pro. F · 20-03-2016 1:39am

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

Is Judge strictly a CM or can he play on the wing or how flexible is he? Haven't actually seen him play despite seeing multiple clips of his goals.

He has a good cross on him, but he's maybe a bit slow to play out wide. He looks every bit a number 10 and he might be exactly what we need there, because of his goals and creativity.

Christy Browne · 20-03-2016 3:20am

What really baffles me is the management's treatment of Westwood.

He's our only keeper that starts regularly and for a decent Sheffield Wednesday side who are in the playoff spots at the moment.

He was also in the Championship Team Of The Year last season. He should be starting for us, never mind not even making the squad

21-03-2016 2:43pm

Not sure if this is off-topic so apologies mods but my m8 got an email about 10% off the new jersey. It includes free printing if that tickles your fancy.

sky88 · 21-03-2016 4:43pm

Christy Browne wrote: »

What really baffles me is the management's treatment of Westwood.

He's our only keeper that starts regularly and for a decent Sheffield Wednesday side who are in the playoff spots at the moment.

He was also in the Championship Team Of The Year last season. He should be starting for us, never mind not even making the squad

Is elliot not starting regularly for newcastle granted they are in shocking form.

id start with westwood as well as the game time helps but i do think randolph is the better keeper.

i just dont want shay given anywere near the squad nevermind the team but im fearing the worst there

keeponhurling · 21-03-2016 4:52pm

allow me to cut and paste from RTE. Interesting points....

"If the choice to omit Keiren Westwood is not due to injury or personal reasons, then the decision is one of the most controversial out of all the selections. Westwood has kept 10 clean sheets in his 28 Championship appearances so far this season while David Forde is second-choice for League One side Millwall. Forde has started only seven league games in this campaign resulting in just one clean sheet and has conceded 12 times in those matches."

"Players who are in need of game time ahead of the European Championships have until Thursday to join a Football League club, thanks to the emergency window. The likes of Shay Given and Darron Gibson could join a Championship side for a period between 28 and 93 days."

dr.kenneth noisewater · 21-03-2016 5:11pm

keeponhurling wrote: »

allow me to cut and paste from RTE. Interesting points....

"If the choice to omit Keiren Westwood is not due to injury or personal reasons, then the decision is one of the most controversial out of all the selections. Westwood has kept 10 clean sheets in his 28 Championship appearances so far this season while David Forde is second-choice for League One side Millwall. Forde has started only seven league games in this campaign resulting in just one clean sheet and has conceded 12 times in those matches."

Must be personal issues at this stage

Christy Browne · 21-03-2016 5:26pm

sky88 wrote: »

Is elliot not starting regularly for newcastle granted they are in shocking form.

id start with westwood as well as the game time helps but i do think randolph is the better keeper.

i just dont want shay given anywere near the squad nevermind the team but im fearing the worst there

I forgot about Elliot starting but it's only due to injury, as soon as Krul is back he'll be second choice again

Rossi IRL · 21-03-2016 6:12pm

Id rather a keeper playing well and first choice for a top 6 championship team than a keeper who is getting relegated from the prem and is only playing because of injuries.

Randolf starting with Westwood on the bench is what I'd pick.

bren2001 · 21-03-2016 6:34pm

Rossi IRL wrote: »

Id rather a keeper playing well and first choice for a top 6 championship team than a keeper who is getting relegated from the prem and is only playing because of injuries.

Randolf starting with Westwood on the bench is what I'd pick.

So what you really want is a second choice keeper who doesn't play?

Rossi IRL · 21-03-2016 7:06pm

bren2001 wrote: »

So what you really want is a second choice keeper who doesn't play?

Nope I see Randolf as our number one keeper after playing the last few games for us (and quite well) and has always played well for West Ham when called upon, which has been often enough.

I wouldnt go into the euros changing the first choice keeper but I would like an inform keeper to be there if needed. (Westwood)

TaosHum · 21-03-2016 7:09pm

Rossi IRL wrote: »

Id rather a keeper playing well and first choice for a top 6 championship team than a keeper who is getting relegated from the prem and is only playing because of injuries.

Randolf starting with Westwood on the bench is what I'd pick.

To Elliot's credit, he has been solid for a poor Newcastle side since taking over from Krul in October.

If Krul was to leave Newcastle in the summer, I'm certain Elliot would be number 1. Very reliable keeper.

Mr.Nice Guy · 21-03-2016 11:36pm

Elliot's been impressive whenever I've sen him and in high pressure situations too, unlike the other keepers. I would prefer him to get a chance and be our number one.

I'm not sold on Randolph yet. He's been solid, sure; but in less than a handful of games and he's not getting regular game time at club level. I wouldn't be shocked if he proves a liability.

Christy Browne · 22-03-2016 12:28am

My preference for the Euros would be

1. Westwood
2. Elliot
3. Randolph

When in reality it is going to be

1. Randolph
2. Given
3. Elliot

While I do like Randolph and he has been fine anytime he played for us I just don't think he has as much quality as Westwood.

Given chose to retire after Euro 2012 and I don't think he should be anywhere near the squad in 2016.

PTH2009 · 22-03-2016 3:56pm

with the tragic attack in brussels today belgium will go into the euros very fired up and will want to restore passion for the country. so its going to be more difficult for us now but its only a sport.

Republic of Ireland Team Talk/News/Rumours 2017

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