Ireland V Cyprus

zAbbo · 13-10-2008 8:03pm

Hope Reid does start, we can match the Cypriots for effort, but we still need a creative spark.

estebancambias · 13-10-2008 8:16pm

The problem is they are bigger, stronger and more atlethic than us, at least judging by our last game in Croker against them.

We need that creative spark in midfield or it will be a night of a lot of possession but not penetration, unless aiden or duffer can do something.

noodler · 13-10-2008 8:20pm

We are sure to have more of the ball and wide men won't get the best of Keane (unlike Doyle). It seems really obvious to everyone here. Reid has even played more than Miller if Im not mistaken (for Sunderland).

Mr.Nice Guy · 13-10-2008 8:26pm

We haven't got a lot of quality available in the centre of the park. I can only imagine Andy Reid is getting overlooked based on a fitness issue.

At any rate I think anyone would be better than Miller in midfield. I'd even take Gibson in there ahead of Miller.

If Miller and McShane start against the Cypriots I will be a very worried supporter.

estebancambias · 13-10-2008 8:29pm

2-0 for me. McGeady and Doyle.

noodler · 13-10-2008 8:33pm

I think McShane is limiteds in the amount of damage he can do at RB.

I know it couldn't be really be done cos both are untried in the team recently but I like the sound of Joey O'B and Andy Reid in the middle. Wheres JOB been playing for Bolton this season?

estebancambias · 13-10-2008 8:37pm

well he was playing as defensive midfielder in a 3 for Bolton at the start not sure though lately.

glenjamin · 13-10-2008 8:37pm

noodler wrote: »

I think McShane is limiteds in the amount of damage he can do at RB.

I know it couldn't be really be done cos both are untried in the team recently but I like the sound of Joey O'B and Andy Reid in the middle. Wheres JOB been playing for Bolton this season?

Center mid mainly.

DeadSkin · 13-10-2008 8:38pm

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

We haven't got a lot of quality available in the centre of the park. I can only imagine Andy Reid is getting overlooked based on a fitness issue.

That's my gut feeling too about Andy Reid. But why is he in the squad then?
For Sunderland in the PL:
Miller has 2 appearances 1 start & 1 sub.
Reid has 6 appearances, 4 starts & 2 sub.

noodler · 13-10-2008 8:40pm

I just don't want to be a goal down and have to get Reid of the bench when it is too late. I think Reid could really hurt the Cypriots....as do we all naturally.

Rare that you get this much unison over a player's chances of involvement.

whatawaster · 13-10-2008 8:44pm

i think O'Brien would be a much better option at either Right Back or Central Midfield. McShane is an accident waiting to happen and Miller is far too lightweight. Pity Stephen Kelly isn't fit. I'm a fan, i think he's capable of taking Finnan's place.

Vokes · 13-10-2008 8:47pm

JimiTime wrote: »

Thats still assumption in fairness. If he doesn't play on wednesday, at home, against a team we should have little trouble with (I know, I know, but we should still be beating teams like these), and with Stephen Reid injured. Then I think we can safely say he doesn't fancy him. Here's to hoping though.

Yup, this game will be the acid test for him, I reckon. But id be pretty shocked if Trap doesnt play him - he seems to be the most regular playing out of the 4 CMs available.

Mr.Nice Guy · 13-10-2008 8:50pm

I don't know if this has been posted yet but it's pretty interesting...

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni insists he has no problem with midfielder Andy Reid.

The 26-year-old Sunderland player has yet to enjoy a single minute on the pitch in a senior game since the Italian's arrival in Ireland in May.

Reid appears likely to be overlooked once again for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Cyprus amid suggestions of a row with Trapattoni.

"I don't have any problems with anybody," insisted Trapattoni.

"I choose in all honesty and I choose thinking about the interests of the team."

Trapattoni was bemused by the speculation when it was mentioned on Monday and the Italian is adamant there is nothing sinister about Reid's absence from the team.

"I never have pre-judgements on any players. I get angry often when the players are on the pitch, and it goes away in five minutes."

Reid has not played for his country since the 2-2 European Championship qualifying draw with Wales in Cardiff last November.

He also missed the end-of-season training camp in Portugal and friendlies against Serbia and Colombia through injury.

The midfielder returned to the squad for the friendly in Norway in August and has been included ever since, but has yet to see any action.

Trapattoni has employed two holding midfielders to allow wide-men Damien Duff and Aiden McGeady - and in their absence, Stephen Hunt - to join forces with strikers Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle.

Glenn Whelan has made one of those places his own despite his relative lack of football at Stoke while Steven Reid emerged from his long-running injury problems to take the other to great effect against Georgia and Montenegro.

With the Blackburn man ruled out by injury again, Trapattoni is being tipped to select Liam Miller ahead of the Sunderland player for the role against the Cypriots.

Asked if Andy Reid's frustration is mounting, the manager said: "That is not a problem.

"The problem is each game we have is a very important game to qualify.

"I don't understand why Andy Reid is more important than other situations.

"I have said many, many times, we are very, very offensive.

"With two strikers, with McGeady, with Duff, with also Hunt, we are very, very offensive."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7668350.stm

What I take from that is that Reid won't be starting.

glenjamin · 13-10-2008 8:51pm

Without Kelly or Finnan I'd defo have J.O'Brien at RB whilst I feel that anyone can replace Miller. Anyway Trap can incorperate McGeady, Hunt and Duff into his starting XI?

SantryRed · 13-10-2008 8:53pm

To be honest, I can see exactly why he won't play Reid, especially in the centre.

He wants us to play the one system, and get used to it. In the 2 Cm's in the formation Trap likes, they both have to get back and forward, don't think he trusts Reid. And to be honest, either would I.

PHB · 13-10-2008 8:54pm

I think we could well see Reid tomorrow. I just think Trap doesn't think he's worth it in an away game, and to be honest, I can see his point. At home though, he has the ability to break down teams and trap knows this.

estebancambias · 13-10-2008 8:54pm

the thing is kevin foley has been class this season and while kelly was one of the most consistent players in the EPL last season and if he was lucky could have been signed by Aston Villa for their right back slot, he got injured and can't get back in the team. Same thing with Colin Doyle, Birmingham fans think hes amazing but he can't dislodge Maik Taylor.

Surely Foley is in contention for the right back slot?

whatawaster · 13-10-2008 8:55pm

glenjamin wrote: »

Without Kelly or Finnan I'd defo have J.O'Brien at RB whilst I feel that anyone can replace Miller. Anyway Trap can incorperate McGeady, Hunt and Duff into his starting XI?

not really, without dropping Doyle.
Hunt is a far better impact player, Duff and McGeady should start.

eagle eye · 13-10-2008 9:26pm

Its not going to be easy. Finnan is a big loss for this game. I watched them against Italy and a lot of their attacks came down the left so we need a good performance from whoever plays there.
They really gave Italy a serious game and were very unlucky to lose it.

estebancambias · 13-10-2008 10:07pm

my parents want tickets to the game(already have mine) anyone know if they're still available?

zAbbo · 13-10-2008 10:11pm

estebancambias wrote: »

my parents want tickets to the game(already have mine) anyone know if they're still available?

Additional Information:
Tickets will be available to purchase from the follwoing Outlets from tomorrow morning Tuesday 14th October 2008 - Ticketron St.Stephen Green Shopping Centre & Ticketron Jervis St. Shopping Centre

Should be a good few available, mine came in the post this morning

bohsman · 13-10-2008 10:14pm

http://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/18004130E22F4927?artistid=948975&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=10004

Tickets will be available to purchase from the follwoing Outlets from tomorrow morning Tuesday 14th October 2008 - Ticketron St.Stephen Green Shopping Centre & Ticketron Jervis St. Shopping Centre

http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=136&Itemid=9

Tickets will also be on sale at Dalymount Park from Monday October 13th at the following times:

Monday / Tuesday - 12pm - 8pm
Wednesday - 10am – 6pm

estebancambias · 13-10-2008 10:14pm

whatever about our national league, but damn for our population we get big attendances when the national team plays.

zAbbo · 13-10-2008 10:18pm

I think capacity is around the 75k mark, so I'd say there should be around 65k at it. Don't think it'll sell out, but you never know.

eirebhoy · 13-10-2008 10:29pm

I'd say it should be a near enough sell out. Over 70k anyway.

shane86 · 13-10-2008 10:48pm

Ticketmaster are knobs. Forgot my cards at home, couldnt buy online. Was gonna tip in to buy them with a mate at the Centra on the quays, then see the sales are restricted to two outlets?!!? (which Id imagine close around 6)

I rang customer service to check this out, your man said there was plenty left so heres hoping.

estebancambias · 14-10-2008 12:11am

It would be great if we got a real spectacle of a match but right now I'd jump at a victory of any sort.

Bluetonic · 14-10-2008 9:23am

eirebhoy wrote: »

I'd say it should be a near enough sell out. Over 70k anyway.

Very unlikely that it will be over 70k, they've only sold touching 60k at the moment and within that 60k there are loads of block bookers trying to shift tickets.

Attendance will be lucky to hit mid 60k (capacity 73,500ish)

Who would want to sit in a stadium where half the seats are open to the elements? You'd be looking at the forecast all day hoping your not going to get drenched for 70 euro.

OhNoYouDidn't · 14-10-2008 10:09am

zAbbo wrote: »

Are there any stats on that, would find it hard to believe that Soccer players outnumber GAA ones? Maybe I'm wrong though.

ESRI surveys on sports participation.

Football, and thats before we count 5 and 7 a side, has more registered players than hurling and gaelic combined. Gah numbers have remained stagnant (ie a decline in real terms) for 20 years while football numbers have rocketed. There are more basketball players than hurlers in Dublin at the moment.

Huge urban areas have no gah clubs, so for every parish in Cavan minus a football club, I'll raise you a suburb of Dublin. That and the new Irish are far more likely to play football or basketball for obvious reasons.

BaZmO* · 14-10-2008 12:01pm

Well looking out the window now I'd say there'll be quite a few empty seats tomorrow, looks like I'll be getting soaked tomorrow!

See some bookies are offering 9-1 for a Cyprus win. I'd never bet against Ireland but 9-1? Them's good odds considering recent history, although I'd say an Ireland win or a draw is more likely.

spiderdan · 14-10-2008 12:35pm

A.Reid and JOB it really couldn't be any simpler.

Everyone knows Paul McS is a total liability, as pointed out its a disaster waiting to happen- but IMO so is Kilbane, his positional play at LB is questionable it could easily cost us, we really need to address these issues for the future.

As for Miller WTF!! 2 DM's is all well enough for a tough away game but in front of 70k home fans!! where r the chances going to come? we are desperate for some creativity, I really hope Reid gets his chance and cements it for the future, G Whealan doesn't even get his game for Stoke FFS!! Im not saying he's played badly but look at L Lawerance, he hasn't had much of a look in after being their player of the year last year, all be it in a diff position.

Im not a big fan of players getting regular games in Internationals when they don't perform weekly for their clubs.

luckylucky · 14-10-2008 1:04pm

BaZmO* wrote: »

Well looking out the window now I'd say there'll be quite a few empty seats tomorrow, looks like I'll be getting soaked tomorrow!

See some bookies are offering 9-1 for a Cyprus win. I'd never bet against Ireland but 9-1? Them's good odds considering recent history, although I'd say an Ireland win or a draw is more likely.

Spotted that too, think it's not bad odds at all - I've never betted against Ireland before either and probably won't do now either but it could be a minor consolation nonetheless if they lost :P

noodler · 14-10-2008 1:21pm

spiderdan wrote: »

A.Reid and JOB it really couldn't be any simpler.

Everyone knows Paul McS is a total liability, as pointed out its a disaster waiting to happen- but IMO so is Kilbane, his positional play at LB is questionable it could easily cost us, we really need to address these issues for the future.

As for Miller WTF!! 2 DM's is all well enough for a tough away game but in front of 70k home fans!! where r the chances going to come? we are desperate for some creativity, I really hope Reid gets his chance and cements it for the future, G Whealan doesn't even get his game for Stoke FFS!! Im not saying he's played badly but look at L Lawerance, he hasn't had much of a look in after being their player of the year last year, all be it in a diff position.

Im not a big fan of players getting regular games in Internationals when they don't perform weekly for their clubs.

What has Kilbane done to earn you putting him in the same bracket as McShane? One of the first names on the teamsheet for me.

djpbarry · 14-10-2008 1:42pm

spiderdan wrote: »

Everyone knows Paul McS is a total liability, as pointed out its a disaster waiting to happen- but IMO so is Kilbane, his positional play at LB is questionable it could easily cost us, we really need to address these issues for the future.

Leaving aside the fact that I totally disagree with your assessment of Kilbane, how exactly do we "address" this issue? What alternatives do we have for left-full?

spiderdan wrote: »

As for Miller WTF!! 2 DM's is all well enough for a tough away game but in front of 70k home fans!! where r the chances going to come? we are desperate for some creativity...

I seem to recall we fielded a fairly attack-minded midfield against Cyprus before; it didn't go well.

spiderdan wrote: »

...look at L Lawerance, he hasn't had much of a look in after being their player of the year last year...

He's injured.

noodler · 14-10-2008 1:45pm

I wouldn't blame everything that happened in Nicosia on the formation. The lack of ANY holding MF was another component as was the lack of Given and other players.

If we are going to have more of the ball, then why not let it be Andy Reid who has it.

Kilbane is a legend. It has simply been popular and trendy at different times over the last few years to jump on the 'Donkey' bandwagon.

BaZmO* · 14-10-2008 1:58pm

noodler wrote: »

Kilbane is a legend. It has simply been popular and trendy at different times over the last few years to jump on the 'Donkey' bandwagon.

Exactly. spiderdan is about 6 years too late with his criticism of Kilbane.

The Nicosia debacle also had a lot to do with the amount of injuries we had at the time coupled with the ineptness of the manager.

estebancambias · 14-10-2008 2:09pm

****ing ticketmaster sent me the wrong tickets, i asked for hill 16 and they sent me cusack stand higher seats...bull****.

djpbarry · 14-10-2008 2:10pm

noodler wrote: »

I wouldn't blame everything that happened in Nicosia on the formation.

No, but it was a major contributing factor.

BaZmO* wrote: »

The Nicosia debacle also had a lot to do with the amount of injuries we had at the time...

We actually had a pretty strong side out that day:

Kenny, Finnan, O'Shea, Dunne, Andy O'Brien, Kilbane, Ireland, McGeady, Duff, Keane, Morrison.

bigstar · 14-10-2008 2:13pm

kilbane a legend, and possibly our most capped player, no wonder weve been crap for years

prendy · 14-10-2008 2:26pm

bigstar wrote: »

kilbane a legend, and possibly our most capped player, no wonder weve been crap for years

Sounds like the type of "supporter" engerland are blessed with.

Kilbane hasnt missed a competitive game in years and always gives 100%. he's not the most skillfull or stylish player but he does get the job done. His record makes him a legend.

mr.noobie · 14-10-2008 2:29pm

djpbarry wrote: »

No, but it was a major contributing factor.
We actually had a pretty strong side out that day:

Kenny, Finnan, O'Shea, Dunne, Andy O'Brien, Kilbane, Ireland, McGeady, Duff, Keane, Morrison.

Clinton Morrison what ever happened to him? surely hes a better back-up than Shane Long or Anthony Stokes no?

bigstar · 14-10-2008 2:33pm

prendy wrote: »

Sounds like the type of "supporter" engerland are blessed with.

Kilbane hasnt missed a competitive game in years and always gives 100%. he's not the most skillfull or stylish player but he does get the job done. His record makes him a legend.

what job is that then, his fantastic defensive play, or his sublime talent as an attacking winger. is he more or less legendary than irwin or duff

Bluetonic · 14-10-2008 2:37pm

estebancambias wrote: »

****ing ticketmaster sent me the wrong tickets, i asked for hill 16 and they sent me cusack stand higher seats...bull****.

They've done you a favour. What would you want to sit on the hill on an October night a good distance away from the goal!

djpbarry · 14-10-2008 2:39pm

mr.noobie wrote: »

Clinton Morrison what ever happened to him?

He's toiling away at Coventry:
http://www.eleven-a-side.com/acrossthewater/news.asp?n=34328

gosplan · 14-10-2008 2:53pm

bigstar wrote: »

what job is that then, his fantastic defensive play, or his sublime talent as an attacking winger. is he more or less legendary than irwin or duff

Kilbane is solid, more solid than most of our options there.

People generally refer to him as a legend due to his workrate and attitude. He's kept more naturally gifted players out of teams his whole career simply by giving 100% every time he plays.

if he was a rugby player, he'd be a Munster forward - that kind of legend.

spiderdan · 14-10-2008 2:55pm

I knew all the Kilbane crap would resurface, you'd swear he's the messiah FFS, yeah he gives 100% every time he puts on the jersey but is that good enough?? no chance- if that was the case McShane would be the first name on the sheet. he's a liability at LB, Kilbane was caught out a few times in the last match defensively and I don't think he's up to it in that position! Plus there's a reason he's being trying to shake the donkey brigade for years. 7 goals in 90 games, nearly all as an attacking player. not great is it? I like the majority of people have nothing but admiration for the effort he puts in but there's been plenty of times in the past we've had better options. Anyway this is off the topic he have little choice tomorrow, he has to play. When we do have a full squad I don't think he should.

As far as addressing the issue of RB/ LB- don't ever consider McShane, that'd be a start Joey O'Brien every day. We do have very limited options thats very obvious, why isn't Foley being considered? We have Delaney, and when fit Finnan and Kelly have played LB in the past and should be ahead of Kilbane.

I seem to recall we fielded a fairly attack-minded midfield against Cyprus before; it didn't go well.

Yeah we had a Muppet as manager then thats why, along with some injuries. You cant be serious thinking playing 2 DM's against Cyprus at home is the way to go, we need our most attacking formation against them, and expose them. I dont think the Miller v Reid debate is worth wasting a minute one. Fingers crossed Trap will go for Reid, if not its worrying for the future. Whealan only looked good because he had S Reid beside him simple as, if you cant get a game for Stoke your not good enough for Ireland, end of IMO.

And as for Lawernance, I'm aware he's injured but why wasn't he considered before then?? its only a recent injury.

mr.noobie · 14-10-2008 2:56pm

djpbarry wrote: »

He's toiling away at Coventry:
http://www.eleven-a-side.com/acrossthewater/news.asp?n=34328

lol poor guy dont think hes been called up since that whole 5-2 thing in Nicosia either has he lol:P

noodler · 14-10-2008 3:53pm

spiderdan wrote: »

I knew all the Kilbane crap would resurface, you'd swear he's the messiah FFS, yeah he gives 100% every time he puts on the jersey but is that good enough?? no chance- if that was the case McShane would be the first name on the sheet. he's a liability at LB, Kilbane was caught out a few times in the last match defensively and I don't think he's up to it in that position! Plus there's a reason he's being trying to shake the donkey brigade for years. 7 goals in 90 games, nearly all as an attacking player. not great is it? I like the majority of people have nothing but admiration for the effort he puts in but there's been plenty of times in the past we've had better options. Anyway this is off the topic he have little choice tomorrow, he has to play. When we do have a full squad I don't think he should.

As far as addressing the issue of RB/ LB- don't ever consider McShane, that'd be a start Joey O'Brien every day. We do have very limited options thats very obvious, why isn't Foley being considered? We have Delaney, and when fit Finnan and Kelly have played LB in the past and should be ahead of Kilbane.

I seem to recall we fielded a fairly attack-minded midfield against Cyprus before; it didn't go well.

Yeah we had a Muppet as manager then thats why, along with some injuries. You cant be serious thinking playing 2 DM's against Cyprus at home is the way to go, we need our most attacking formation against them, and expose them. I dont think the Miller v Reid debate is worth wasting a minute one. Fingers crossed Trap will go for Reid, if not its worrying for the future. Whealan only looked good because he had S Reid beside him simple as, if you cant get a game for Stoke your not good enough for Ireland, end of IMO.

And as for Lawernance, I'm aware he's injured but why wasn't he considered before then?? its only a recent injury.

Times like this I am just grateful we have a good manager making the calls. You seem to have gotten it into your head Kilbane is terrible and nothing will change your mind.

Fast, tall, good in the air, 100% committed. I don't see a better Irish option at left back. Kelly is playing in a lower division and looked particularly ropey in Slovakia.

By the way, few Irish players have great Goal records.

bigstar · 14-10-2008 4:59pm

gosplan wrote: »

if he was a rugby player, he'd be a Munster forward - that kind of legend.

mcgrath bonner keane whelan thoese are legends they had the commitment and desire but also the ability to force themselves on a game, like munster forwards, who are a team of leaders and champions. kilbane, honest, committed, mediocre.

spiderdan · 14-10-2008 5:09pm

noodler wrote: »

Times like this I am just grateful we have a good manager making the calls. You seem to have gotten it into your head Kilbane is terrible and nothing will change your mind.

Fast, tall, good in the air, 100% committed. I don't see a better Irish option at left back. Kelly is playing in a lower division and looked particularly ropey in Slovakia.

By the way, few Irish players have great Goal records.

Times like this reminds me how so many Irish people accept mediocrity. My point is we really need to look/ develop new players into the international fold, we are both in agreement we don't have any other options tomorrow eve.

Ireland V Cyprus

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