Bulgaria v Ireland saturday 6th ko 6:30 setanta Ireland/RTÉ 2

noodler

dogpile wrote: »

That's the one, shame about his injuries....tbh I'd have Ian Harte back ahead of Kilbane, always knew about positional sense and always had a sweet left foot did Hartey tho never had pace but then KK has never been a Usain Bolt either

Are you actually serious? Do you know Harte plays for at the moment by any chance? Do you know KIlbane is faster, fitter, stronger, better in the air and a more competitive player?

I am not sure if you were joking - I can only hope.

newballsplease

Christy Brown for left back imo..........

noodler

newballsplease wrote: »

Christy Brown for left back imo..........

No Ian Harte we said!

newballsplease

Christy has a better left peg

That_Guy

newballsplease wrote: »

Christy has a better left peg

Who's Christy?

purple_hatstand

I'd have Christy Moore at LB before recalling Harte.:D

Harte will be 33, Finnan 35 and Carsley 36 when the WC starts next summer which is obviously the reason they're not being considered during qualifying (and the fact that Finnan's been injured for most of the last year).

Ireland have looked pretty well organised (if a little creatively stunted) since Trap took over and the points tally to date is great when you acknowledge the paucity of real options.

The three big things from Saturday for me were:

1 - Folan...brilliant
2 - Given, Dunne & Keane were all injured and they all played well
3 - Real problems in the centre of midfield. A.Reid, S.Reid & S.Ireland would certainly give lots of options but it's kinda pointless talking about them unless or until they are available. In terms of Saturday, I woulda liked to have seen Hunt stay on through the middle in place of Whelan when McGeady came on. And Duff shoulda played on the left and McGeady right. I think we might not have given up so much possession that way.

Nalz

Anyone see the papers this morning (think it was the Irish times) where there is talks about changing the U21 rules

so the likes of the preston GK, Noble, Anton Ferdinand and Nolan could be eligible for Ireland etc

Trap was mouthing on about it how he could strengthen his squad if it were changed.

eoin99

Trilla wrote: »

Anyone see the papers this morning (think it was the Irish times) where there is talks about changing the U21 rules

so the likes of the preston GK, Noble, Anton Ferdinand and Nolan could be eligible for Ireland etc

Trap was mouthing on about it how he could strengthen his squad if it were changed.

http://www.imscouting.com/global_news_item.aspx?id=2205

Came from this decision by FIFA to change the rules on u-21 internationals switching their allegience.

Also in the examiner Mackey has mentioned it. Doubt there's going to be wholesale declarations for Ireland, I'd expect O'Hara and Noble to fancy their chances long term of a full England cap.

http://www.examiner.ie/sport/ireland-hit-the-right-notes-93627.html#ixzz0HnNkgDPE&C

However it does increse the need to give James McCarthy a full cap soon so his Irishness is confirmed:D

Nalz

ah so its done and dusted? we can call up such players?

eoin99

Trilla wrote: »

ah so its done and dusted? we can call up such players?

Presume so based on that FIFA decision. Just have to name the squad for the Australia friendly in August with Noble et al & see what happens;)

I could see Nolan possibly taking up the opportunity if we did call him up, as he isn't going to be playing for England anytime soon. Dunno if he'd be a huge improvement on what we have in centre mid already tho.

ADTR

I could see Nolan joining us too. England haven't come calling. I think his chance there is gone.

IRISHSPORTSGUY

Kevin Nolan is even worse than Glenn Whelan, he was one of the main reasons Newcastle were relegated - terrible, terrible signing.

If they represent Ireland and we qualify for the World Cup it'd all be worth it. It would give give the country such a lift and no doubts whatsoever it'd immediately overshadow the egg-chasers. The hype, media and excitement when Ireland qualify for a World Cup is just unbelieveable...

Gary O'Neill might be a good shout - him and Tuncay were the only decent players for Boro in a pathetic season.

eoin99

IRISHSPORTSGUY wrote: »

Kevin Nolan is even worse than Glenn Whelan, he was one of the main reasons Newcastle were relegated - terrible, terrible signing.

If they represent Ireland and we qualify for the World Cup it'd all be worth it. It would give give the country such a lift and no doubts whatsoever it'd immediately overshadow the egg-chasers. The hype, media and excitement when Ireland qualify for a World Cup is just unbelieveable...

Gary O'Neill might be a good shout - him and Tuncay were the only decent players for Boro in a pathetic season.

Agree that Nolan isn't going to set our midfield alight or anything remotely like that, but his addition would add strength to our pool of players. With Steven Reid injured and the S.Ireland & A.Reid situations, our centre mid options are particularly weak - Darron Gibson and Liam Miller being next in line. I for one would put Nolan ahead of those two, having played consistently at the top level in England for the majority of the last decade, and leave it up to Trap to decide if he can disrupt our mighty Whelan-Andrews axis in the middle.

newballsplease

purple_hatstand wrote: »

I'd have Christy Moore at LB before recalling Harte.:D

Harte will be 33, Finnan 35 and Carsley 36 when the WC starts next summer which is obviously the reason they're not being considered during qualifying (and the fact that Finnan's been injured for most of the last year).

Ireland have looked pretty well organised (if a little creatively stunted) since Trap took over and the points tally to date is great when you acknowledge the paucity of real options.

The three big things from Saturday for me were:

1 - Folan...brilliant
2 - Given, Dunne & Keane were all injured and they all played well
3 - Real problems in the centre of midfield. A.Reid, S.Reid & S.Ireland would certainly give lots of options but it's kinda pointless talking about them unless or until they are available. In terms of Saturday, I woulda liked to have seen Hunt stay on through the middle in place of Whelan when McGeady came on. And Duff shoulda played on the left and McGeady right. I think we might not have given up so much possession that way.

That was probably Keanes worst match ever in an Irish shirt.

noodler

newballsplease wrote: »

That was probably Keanes worst match ever in an Irish shirt.

I am getting tired of saying that!

Still though he did pop up well recently.