Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland: KO 7.45pm

IRISHSPORTSGUY

Dempsey wrote: »

More of a rhetorical question then?

I meant some people in general just wear Celtic shirts at Ireland matches, no matter what the oppo. I knew why there was so many wind up merchants there wearing Celtic shirts last night - not dense or owt. Celtic are Scottish, it just looks daft (in my opinion of course). Mind, at least because of Celtic's founding fathers it makes wearing their shirt a teeny bit more logical than the occasional loon in a Liverpool or Man Utd jersey.

parker kent

Paul4As wrote: »

No current Northern Ireland player would get on the England side so that dismisses your suggestion.
We would definitely have a far stronger side that the poor one we do have now!

Did I say any current player would? I'm just saying that in future it could and probably would happen.

cardwizzard

cardwizzard wrote: »

I'm not disputing who is the better team!!

You just seem to think Jonny Evans who can cut it at top to middle premiership level is not as good as St Ledger who is now due to play his football in league 1

cardwizzard

Deleted User wrote: »

You just seem to think Jonny Evans who can cut it at top to middle premiership level is not as good as St Ledger who is now due to play his football in league 1

You are digging your heels in pal. I understand that many people think that Evans is a better player and accept that. I don't, can you accept that? St Ledger and Dunne make up a very good partnrship, maybe Evans would improve us, maybe not. Would have Evans in the squad as mentioned.

What if Sean gets transfered to an Everton(probably wont happen) does that make him a better player. Look at Beckford or Smalling who was playing non league last year or so. Can you understand this.

citytillidie

Paul4As wrote: »

A big part of the Northern Ireland downfall in rankings in recent years is due to Nigel Worthington.
I think if you had a vote amongst our support over 95% would want him to go.
I don't think the players like him as well...from what I hear from a pal of the father of one of the players who started lastnight.
The nights when we believed we could beat anybody under Lawrie Sanchez have long gone.

Whats his issue with Paddy McCourt? Tuesday night would have been the perfect night to play him but as usual Worthington will not pick him

Paul4As

citytillidie wrote: »

Whats his issue with Paddy McCourt? Tuesday night would have been the perfect night to play him but as usual Worthington will not pick him

Paddy McCourt was / is getting married. Not sure what date.
That is why he wasn't included in the squad.

Paul4As

fullstop wrote: »

What about the North 'poaching' players from England?

Of the current squad, Lee Camp played for England up to U-21 and Oliver Norwood played for England up to U-21 and B international level. There are probably other examples also. Or do the IFA compensate the FA for developing these players?

You can't have it both ways.

Lee Camp has a grandfather from Newtownards...Norwood has family from Northern Ireland as well (he only played for England under 17s - not the under 21s or B Team). I don't think the England set-up particularly want or need the two.
Northern Ireland would like all of the high profile players who have left for the Republic...Gibson, Ferguson, Duffy, Wilson, Devine.
Darron Gibson for example has I believe has no family roots in southern Ireland. Others with no family roots will follow.
That is why the IFA have to address the issue somehow...for example target English players with British passports who have no family roots in Northern Ireland to compliment the few decent Northern Irish players we have.

noodler

SantryRed wrote: »

Would just like to point out that St. Ledger is now relegated Championship standard.

This really does concern me. He isn't likely to get a move (apparently his form has been poor - did I read Preston had the leakiest defence in the championship this season?).
I wonder how much longer he will be a viable option playing at that standard.

Andy Reid was also released from Blackpool. I like to think ti was because they couldn't afford his wages but I am not so sure - I know you can;t play him and Adam in a team battling relegation but it is still depressing how few opportunities he seemed to get in a team full of journeymen.

Bounty Hunter

noodler wrote: »

This really does concern me. He isn't likely to get a move (apparently his form has been poor - did I read Preston had the leakiest defence in the championship this season?).
I wonder how much longer he will be a viable option playing at that standard.

Andy Reid was also released from Blackpool. I like to think ti was because they couldn't afford his wages but I am not so sure - I know you can;t play him and Adam in a team battling relegation but it is still depressing how few opportunities he seemed to get in a team full of journeymen.

We have better players than both so Im not really that concerned tbh. Andy Reid was made into the Irish footballing Messiah just like S.Ireland before him due to his exclusion despite the fact that he just isnt really that good (as illustrated by your point above) and as for St Ledger, Clark is better than him in CB anyway plus right now with Ward being selected at LB, O'Shea & Dunne would be most likely the preferred CB pairing.

noodler

Bounty Hunter wrote: »

We have better players than both so Im not really that concerned tbh. Andy Reid was made into the Irish footballing Messiah just like S.Ireland before him due to his exclusion despite the fact that he just isnt really that good (as illustrated by your point above) and as for St Ledger, Clark is better than him in CB anyway plus right now with Ward being selected at LB, O'Shea & Dunne would be most likely the preferred CB pairing.

I am not going to open a huge debate on A.Reid again but I strongly disagree with you there. When this debate was in full flow (maybe after the first Georgia game?) there was plenty of discussion about why we were dropping our best passer of a ball (that doesn't make him a messiah - it just makes him Ireland's best passer).

The amount of people who just flippantly dismissed the guy (who was playing out of his skin at the time) because he isn't "world-class" or because it "is not as if he is Maradona" completely missed the point in my opinion. He was our most creative player and that was the point - maybe some people overrated him but I think far more people mistook recognising a player's worth to Ireland for thinking he world class.

Bounty Hunter

noodler wrote: »

I am not going to open a huge debate on A.Reid again but I strongly disagree with you there. When this debate was in full flow (maybe after the first Georgia game?) there was plenty of discussion about why we were dropping our best passer of a ball (that doesn't make him a messiah - it just makes him Ireland's best passer).

The amount of people who just flippantly dismissed the guy (who was playing out of his skin at the time) because he isn't "world-class" or because it "is not as if he is Maradona" completely missed the point in my opinion. He was our most creative player and that was the point - maybe some people overrated him but I think far more people mistook recognising a player's worth to Ireland for thinking he world class.

At the time I'd agree but at this point he would be living off a reputation perpetuated by his non selection imo when in reality as his club career has shown (I know injuries & moves etc affected him). Back then I saw no point in his non selection atleast as a squad option so we could possible change the gameplan if needed but now meh, would prefer to see McCarthy or Wes Hoolahan given a run out and as I said St Ledger is nothing to be worried about imo as we already have better options to him but fair play to the lad when needed he always represented himself very well for his country

noodler

Bounty Hunter wrote: »

At the time I'd agree but at this point he would be living off a reputation perpetuated by his non selection imo when in reality as his club career has shown (I know injuries & moves etc affected him). Back then I saw no point in his non selection atleast as a squad option so we could possible change the gameplan if needed but now meh, would prefer to see McCarthy or Wes Hoolahan given a run out and as I said St Ledger is nothing to be worried about imo as we already have better options to him but fair play to the lad when needed he always represented himself very well for his country

Difficult to make case for his selection right now given his lack of club games alright.

Can not fault St.Ledge's attitude (or big goals) either - its just a worry at the moment.

Missing Dunne, Duff and Doyle next week, right? Anyonw else?

noodler

noodler wrote: »

Difficult to make case for his selection right now given his lack of club games alright.

Can not fault St.Ledge's attitude (or big goals) either - its just a worry at the moment.

Missing Dunne, Duff and Doyle next week, right? Anyonw else?

Walters and Wilson. St Ledger not anyway fit so gonna be a gamble. Badly need McGeady and Long to come through their games ok and Kilbane of course !

noodler

Deleted User wrote: »

Walters and Wilson. St Ledger not anyway fit so gonna be a gamble. Badly need McGeady and Long to come through their games ok and Kilbane of course !

So;

Dunne
Duff
Doyle
Walters
Wilson
McCarthy

AgileMyth

I'm interested to see how many players need to be ruled out before Hoolahan gets a look in! With Walters and Doyle missing I'd be inclined to start him in behind Robbie should Shane Long pick up a knock in the Reading game.

OhNoYouDidn't

Paul4As wrote: »

Lee Camp has a grandfather from Newtownards...Norwood has family from Northern Ireland as well. I don't think the England set-up particularly want or need the two.
Northern Ireland would like all of the high profile players who have left for the Republic...Gibson, Ferguson, Duffy, Wilson, Devine.
Darron Gibson for example has I believe has no family roots in southern Ireland. Others with no family roots will follow.That is why the IFA have to address the issue somehow...for example target English players with British passports who have no family roots in Northern Ireland to compliment the few decent Northern Irish players we have.

Please tell me that isn't actually your analysis of the situation?

Johnny Utah

Paul4As wrote: »

Lee Camp has a grandfather from Newtownards...Norwood has family from Northern Ireland as well (he only played for England under 17s - not the under 21s or B Team). I don't think the England set-up particularly want or need the two.
Northern Ireland would like all of the high profile players who have left for the Republic...Gibson, Ferguson, Duffy, Wilson, Devine.
Darron Gibson for example has I believe has no family roots in southern Ireland. Others with no family roots will follow.
That is why the IFA have to address the issue somehow...for example target English players with British passports who have no family roots in Northern Ireland to compliment the few decent Northern Irish players we have.

Southern Ireland?

As in Cork/Kerry?

TheRedDevil10

Squad of players available for the Scotland game on Sunday.

Goalkeepers
Forde
Given
Randolph
Defenders
Delaney
Foley
Kelly
McShane
O'Dea
St. Ledger
Ward
Midfielders
Andrews
Coleman
Fahey
Hunt
Lawrence
Treacy
Whelan
Strikers
Cox
Keane
Keogh

Players that will join up with the squad for the Macedonia game:
Gibson
Kilbane
Long
McGeady
O'Shea

celtictiger32

AgileMyth wrote: »

I'm interested to see how many players need to be ruled out before Hoolahan gets a look in! With Walters and Doyle missing I'd be inclined to start him in behind Robbie should Shane Long pick up a knock in the Reading game.

weso and fahey for centre mid

AgileMyth

celtictiger32 wrote: »

weso and fahey for centre mid

Just for this game or in general? Because McCarthy-Meyler should be first choice when everyone is available imo.

AgileMyth

AgileMyth wrote: »

Just for this game or in general? Because McCarthy-Meyler should be first choice when everyone is available imo.

Hard to know with Meyler only played a few games for us till his injury. Not back now till at least December so hard to know if he will ever recover full fitness.

noodler

Deleted User wrote: »

Hard to know with Meyler only played a few games for us till his injury. Not back now till at least December so hard to know if he will ever recover full fitness.

Yeah the Meyler love is all a bit on the hypothetical side at the moment.

Not sure a Meyler/McCarthy midfield would be the most balanced but its so long since I saw Meyler play now.

celtictiger32

AgileMyth wrote: »

Just for this game or in general? Because McCarthy-Meyler should be first choice when everyone is available imo.

no in general i think the two of them are probably the best centre mid we have at the moment, but doubt we'll see them pairing up when trap still hails the likes of paul green.

noodler

St Ledger is now out of the Macedonia game.

O'Shea and O'Dea it looks like for Saturday week.

TheRedDevil10

Hopefully Foley right full

noodler

TheRedDevil10 wrote: »

Hopefully Foley right full

And Ward left back.


Likely:

Foley

---

O'Shea

---

O'Dea

---

Kilbane

Fingers crossed that nothing happens to JOS tomorrow night.


It is going to be a tough ask to get the win but I really think we are starting to show strength and depth, particularly in the forward 6. Long in for Doyle is a sweet replacement, Hunt or Lawrence can replace Duff etc.

Fittle

Me again:)

I just won tickets to see the team training tomorrow morning at Tallaght stadium - the young lad is delighted! Anyone any idea if he might get an autograph or how open these training sessions are??? He wants them to sign their match attax cards:D

noodler

Fittle wrote: »

Me again:)

I just won tickets to see the team training tomorrow morning at Tallaght stadium - the young lad is delighted! Anyone any idea if he might get an autograph or how open these training sessions are??? He wants them to sign their match attax cards:D

I believe you stay behind the rope-fence and afterwards they usually come over to sign a few.

I'd say bare in mind there will be a number of fans there and each player may sign like 10 or so each - i.e. I don't think an autograph from each member of the squad is likely.

Fittle

noodler wrote: »

I believe you stay behind the rope-fence and afterwards they usually come over to sign a few.

I'd say bare in mind there will be a number of fans there and each player may sign like 10 or so each - i.e. I don't think an autograph from each member of the squad is likely.

That's good to hear - was wondering if it was worth the trip to tallaght as we are going to the match on Sunday anyhow - great, if he gets keanes or givens he'll be made up, thanks;)

OhNoYouDidn't

Fittle wrote: »

Me again:)

I just won tickets to see the team training tomorrow morning at Tallaght stadium - the young lad is delighted! Anyone any idea if he might get an autograph or how open these training sessions are??? He wants them to sign their match attax cards:D

Odds on training is closed, but get there before or just after and you can collar them at the entrance/exit where the coach parks to the right of the glass entrance at the corner is the players entrance) and they will stop and sign for kids.

New Cafe in the club shop as well for you mammy!!

Behind the block on the right of the picture

Fittle

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Odds on training is closed, but get there before or just after and you can collar them at the entrance/exit where the coach parks to the right of the glass entrance at the corner is the players entrance) and they will stop and sign for kids.

New Cafe in the club shop as well for you mammy!!

Behind the block on the right of the picture

What do you mean training is closed?

OhNoYouDidn't

Fittle wrote: »

What do you mean training is closed?

Closed as in not open to the press or public.

No football team allows just anyone to wander in and watch what they are up to.

seandugg

What are the chances of getting in free to this if I arrive without a ticket?

Fittle

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Closed as in not open to the press or public.

No football team allows just anyone to wander in and watch what they are up to.

Ooooooo...our 'exclusive' tickets are for 100 people...I thought the stadium might be full with others there, but maybe it wont:D Anyway, he's over the moon - wants to go to bed now so that when he wakes up, it's time to go:D Looking forward to it myself;)

Fittle

Just back and had a great time. Wonderful to see the team so accessible - I know when they train in Malahide it's seldom you'd get near them. Himself got autographs, photos and got the hold the Cup - I know a load of you are really slating this cup, but when you're 9, a cup is a Cup! Few hundred there this morning and he got most of the teams autographs....even got his Robbie Keane Match Attax card signed by the man himself:D

Dean820

Fittle wrote: »

Just back and had a great time. Wonderful to see the team so accessible - I know when they train in Malahide it's seldom you'd get near them. Himself got autographs, photos and got the hold the Cup - I know a load of you are really slating this cup, but when you're 9, a cup is a Cup! Few hundred there this morning and he got most of the teams autographs....even got his Robbie Keane Match Attax card signed by the man himself:D

Ah thats nice to hear.

Coillte_Bhoy

Good article on that rat Worhtington...

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...p-2660613.html

Renn

I knew I was in for a rough time when I saw it was The Independent. I couldn't make it past the first paragraph

Coillte_Bhoy

Renn wrote: »

I knew I was in for a rough time when I saw it was The Independent. I couldn't make it past the first paragraph

Whats your point? The fact that is in the Indo is interesting in itslef

bonerm

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Good article on that rat Worhtington...

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...p-2660613.html

I guess if they keep this up then there will be one day be a united Irish team (aka The Republic of Ireland).

briany

I enjoyed the article in that it took a non apologist stance over the issue of player defections which is refreshing if nothing else. It was still terribly one-sided though and will probably be dissected point by point on the OWC forums over the next while. That said, obviously Worthington would be looking to distract from his sides stuffing on Tuesday, how could he not? There weren't a whole lot of positives to talk about, were there?

I know that many of their fans have been saying that the game was a joke and it was below their contempt but don't think their fans would not have taken great delight in any kind of result for their team on the day.

I was really surprised by the lack of motivation demonstrated by their players during the game. You'd think that they would have been more up for it because 1. It was a team of players who would be looking to break into the first team and 2. I would imagine that they came with a point to prove and a sense of purpose to stick it to the FAI but instead they just rolled over and died. Sad really and then to add insult to injury, Niall McGinn says in a post match interview that he is a Republic fan!

Not a great day in Northern Irish soccer history.....

JamBur

Anyone got a good stream for it?

citytillidie

Paul4As wrote: »

Paddy McCourt was / is getting married. Not sure what date.
That is why he wasn't included in the squad.

Paddy is getting married this weekend, I cant see how that would have effected his selection for a match almost 2 weeks before hand