Republic of Ireland Team Talk/News/Rumours 2017

GavRedKing

Well we're in a very good place in the group.

Before Friday, we have only 2 away games left and 4 home games left.

If you told anyone we'd be top after 4 games that included 3 away games and 2 wins to Moldova and Austria and a draw out in Serbia playing on a bog, theyed have snapped both arms off.

A win on Friday would send us 7 clear of Wales, the Pot 1 side with 5 games left to play, thats huge.

Yes we have a big injury list but all the pressure is on Wales to play catch up, Serbia are playing Georgia away too which will be a tricky game, I'm confident we'll get a positive result Friday.

dr.kenneth noisewater

I still think we can win but my fear is the MON sees the injuries and decides a draw is a good result and end up keeping things tight. If McCarthy is out I can see a midfield 3 of Whelan, Meyler and Hendrick pushing on. Then McClean and Walters either side of Long. Would prefer McGeady behind Long myself instead of Meyler but would be very surprised if this happened. Think this Welsh team are very overrated.

noodler

I suspect McGeady will miss out.

Walters Whelan-Hendrick-McCarthy-McClean

Long


Meyler in for Mccarthy if he doesn't make it.

McGeady will be an option of the bench and we have very few of those.

Minderbinder

People are focusing way too much on Bale. At the end of the day it's Wales! We've been competing and getting results against the best teams in Europe since the early 90's. I'd guess we've lost about 5 games at home in World Cup qualifiers in the last 30 years.

PhilipsR

Biggest worry I have is that Wales have one true superstar. It's gonna be a scrappy, up and at them style game just like Scotland was. Bale is going to have an impact at some stage. I reckon it will be 1-1 because I just don't think we can stop him for the whole 90 mins. I think (hope) Coleman puts a bang on him early and rattles him. No nice guys on the pitch Friday night.

There is the possibility we could be as much as 4 points clear of EVERYONE after Friday night but Wales have already shown to be draw specialists. I don't think a draw is a bad result once we follow it up with a win against the Austrians in June. I think Austria are wildly overrated though and we really should be beating them (as should the other two contenders).

If we take 8 points from our next 4 games (10 and we might be as good as through), I find it difficult to see how we won't be top going into the last two games, where another 4 points would probably secure top spot.

Such a big night on Friday. We'll know exactly where Serbia stand too because they kick off at 5pm. Can't wait.

The Talking Bread

Minderbinder wrote: »

People are focusing way too much on Bale. At the end of the day it's Wales! We've been competing and getting results against the best teams in Europe since the early 90's. I'd guess we've lost about 5 games at home in World Cup qualifiers in the last 30 years.

Tbh with you I don't think most fans, at least ones that know Wales, are emphasising more on Bale than is merited. Obviously he will be namechecked much more than any other player but I haven't witnessed too many, obviously there are a few, obsessing about him.

The Talking Bread

As I said before I honestly can't believe that people have missed the fact that it is unlikely Whelan and Mccarthy will play together again. They had one good performance against Bosnia together in the last few years and after the Belgian game MON ditched such a deep partnership and hasn't touched it since. Meyler could play but he is more dynamic so even if MCarthy was fit, Whelan wouldn't have played.

I like Whelan more than others with their flawed judgment (imo) as to what he offers or moreso doesn't offer in their view but it's evident they don't work well together generally.

Although I thought McGeady was a shoe in a few days back, I am coming around to the fact that Meyler will probably start. Disappointing as with such a lineup we may have dynamism but we really have no creativity in that front 6.

WallyGUFC

Hope we don't play and settle for a draw. Although we're missing a good few, the replacements we can bring into it are of a similar standard anyway. Big loss will be Brady for his set pieces but they've had a while to plan for that. Hoping for, and reasonably confident we'll get a 2-1 win. This is our best chance to qualify in absolutely ages.

noodler

The Talking Bread wrote: »

As I said before I honestly can't believe that people have missed the fact that it is unlikely Whelan and Mccarthy will play together again. They had one good performance against Bosnia together in the last few years

Not true.

You keep saying it.

The Talking Bread

noodler wrote: »

The Talking Bread wrote: »

As I said before I honestly can't believe that people have missed the fact that it is unlikely Whelan and Mccarthy will play together again. They had one good performance against Bosnia together in the last few years

Not true.

You keep saying it.

Prove me wrong then! List some games.

parasite

Bale doesn't seem 100% fit, he's been playing within himself the last few games.
Bale is very overrated anyway, he seem utterly peripheral to most RM games, it's mostly his heading to be worried about as he's not going to do much skillful and he's recovering from injury so not out & out sprinting
there was at least 5 better performers for Wales at the Euros and he gets most of the praise, I just hate to see the 'name' obscuring the reality

dundalkfc10

parasite wrote: »

Bale doesn't seem 100% fit, he's been playing within himself the last few games.
Bale is very overrated anyway, he seem utterly peripheral to most RM games, it's mostly his heading to be worried about as he's not going to do much skillful and he's recovering from injury so not out & out sprinting

Anyone reading this comment in bold, will not take a notion of your opinion.

Bale is in one of the top 10 players in the world, and you think he is overrated :eek:

MD1990

parasite wrote: »

Bale doesn't seem 100% fit, he's been playing within himself the last few games.
Bale is very overrated anyway, he seem utterly peripheral to most RM games, it's mostly his heading to be worried about as he's not going to do much skillful and he's recovering from injury so not out & out sprinting
there was at least 5 better performers for Wales at the Euros and he gets most of the praise, I just hate to see the 'name' obscuring the reality

Bale has been out of form since returning from injury at Real & not done much this season so far.

But his performances for Wales have always been ouststanding.
He was the best player at the Euro's too.

parasite

nah, he's a top-10 athlete, at Madrid alone Modric, Kroos, Ramos, Isco etc.. are better footballers
it's a fair opinion to say he's overrated

Sin City

James McCarthy comes through Irish training unscathed


James McCarthy looks to be back in contention for a starting role on Friday after coming through training with the rest of the Ireland squad without any obvious problems in Abbotstown on Wednesday morning.

McCarthy appeared to play a significant part in the session which Roy Keane had suggested would determine whether he would be regarded as available to start the World Cup qualifier against Wales and the Everton midfielder seems to have done enough to at least keep him in the reckoning some 48 hours or so before kick-off.

Séamus Coleman and Jonny Hayes also featured as all of Martin O’Neill’s remaining players took part in the third training session of the week. Cyrus Christie said that he continues to train as though he might have to start but the Derby right back confirmed that: “Séamus has got through today and that’s a big boost for us.”




http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/james-mccarthy-comes-through-irish-training-unscathed-1.3020097

The Talking Bread

parasite wrote: »

nah, he's a top-10 athlete, at Madrid alone Modric, Kroos, Ramos, Isco etc.. are better footballers
it's a fair opinion to say he's overrated

It's your "fair" opinion. Most of the footballing world would disagree..

Christy Browne

Randolph
Coleman - O'Shea - Keogh - Ward
McCarthy - Hendrick
Walters - McGeady - McClean
Long

We need some creativity in the midfield and with McGeady in the form he's in I think he'll get the nod. That team is more than capable of a big performance, but I'd take a draw now no problem.

Wales need this more than us.

The Talking Bread

I agree with that above

johnnyryan89

Will Daryl Murphy be fit for the Iceland squad? Surprised no one was called up in his place with only Long and Doyle as our two strikers if you count Walters as a winger.

Christy Browne

johnnyryan89 wrote: »

Will Daryl Murphy be fit for the Iceland squad? Surprised no one was called up in his place with only Long and Doyle as our two strikers if you count Walters as a winger.

He was sent back to Newcastle. I really can't see why Seani Maguire shouldn't be given a run out in the Iceland game, we're massively short up front at the moment.

Instead of waiting on lads like Hogan to grace us with their presence, we should be bringing players like Seani who would die to play for Ireland into the fold.

I'm not one who thinks every half decent LOI player should be brought into the squad, but with our lack of options and the form he's in, I think his inclusion would be justified.

Nalz

I suppose i haven't a hope of getting tickets for Friday at a reasonable price now?

noodler

Nalz wrote: »

I suppose i haven't a hope of getting tickets for Friday at a reasonable price now?

Sold out for months.

Ferris_Bueller

Christy Browne wrote: »

Randolph
Coleman - O'Shea - Keogh - Ward
McCarthy - Hendrick
Walters - McGeady - McClean
Long

We need some creativity in the midfield and with McGeady in the form he's in I think he'll get the nod. That team is more than capable of a big performance, but I'd take a draw now no problem.

Wales need this more than us.

This post makes a lot of sense. I would love to see us line out like this on Friday night, if Whelan is in there for one of the attacking 4 the team becomes incredibly defensive for a home game.

I would also take a draw if offered one now but I hope we go for the win.

PhilipsR

parasite wrote: »

Bale doesn't seem 100% fit, he's been playing within himself the last few games.
Bale is very overrated anyway, he seem utterly peripheral to most RM games, it's mostly his heading to be worried about as he's not going to do much skillful and he's recovering from injury so not out & out sprinting
there was at least 5 better performers for Wales at the Euros and he gets most of the praise, I just hate to see the 'name' obscuring the reality

This is the biggest load of crap I've read. There was 5 better than him at the Euros?

Anyways, the other world class players we've come against in the last 18 months.

Zlatan - Sets up goal in 1-1 draw
Lewandowski - Scores twice and we lose 1-2
Griezman - Scores twice and we lose 1-2

that's the big worry and it's why I think we need a goal to at least confirm a draw, but hopefully we can keep the shackles on him. The guy loves playing for Wales.

yabadabado

Is Ramsey fit for Wales ?
Imo he is an excellent player and a huge reason they did well at the Euro's,just as important as Bale.

Francie Barrett

Christy Browne wrote: »

Randolph
Coleman - O'Shea - Keogh - Ward
McCarthy - Hendrick
Walters - McGeady - McClean
Long

We need some creativity in the midfield and with McGeady in the form he's in I think he'll get the nod. That team is more than capable of a big performance, but I'd take a draw now no problem.

Wales need this more than us.

I can't recall a time that McGeady played well when played centrally.

noodler

Francie Barrett wrote: »

I can't recall a time that McGeady played well when played centrally.

He is playing behind the striker at Preston with fairly spectacular results it has to be said.

yabadabado

noodler wrote: »

He is playing behind the striker at Preston with fairly spectacular results it has to be said.

He is playing mostly from LW and they are going 442 in majority of games.

The Talking Bread

Francie Barrett wrote: »

I can't recall a time that McGeady played well when played centrally.

Georgia was a prime example, Germany away as well I think. He won us the former game with 2 goals (the last one a cracker!). Had we lost that game, god knows what would have happened.

McGeady has fantastic feet and can turn a defender quickly when in confidence so we need that bit of creativity.

Trond

Nalz wrote: »

I suppose i haven't a hope of getting tickets for Friday at a reasonable price now?

I think YBIG meet in Slatterys before games now. Get in there early and ask around, you never know.

kfallon

Bit off topic but anyone know how much the Premium Level tickets were for the game tomorrow?

wardides

kfallon wrote: »

Bit off topic but anyone know how much the Premium Level tickets were for the game tomorrow?

125 quid each I think.

The Talking Bread

Just watching a highlights reel of McGeady this season. I know you can NEVER get carried away with such videos and this is Championship level but, christ, there are some beautiful passes and turns when he is in form.

Would be fantastic to see a bit of this tomorrow if he plays

Worztron

Maybe Wales will totally underestimate us tomorrow and that will backfire on them big-time.

Trond

I think he'll be used a sub. Long will probably last 75 mins or so. We'll need some pace off the bench for those last 25mins...

GavRedKing

Worztron wrote: »

Maybe Wales will totally underestimate us tomorrow and that will backfire on them big-time.

I think they'll know they cant afford to lose this game but they equally have enough quality to blow us away if we're not on it from the start.

If its anything but a cagey affair I'll be shocked.

noodler

The Talking Bread wrote: »

Just watching a highlights reel of McGeady this season. I know you can NEVER get carried away with such videos and this is Championship level but, christ, there are some beautiful passes and turns when he is in form.

Would be fantastic to see a bit of this tomorrow if he plays

Plenty of Championship players in Wales' team in fairness.

wardides

As poor as we are going forward (especially without Robbie Brady & Wes in the side) I don't think it's that big an ask to score against this Wales defence. As much as we have been unsure with our backline, we've got arguably one of the best right backs in the Premier League, LB who starts week in week out for a mid table Premier League side, a CB who has played premier league football for the previous 10 years & Richard Keogh. Probably up against a defence (I'm guessing) including 2 Aston Villa defenders, full back from Reading & Ashley Williams who's not much quicker than John O'Shea. Obviously Bale is a massive difference in attacking threat, but Ward, Coleman and O'Shea are well used to coming up against strong, fast attacking talent on a weekly basis. Worry would be that they try isolate Keogh, but he's put in a few decent performances for Ireland as of late too.

My main point is that whilst it may be tough to keep Bale quiet, I'd say it is equally as likely that we will get chances going forward. Think we're going to massively miss Robbie Brady for set pieces alone however, obvious as it sounds. Will be interesting to see if Horgan gets a few chances, think he could really go at Chester/Taylor down their left side.

The Talking Bread

noodler wrote: »

The Talking Bread wrote: »

Just watching a highlights reel of McGeady this season. I know you can NEVER get carried away with such videos and this is Championship level but, christ, there are some beautiful passes and turns when he is in form.

Would be fantastic to see a bit of this tomorrow if he plays

Plenty of Championship players in Wales' team in fairness.

Of course. I was just urging caution so as not to provoke the "this is a different level" responses!

DJIMI TRARORE

The Talking Bread wrote: »

Just watching a highlights reel of McGeady this season. I know you can NEVER get carried away with such videos and this is Championship level but, christ, there are some beautiful passes and turns when he is in form.

Would be fantastic to see a bit of this tomorrow if he plays

The FAI should be enquiring about Callum Robinson,he and Aiden seem to combine well,a quick google says he is eligable

Korat

I've a few Welsh acquaintances and they've been insufferable since the rugby team lost in Cardiff. Partly my own fault, for predicting an Irish rout. However a draw or a win tomorrow night would equalise things as we're very much the underdogs for this one.

GLaDOS

Korat wrote: »

we're very much the underdogs for this one.

Bookies still have us as favourites, although with all the doom and gloom about you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise!

yabadabado

Korat wrote: »

I've a few Welsh acquaintances and they've been insufferable since the rugby team lost in Cardiff. Partly my own fault, for predicting an Irish rout. However a draw or a win tomorrow night would equalise things as we're very much the underdogs for this one.

How are we very much the under dog?
On what basis do you think that ?

eamonpk

I am a bit worried about the approach to this game and despite Keane's protests I get the feeling they will be happy to get a draw. IMO they are at home to an average team with one great player and they should be going out to win instead of aiming to draw and drop 2 points. We might end up going to Cardiff wishing we had essentially knocked them out of the WC running by beating them tomorrow night.

Dolph Starbeam

eamonpk wrote: »

I am a bit worried about the approach to this game and despite Keane's protests I get the feeling they will be happy to get a draw. IMO they are at home to an average team with one great player and they should be going out to win instead of aiming to draw and drop 2 points. We might end up going to Cardiff wishing we had essentially knocked them out of the WC running by beating them tomorrow night.

How are you worried about our approach to the game? Even though we are missing two of our biggest creative threats the assistant manager has said that we are playing to win the game. What gives you the impression that any of the team will be happy with a draw?

eamonpk

Simply because MON tends to be conservative. I don't expect Keane to state we are playing for a draw. Even all the talk of injuries sounds like an excuse to not go out and attack a team who have rarely beaten us - possibly last time in Jack Charlton's first game

I hope you are right I will be surprised if the team goes out with attacking as the primary objective

Dolph Starbeam

eamonpk wrote: »

Simply because MON tends to be conservative. I don't expect Keane to state we are playing for a draw. Even all the talk of injuries sounds like an excuse to not go out and attack a team who have rarely beaten us - possibly last time in Jack Charlton's first game

I hope you are right I will be surprised if the team goes out with attacking as the primary objective

All of the talk about the injuries comes from the media, MON or Keane are going to have to talk about the missing players but it doesn't mean they are talking about them to make an excuse.

I believe MON and Keane will have the team in line for this game, even though we are top of the group there is a long way to go. 6 points between 1st and 4th is nothing, it can be gone in 2 games.

Korat

GLaDOS wrote: »

Bookies still have us as favourites, although with all the doom and gloom about you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise!

Irish teams are terrible favourites.

The Talking Bread

eamonpk wrote: »

Simply because MON tends to be conservative. I don't expect Keane to state we are playing for a draw. Even all the talk of injuries sounds like an excuse to not go out and attack a team who have rarely beaten us - possibly last time in Jack Charlton's first game

I hope you are right I will be surprised if the team goes out with attacking as the primary objective

He had both Brady and Hoolahan to rely on for the last few games in his team so he needs at least one person with that ability to skip by a defender or produce an instinctive pass to balance their loss. That lineup is still rather "conservative" as Hendrick, Walters and McClean will always cover back when required. But they will of course play on the front foot.

eamonpk

It was MON who said that this was the worst injury list he ever had to deal with - no one put the words in his mouth. There is a long way to go and if they start looking for draws in games like this just because they are top of the group I think it will be a mistake.