Republic of Ireland Team Talk/News/Rumours 2018/19

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smelly sock wrote: »

Literally will be like having a new player.

Literally won't. He's pretty much missed 2 years, will never be the same player he was.

pjohnson

smelly sock wrote: »

Yeh on the odd occassion. I think a midfield with himself Arter and hendrick have the ability to pass the ball at least. We'll see what game plan the manager goes forward with though. Midfield, keeping the ball and getting on the front foot wouldnt feature heavily in Martins plan i think its fair to say.

See SS your part off the problem why shouldn't the midfield consist of Cullen and Coventry? Why these old players? You closeted MON fan!

smelly sock

pjohnson wrote: »

See SS your part off the problem why shouldn't the midfield consist of Cullen and Coventry? Why these old players? You closeted MON fan!

I see what you done there!!

pjohnson

smelly sock wrote: »

I see what you done there!!

You should practice what you preach.

Brock Turnpike

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

McCarthy probably never reached the heights we thought he would when he first broke onto the scene and moved to Wigan, he has been very unlucky with injuries over his career to the point where I don't know if he will be the same player when he comes back. Despite not having many memorable brilliant games for us he would walk into our team if he can get back to the level he was at before and I will welcome himself and Brady back with open arms, when all fully fit them two along with Coleman and Duffy are our biggest players I would say.

Duffy, I'll give you. But not the other two. Not by a long shot.

noodler

smelly sock wrote: »

Nail on head.

Yup, Mccarthy had an OK game in a backs to the wall performance against Germany we would have lost 9/10 when Whelan wasn't playing.

Conclusion: it was Whelan all along!

Glen you dastardly conman!

Dots1982

Brock Turnpike wrote: »

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

McCarthy probably never reached the heights we thought he would when he first broke onto the scene and moved to Wigan, he has been very unlucky with injuries over his career to the point where I don't know if he will be the same player when he comes back. Despite not having many memorable brilliant games for us he would walk into our team if he can get back to the level he was at before and I will welcome himself and Brady back with open arms, when all fully fit them two along with Coleman and Duffy are our biggest players I would say.

Duffy, I'll give you. But not the other two. Not by a long shot.

You’re entitled to your opinion but Jesus...

Between the three of Coleman, Duffy and Brady I would put Coleman out on top by an absolute mile.

He’s our only player who can play and pretty much guarantee that he will play well. I’d go as far to say he’s our best defender and best attacker.

Brady is by far our best crosser which considering we play effectively through the wings and keep the ball away from our midfielders in any kind of creative way is fairly important. He is our dead ball specialist. When’s he not playing James Mcclean takes a lot of our set pieces. That is not a good situation.

Duffy’s doing well for Ireland after a ropey beginning. He will get exposed occasionally in the PL by the top players in a way Coleman would not.

Kingp35

Dots1982 wrote: »

Brady is by far our best crosser which considering we play effectively through the wings and keep the ball away from our midfielders in any kind of creative way is fairly important. He is our dead ball specialist. When’s he not playing James Mcclean takes a lot of our set pieces. That is not a good situation.

You must be joking with this comment. Brady has been incredibly poor at set pieces for us for quite some time now. He is no where near a dead ball specialist.

Adamocovic

It's actually crazy to me when I realised McCarthy is 28 next week.

Shame injuries have hampered him. Like others said, struggle to remember many brilliant games from him, he wasn't awful in my eyes but after all the hype and build up proved to be a let down.

At 28 and coming back from yet another injury I wouldn't hold my breath for him to flick it on and start becoming that leader in midfield we expected.

Adamocovic

Kingp35 wrote: »

You must be joking with this comment. Brady has been incredibly poor at set pieces for us for quite some time now. He is no where near a dead ball specialist.

Well original comment said he was our dead ball specialist.

You can argue about him being poor with delivery recently but surely in that squad he is our set piece specialist. I agree he has had some poor deliveries of late but out of all the players in our squad he possesses the ability at least to whip in a good ball or threathen the goal. We need more consistency though.

Brock Turnpike

Dots1982 wrote: »

Brock Turnpike wrote: »

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

McCarthy probably never reached the heights we thought he would when he first broke onto the scene and moved to Wigan, he has been very unlucky with injuries over his career to the point where I don't know if he will be the same player when he comes back. Despite not having many memorable brilliant games for us he would walk into our team if he can get back to the level he was at before and I will welcome himself and Brady back with open arms, when all fully fit them two along with Coleman and Duffy are our biggest players I would say.

Duffy, I'll give you. But not the other two. Not by a long shot.

You’re entitled to your opinion but Jesus...

Between the three of Coleman, Duffy and Brady I would put Coleman out on top by an absolute mile.

He’s our only player who can play and pretty much guarantee that he will play well. I’d go as far to say he’s our best defender and best attacker.

Brady is by far our best crosser which considering we play effectively through the wings and keep the ball away from our midfielders in any kind of creative way is fairly important. He is our dead ball specialist. When’s he not playing James Mcclean takes a lot of our set pieces. That is not a good situation.

Duffy’s doing well for Ireland after a ropey beginning. He will get exposed occasionally in the PL by the top players in a way Coleman would not.

He's said biggest, not best

Dots1982

Kingp35 wrote: »

Dots1982 wrote: »

Brady is by far our best crosser which considering we play effectively through the wings and keep the ball away from our midfielders in any kind of creative way is fairly important. He is our dead ball specialist. When’s he not playing James Mcclean takes a lot of our set pieces. That is not a good situation.

You must be joking with this comment. Brady has been incredibly poor at set pieces for us for quite some time now. He is no where near a dead ball specialist.

Yeah I’m joking. James “I couldn’t cross the road” Mcclean is far better on set pieces.

Brady is our best crosser and best set piece taker. He isn’t great or consistent but he is our best.

The fact that the rest are ****e is a big factor in him being the best.

Eod100

Noel King is retiring. Moving to role as Player Identification Manager.

https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-u21-king-retires-as-head-coach

noodler

Kingp35 wrote: »

You must be joking with this comment. Brady has been incredibly poor at set pieces for us for quite some time now. He is no where near a dead Ball specialist.

He's by far and away our best dead ball taker.

Jesus it isn't even close.

He was back for Burnley about half. An hour before he got an assist from his crossing.

Awesomeness

Eod100 wrote: »

Noel King is retiring. Moving to role as Player Identification Manager.

https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-u21-king-retires-as-head-coach

FFS this sums up the fai. Hopelessly fails at his job for years. Pressure starts to mount so moved on to another cushy job where he can collect a salary

dr.kenneth noisewater

Eod100 wrote: »

Noel King is retiring. Moving to role as Player Identification Manager.

https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-u21-king-retires-as-head-coach

"Retiring"

Tchaikovsky

Get Brian Kerr in for Christ's sake, even if it's a makey-up-titled role like 'Player Identification Manager'

johnnyryan89

Awesomeness wrote: »

FFS this sums up the fai. Hopelessly fails at his job for years. Pressure starts to mount so moved on to another cushy job where he can collect a salary

Tchaikovsky wrote: »

Get Brian Kerr in for Christ's sake, even if it's a makey-up-titled role like 'Player Identification Manager'

Noel King was essentially double jobbing at the FAI. He's head of international scouting and was the u21 head coach, so basically stepping down as head coach and focussing full time now on scouting. Probably giving it a fancy name but he's basically going to be doing what he's done for quite awhile now but doing it full time.

Tom Mohan is surely favourite for this job. It allows him to continue working with his current crop of u19s players who'll all be underage for this u21 tournament we'll probably be hosting. Lee Carsely would be an ideal candidate if they were looking to appoint someone from outside the system.

yabadabado

Tchaikovsky wrote: »

Get Brian Kerr in for Christ's sake, even if it's a makey-up-titled role like 'Player Identification Manager'

Kerr will never be given another job with the FAI while Delaney is in charge.

It's a pity as he definitely has plenty to offer.

weldoninhio

yabadabado wrote: »

Kerr will never be given another job with the FAI while Delaney is in charge.

It's a pity as he definitely has plenty to offer.

I’m not sure if he still does. He didn’t do too much at St Pats after Ireland and was let go pretty sharpish, once they figured out that he wasn’t up to much.

johnnyryan89

weldoninhio wrote: »

I’m not sure if he still does. He didn’t do too much at St Pats after Ireland and was let go pretty sharpish, once they figured out that he wasn’t up to much.

I was thinking this myself lately. He done an awful lot for youth football with the underage but that was a long time ago and since he got sacked from the senior role he spent a year at Pats and three I think with the Faroes and don t think he's done anything in 7years.

We need young blood to come through both on and off the field.

Minderbinder

Dots1982 wrote: »

Brock Turnpike wrote: »

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

McCarthy probably never reached the heights we thought he would when he first broke onto the scene and moved to Wigan, he has been very unlucky with injuries over his career to the point where I don't know if he will be the same player when he comes back. Despite not having many memorable brilliant games for us he would walk into our team if he can get back to the level he was at before and I will welcome himself and Brady back with open arms, when all fully fit them two along with Coleman and Duffy are our biggest players I would say.

Duffy, I'll give you. But not the other two. Not by a long shot.

You’re entitled to your opinion but Jesus...

Between the three of Coleman, Duffy and Brady I would put Coleman out on top by an absolute mile.

He’s our only player who can play and pretty much guarantee that he will play well. I’d go as far to say he’s our best defender and best attacker.

Brady is by far our best crosser which considering we play effectively through the wings and keep the ball away from our midfielders in any kind of creative way is fairly important. He is our dead ball specialist. When’s he not playing James Mcclean takes a lot of our set pieces. That is not a good situation.

Duffy’s doing well for Ireland  after a ropey beginning. He will get exposed occasionally in the PL by the top players in a way Coleman would not.

What they do for their clubs isn't that relevant tbh. But every central defender in the PL will be exposed at some stage. Duffy has been really impressive for Brighton.
I think you're confusing the Coleman that plays for Everton with the one who has played to a mediocre standard for Ireland for the majority of his international career. He is fairly solid granted but it's a lot easier to look solid playing full back for Ireland than it is playing in a 'creative' role like is expected of Brady for example.

noodler

Minderbinder wrote: »

What they do for their clubs isn't that relevant tbh. But every central defender in the PL will be exposed at some stage. Duffy has been really impressive for Brighton.
I think you're confusing the Coleman that plays for Everton with the one who has played to a mediocre standard for Ireland for the majority of his international career. He is fairly solid granted but it's a lot easier to look solid playing full back for Ireland than it is playing in a 'creative' role like is expected of Brady for example.

Coleman has performed very well for Ireland.

Dots1982

Minderbinder wrote: »

What they do for their clubs isn't that relevant tbh. But every central defender in the PL will be exposed at some stage. Duffy has been really impressive for Brighton.
I think you're confusing the Coleman that plays for Everton with the one who has played to a mediocre standard for Ireland for the majority of his international career. He is fairly solid granted but it's a lot easier to look solid playing full back for Ireland than it is playing in a 'creative' role like is expected of Brady for example.

Minderbinder wrote: »

Dots1982 wrote: »

Brock Turnpike wrote: »

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

McCarthy probably never reached the heights we thought he would when he first broke onto the scene and moved to Wigan, he has been very unlucky with injuries over his career to the point where I don't know if he will be the same player when he comes back. Despite not having many memorable brilliant games for us he would walk into our team if he can get back to the level he was at before and I will welcome himself and Brady back with open arms, when all fully fit them two along with Coleman and Duffy are our biggest players I would say.

Duffy, I'll give you. But not the other two. Not by a long shot.

You’re entitled to your opinion but Jesus...

Between the three of Coleman, Duffy and Brady I would put Coleman out on top by an absolute mile.

He’s our only player who can play and pretty much guarantee that he will play well. I’d go as far to say he’s our best defender and best attacker.

Brady is by far our best crosser which considering we play effectively through the wings and keep the ball away from our midfielders in any kind of creative way is fairly important. He is our dead ball specialist. When’s he not playing James Mcclean takes a lot of our set pieces. That is not a good situation.

Duffy’s doing well for Ireland  after a ropey beginning. He will get exposed occasionally in the PL by the top players in a way Coleman would not.

What they do for their clubs isn't that relevant tbh. But every central defender in the PL will be exposed at some stage. Duffy has been really impressive for Brighton.
I think you're confusing the Coleman that plays for Everton with the one who has played to a mediocre standard for Ireland for the majority of his international career. He is fairly solid granted but it's a lot easier to look solid playing full back for Ireland than it is playing in a 'creative' role like is expected of Brady for example.

Yeah Coleman’s not creative at all just solid.

So who was it that won the penalty in the playoff match vs Bosnia at the Aviva?

Who put in the cross for wes’ goal versus Sweden at the euros?

Who scored the winner versus Georgia at home when we were playing **** and needed a win?

How did our qualification go after he broke his leg last year?

Coleman is our only player anywhere near world class. How you see him as just “solid” is leading me to believe you don’t watch games or don’t understand football.

Ferris_Bueller

The way I see it, Coleman, Brady, Duffy & McCarthy (before his injury at least) are our only players who are good Premier League level players. If their clubs got relegated another Premier League team would be in for them. Can the same be said for the rest of our squad? A few you could argue the case for like Doherty, Arter, Hendrick & Long (the latter two are severely out of form though).

Unfortunately I don't think McCarthy will be the same after his injury but he has been a premier league football for almost the last 10 years and if he can get back to his best he is one of our better players.

LuckyLloyd

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

The way I see it, Coleman, Brady, Duffy & McCarthy (before his injury at least) are our only players who are good Premier League level players. If their clubs got relegated another Premier League team would be in for them. Can the same be said for the rest of our squad? A few you could argue the case for like Doherty, Arter, Hendrick & Long (the latter two are severely out of form though).

Unfortunately I don't think McCarthy will be the same after his injury but he has been a premier league football for almost the last 10 years and if he can get back to his best he is one of our better players.

That seems like a fair assessment. Doherty would garner interest if he continues playing well. I would argue the opposite case for Arter, Hendrick and Long. They don't seem up to it at the top level based on the way the past couple of years are going for them. Their future is Championship based imo.

LuckyLloyd

Just a reminder that our latest squad of 36 players includes a mere 11 Premiership players. Of which two are kids (Kelleher and Obafemi); 1 is a striker with 5 goals in his last 71 Premier League appearances; 6 are defenders. Complete lack of quality, particularly creative / goal scoring quality.

Brock Turnpike

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Just a reminder that our latest squad of 36 players includes a mere 11 Premiership players. Of which two are kids (Kelleher and Obafemi); 1 is a striker with 5 goals in his last 71 Premier League appearances; 6 are defenders. Complete lack of quality, particularly creative / goal scoring quality.

What do you expect when the manager won't pick Wes?

Minderbinder

Dots1982 wrote: »

Minderbinder wrote: »

What they do for their clubs isn't that relevant tbh. But every central defender in the PL will be exposed at some stage. Duffy has been really impressive for Brighton.
I think you're confusing the Coleman that plays for Everton with the one who has played to a mediocre standard for Ireland for the majority of his international career. He is fairly solid granted but it's a lot easier to look solid playing full back for Ireland than it is playing in a 'creative' role like is expected of Brady for example.

Minderbinder wrote: »

Dots1982 wrote: »

Brock Turnpike wrote: »

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

McCarthy probably never reached the heights we thought he would when he first broke onto the scene and moved to Wigan, he has been very unlucky with injuries over his career to the point where I don't know if he will be the same player when he comes back. Despite not having many memorable brilliant games for us he would walk into our team if he can get back to the level he was at before and I will welcome himself and Brady back with open arms, when all fully fit them two along with Coleman and Duffy are our biggest players I would say.

Duffy, I'll give you. But not the other two. Not by a long shot.

You’re entitled to your opinion but Jesus...

Between the three of Coleman, Duffy and Brady I would put Coleman out on top by an absolute mile.

He’s our only player who can play and pretty much guarantee that he will play well. I’d go as far to say he’s our best defender and best attacker.

Brady is by far our best crosser which considering we play effectively through the wings and keep the ball away from our midfielders in any kind of creative way is fairly important. He is our dead ball specialist. When’s he not playing James Mcclean takes a lot of our set pieces. That is not a good situation.

Duffy’s doing well for Ireland  after a ropey beginning. He will get exposed occasionally in the PL by the top players in a way Coleman would not.

What they do for their clubs isn't that relevant tbh. But every central defender in the PL will be exposed at some stage. Duffy has been really impressive for Brighton.
I think you're confusing the Coleman that plays for Everton with the one who has played to a mediocre standard for Ireland for the majority of his international career. He is fairly solid granted but it's a lot easier to look solid playing full back for Ireland than it is playing in a 'creative' role like is expected of Brady for example.

Yeah Coleman’s not creative at all just solid.

So who was it that won the penalty in the playoff match vs Bosnia at the Aviva?

Who put in the cross for wes’ goal versus Sweden  at the euros?

Who scored the winner versus Georgia at home when we were playing **** and needed a win?

How did our qualification go after he broke his leg last year?

Coleman is our only player anywhere near world class. How you see him as just “solid” is leading me to believe you don’t watch games or don’t understand football.

He's had a handful of games where he has made a great impact for sure. But the vast majority of  his 47 games he has just been fairly solid. That's probably why in your very short shortlist you had to credit him for winning a penalty he didn't win and were hoping you wouldn't be called out on it.
In fairness, before he got his injury he had started to become influential more often than in his first 30 or so caps, and he is our best player which I wouldn't deny. But he hasn't been nearly as good for Ireland as he has been for Everton in an attacking sense, although I appreciate the different styles of play.
Nonetheless, taking his Irish career on its entirety to date, I would say it's been slightly disappointing.

Dots1982

Minderbinder wrote: »

He's had a handful of games where he has made a great impact for sure. But the vast majority of  his 47 games he has just been fairly solid. That's probably why in your very short shortlist you had to credit him for winning a penalty he didn't win and were hoping you wouldn't be called out on it.
In fairness, before he got his injury he had started to become influential more often than in his first 30 or so caps, and he is our best player which I wouldn't deny. But he hasn't been nearly as good for Ireland as he has been for Everton in an attacking sense, although I appreciate the different styles of play.
Nonetheless, taking his Irish career on its entirety to date, I would say it's been slightly disappointing.

Tell me about this penalty and how it came to be awarded so?

Ferris_Bueller

Haven't seen this article posted, it discusses the importance of getting the next u21s manager right and the pool of players available to him over the next couple of seasons. Also listened to Keith Andrews talk about it on Off The Ball today and he thinks an ex-player who has experience and is passionate about developing as a coach should get it.

noodler

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Just a reminder that our latest squad of 36 players includes a mere 11 Premiership players. Of which two are kids (Kelleher and Obafemi); 1 is a striker with 5 goals in his last 71 Premier League appearances; 6 are defenders. Complete lack of quality, particularly creative / goal scoring quality.

I think alot of countries have shown that championship players can make significant contributions tbh.

Throw up the Wales, Scotland, ni and Iceland squads there!

Dots1982

sugarman wrote: »

Coleman had nothing to with that penalty! It was a one-two between Hoolahan and Murphy. Murphy tries to square it across the box and it was handled.

Besides, players 'winning' penalties is bollox. A team is awarded a penalty on the back of a foul/offense. It has little to do with the player in possession and everything to do with the offending players decision.

Was involved with the goal but not to the level I believed, having watched it back, so fair enough.

As for winning penalties being bollox. I don’t know. Personal opinion I guess.

But the point stands on Coleman. It’s like some are discussing Stephen ward; a solid full back who brought nothing to the game offensively.

O’neill’s Ireland’s at its best had three trump cards creatively; Coleman hitting the opposition byline, Brady’s ability to hit early crosses and Wes producing a slip ball or a little pass to get us behind the opposing defense once or twice a game.

Adamocovic

I guess it's all down to opinion but I'm certainly surprised Coleman is being brought up as a player who has disappointed.

Always was a fan of his, thought he gave it his all for the country. Was proud to stick on the jersey and easily became one of the first names on the team sheet. He was hitting some brilliant form before his injury and was a big loss.

Many players I understand arguments of them disappointing, the likes of McGeady and McCarthy for me, but Coleman as a right back I felt has been very good for us. Solid defensively and offered speed and a bit of a threat down the side, I don't know what more could have been asked from a player playing at full back for us.

Also his attitude in this day and age coupled from his rise from Sligo Rovers to captain of Ireland can only be used as an example and motivation for young players around the country.

noodler

I wonder do people see him score the occasional goal for Everton and then assume an Irish RB, who is bound to have to defend alot, should be scoring regularly for Ireland?

Dots1982

I do think Coleman is under appreciated by lots of fans.

A lot were theorizing in the media about playing Coleman in a back three and Doherty as an RWB. It would basically kill what makes Coleman our X factor player in favour of Doherty who is showing promise but has a long way to go and a lot to do to be thought about as worth sacrificing what Coleman gives us going forward.

Irish fans/media love the flavor of the month who isn’t always getting picked. Been the case for years.

johnnyryan89

[url]

https://twitter.com/FutsalFinn/status/1060600719718395905

[/url]

U17s were beaten 3-1 in Tallaght against England's u17s. Festy Ebosele scored for us and Dublin born Dennis Cirken was sent off for England.

Redo91

johnnyryan89 wrote: »

[url]

https://twitter.com/FutsalFinn/status/1060600719718395905

[/url]

U17s were beaten 3-1 in Tallaght against England's u17s. Festy Ebosele scored for us and Dublin born Dennis Cirken was sent off for England.

I wonder what age Cirken was when he left Ireland?

England had Harvey Elliott playing who recently played for Fulham’s first team in the league cup.

johnnyryan89

Redo91 wrote: »

I wonder what age Cirken was when he left Ireland?

England had Harvey Elliott playing who recently played for Fulham’s first team in the league cup.

Was about 3 years of age when his parents left here and moved to England. Think Armstrong Okoflex is in the England squad too but wasn't named in this match day squad.

Francie Barrett

johnnyryan89 wrote: »

Was about 3 years of age when his parents left here and moved to England. Think Armstrong Okoflex is in the England squad too but wasn't named in this match day squad.

Holy fcuk - two Irish born players declaring for England :eek:

I said a few weeks ago, that the system here must be rotten for someone like Declan Rice to turn his back on us. Now we have Irish-born players declaring for England. I am sure the usual apologists will brush try to brush this off, like they did with Rice. But for the future, we need drastic reform to repair football in this country.

johnnyryan89

Francie Barrett wrote: »

Holy fcuk - two Irish born players declaring for England :eek:

I said a few weeks ago, that the system here must be rotten for someone like Declan Rice to turn his back on us. Now we have Irish-born players declaring for England. I am sure the usual apologists will brush try to brush this off, like they did with Rice. But for the future, we need drastic reform to repair football in this country.

What's there to brush off? Ain't like Johnny born and bred from North inner city Dublin is playing for England because he thinks Ireland are ****e. You've a kid who while born here to eastern European parents has been living in England since the age of three and Okoflex knows the money is in England and you get more $$$ as an England international.

Mr.Nice Guy

Francie Barrett wrote: »

Holy fcuk - two Irish born players declaring for England :eek:

I said a few weeks ago, that the system here must be rotten for someone like Declan Rice to turn his back on us. Now we have Irish-born players declaring for England. I am sure the usual apologists will brush try to brush this off, like they did with Rice. But for the future, we need drastic reform to repair football in this country.

It's hardly a fault of the system if a toddler born here subsequently moves with their family to England, grows up there, goes to school there, learns to play football there, goes through the ranks there, and then winds up playing there.

It would be odd if they didn't, frankly.

Francie Barrett

The barriers are constantly being pushed.

Up until Grealish, it was unheard of for an Irish declared player to switch, but when it did happen, it was ok because he was English born. Now we have Irish born players deciding to switch, but that is ok as well, because they are not really Irish. It's only a matter of time until we have the likes an a footballing equivalent of Eoin Morgan and I am sure when that time comes, people will still defend the present system.

weldoninhio

Francie Barrett wrote: »

The barriers are constantly being pushed.

Up until Grealish, it was unheard of for an Irish declared player to switch, but when it did happen, it was ok because he was English born. Now we have Irish born players deciding to switch, but that is ok as well, because they are not really Irish. It's only a matter of time until we have the likes an a footballing equivalent of Eoin Morgan and I am sure when that time comes, people will still defend the present system.

Eoin Morgan played for England because Ireland didn’t have test status at the time. He had no option other than playing for England. Unless Ireland pull out of international tournaments and only play friendlies or 7-a-side tournaments, we won’t have a footballing equivalent of him.

pjohnson

We should have capped Okoflex a year or two ago. Damn you MON.

It's being reported that Rice still has not made up his mind. Imagine if he had to fill in his CAO/CAS at 17/18, like most other teenagers?

He also said he has to do what is best for him and his family. Now, if he was 29 with 2 kids, that phrase would be understandable, but saying "I am agonising over a decision that will probably have little impact on what will be a very lucrative career...because of Mam and Dad"? Christ above.

http://www.msn.com/en-ie/sport/football/west-hams-declan-rice-still-deciding-if-hell-play-for-england-or-republic-of-ireland/ar-BBPvl7J?ocid=ientp

Harry Palmr

I have no idea why Rice is making such heavy weather of this - he is English born he plays for an English club in London, everything he knows beyond the picture of his grandparents in the front room is English and yet he can't decide whether he'd like to play in major tournament football or struggle with a side that will reach a euros/WC once every 8-10 years

Weird!

8-10

Francie Barrett wrote: »

The barriers are constantly being pushed.

Up until Grealish, it was unheard of for an Irish declared player to switch, but when it did happen, it was ok because he was English born. Now we have Irish born players deciding to switch, but that is ok as well, because they are not really Irish. It's only a matter of time until we have the likes an a footballing equivalent of Eoin Morgan and I am sure when that time comes, people will still defend the present system.

Is there someone else Irish born other than Okoflex that switched?

Harry Palmr

Harry Palmr wrote: »

I have no idea why Rice is making such heavy weather of this...

I think he decided long ago that his best chance of a career was with playing for Ireland, he wanted to play for Ireland, he played for Ireland, he said he was committed to playing for Ireland...and now he's changed his mind he wants to pretend to be agonising over the matter.

Harry Palmr

It would be less embarrassing for him if he just said I've changed my mind I'm declaring for England and that's all I'm saying on the subject. Dragging it out looks weak and foolish.