Republic of Ireland Team 2023/24 [old thread]

johnnyryan89

https://twitter.com/gcooney93/status/1527770444824182791

Good to see the Nations League games will be on RTE and hopefully will be on RTE all the time going forward. Be great to see them also broadcast the U21s games too.

LowOdour

From an Irish POV, hope luck is with Burnley so that Collins plays in the PL next year.

Kelleher wont get a winners medal today im afraid

Probably the only Irish interest today

johnnyryan89

Yeah it's better for Collins to remain in the PL with Burnley as it wouldn't be certain he'd get a move back to the PL. Not that teams wouldnt come in for him because he's one of the best young defenders, but Burnley could price him out of a move.

Hopefully there's a relegation clause that allows him leave or there's talk that Burnley could have financial issues with loans that need paying back that being relegated they might have to sell their biggest asset.

LowOdour

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119097871#Comment_119097871

For all the talk about his temperament, Collins handball for the penalty was so daft

johnnyryan89

Burnley officially relegated, hopefully Collins has a relegation release clause in his contract

Gusser09

Yeh collins will need out. Too good to be playing at that level. Has a bit to learn still though. I wonder wpuld the like of spurs be a good move.

pjohnson

Tarkowski and Mee both probably off, he'd be first choice if he did stay.

~Rebel~

Yeah, can't see Collins getting out this soon - unless someone like Utd targeted him. Still, he'll play loads anyway, and if he has a good season in the champ, he'll get his bigger move sooner or later. Hopefully they bring in a good manager and challenge for a PL return immediately - someone like Daniel Farke would be interesting, bringing a bit of style to the existing grit, and knows how to win the champ.

johnnyryan89

Burnley are gonna be a team in transition and could struggle next year in the championship. They'll have to build a new squad and do it with a small budget most likely given.

Mee will most likely re-sign and if they feel Long is good enough, which he is, for the championship then they could see Collins as an assets which could be sold to help finance the rebuild while Maxwel Cornet will likely be sold to pay off a portion of the loan they now have to start paying back because of relegation.

~Rebel~

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119099357#Comment_119099357

I'd actually forgotten about their stupid leveraged buyout... it's insane that something like that is allowed to happen by the league. The PL/EFL have a duty of care to protect clubs from prospective leaches.

Francie Barrett

Another mostly disappointing season for the Irish abroad. A lot of players going sideways/backwards with very few showing signs of progression. The already slim list of Irish players in the Premier League that we started with this season looks like it will be further culled.

https://uk.soccerway.com/players/players_abroad/ireland-republic/

As of right now, you'd think that Coleman and Travers are about the only ones guaranteed to be playing Premier League football next year.

Duffy is going into the last year of his contract and looks to be viewed as a back-up option. Will he stay in a reduced role, or will Brighton try and move him on?

With Spurs in the Champions League next year and Doherty having mostly under-performed, I'd be very surprised he starts next season as a first-team player.

There's older players who are either surplus to requirements or out of contract (Hendrick, Clark, Long, Randolph) and younger players who haven't quite broken through and will likely either need permanent or loan moves (Smallbone, Kilkenny, Connolly, Okoflex, Kelleher).

We really need to hope for a club to take a chance on the likes of Bazunu, Cullen, Lenihan, or Collins.

Christy Browne

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119101514#Comment_119101514

Wasn't there talk of Lenihan moving to the MLS? Think his time has passed for us now to be honest. Unfortunate as he has been excellent in the Championship the last couple of years, but he's 28 now and behind much younger players in the pecking order.

glenjamin

Middlesbrough also linked with a move for Lenihan.

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119103038#Comment_119103038

Kilkenny possibly being linked with Boro given Bournemouth are interested in Marcus Tavernier. If he was to go there he'd probably be viewed as back up.

No surprise to see Lenihan linked with them. One of the top defenders in the championship and used to playing three at the back. West Brom also linked with him.

Bournemouth released their retained list and they're in talks with Robbie Brady about a new contract.

Francie Barrett

I see Dane Scarlett signed a new contract with Spurs this morning, will be interesting to see if Parrott also extends his stay at Spurs. Next season will be the last year of his contract.

Francie Barrett

https://www.anderlecht-online.be/en/article/215572

Cullen has not ruled out signing a new contract at Anderlecht.

Pawwed Rig

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119110749#Comment_119110749

They would need to be significantly increasing his salary

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119110740#Comment_119110740

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119110749#Comment_119110749

Spurs have an option to extend his contract by 12 months. Cullen would be a big shock if he extends his contract. Expect him to move back to England this summer or next summer.

johnnyryan89

Browne and Knight I'd rather play as one of the two behind the striker unless Cullen is starting starting in midfield. Hopefully that both squads are gonna be in Dublin together some of the U21s get to train with the seniors and impress before going out on loan because we really need some of the younger lads to step up ASAP.

Other than that not sure if there's anyone missing out that could feel hard done by.

Francie Barrett

Hard to really argue with that squad. Dunne, McNamara, and Sykes perhaps a little unlucky not to get a place given they've all had good seasons.

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119111834#Comment_119111834

Unfortunately for Dunne we can't name a starting XI of CBs, and Manning probably gets in ahead of him as cover for CB/LWB. Similar with Ebosele over McNamara. Ebosele can cover as one of the two behind the striker or wing back so gets the nod ahead of McNamara.

Sykes, as well as Ronan would probably have been brought to train with the seniors ala Hamilton this window. Could be they're injured because thought we'd name a couple extra guys given the window it is. Unless Kenny sees the U21s as adding cover for the seniors if players get injured. They're both in Dublin and possible will train together at times while there.

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119111966#Comment_119111966

Some talk that Cullen is suspended for the first game, Aiden Fitzmaurice mentions it but thought yellow card suspensions don't carry over to the next tournament only red card suspensions. Could see Hourihane starting the first game if he is suspended.

Scully has been struggling with his knee most of the season and wasn't even training for parts of it until he got injections into it sometime in March. Think Scully will probably have to step up a level and perform before he gets a call up. Doesn't offer the pace that other wide forwards in the squad have, something Kenny has talked up about Hamilton in his press conference.

TheCitizen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119101514#Comment_119101514

Doherty was doing well recently under Conte. Had played his way into the regular starting line up but then got injured.

Ferris_Bueller

Happy with that squad, Obafemi was the main one we all wanted in and then nice to have two surprises in Hamilton and Ebosele. Agree that we are very light in midfield, I like Browne but don't know if he is suited to two in the middle. Longer term I think we will need Knight to play in that central midfield role and also need someone like Coventry/Kilkenny to kick on and get into the senior squad. Surprised to see Hogan named in the squad, I really find it difficult to envisage a time where we think let's bring him on to win us a game. Maybe being a bit harsh on the fella.

johnnyryan89

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1529478156071145472

Whether Cullen stays at Anderlecht or not he'll be playing under a new manager with Kompany close to being named the Burnley manager. Unless Kompany views him as someone he wants to anchor the midfield long term at Burnley as they rebuild an aging squad.

Kompany's links to City, Burnley just up the road, and the possibility of having to sell Pope to raise funds we'll probably start seeing Bazunu to Burnley links in the media.

Francie Barrett

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119113751#Comment_119113751

Kompany was such a big advocate for Cullen, I don't see this as improving his chances of staying one bit.

As for Cullen going to Burnley, surely they don't have the £5m or so that Cullen is surely worth!

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119113798#Comment_119113798

Their financial problems could be an issue. Their first year parachute payment will most likely be gone on trying to pay back some of the loan. Relying on player sales to generate money for the rebuild and there's quite a few players out of contract this summer and next.

Hard to say whether they can afford him, but it's definitely a position that's up their as a priority so might need to get creative with the loans and in the free agent market to have the funds needed for priority signings.

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119114204#Comment_119114204

Biggest issue is Burnley could well do a Stoke and end up at the wrong end of the Championship. If he was to choose a Championship team Sheffield United and Norwich would look the better moves from the teams that were named as supposedly interested.

johnnyryan89

Some stuff from the press conference:

Kenny talked up Obafemi and the season he's had. Talks how his game play has really improved this season and mentions his hold up play has come along really well.

Says he doesn't really see Ebosele as a defender, sees him as a right winger but is someone that can cover RWB which was a factor in his call up.

Says Coleman is manging a groin twinge but not a doubt for the first game. Confirms McClean and Enda Stevens are coming in with injuries. McClean pulled a thigh muscle in Wigan's final game of the season.

Josh Cullen is suspended for the first game, which is a massive joke, and there's an in-house game arranged for Sunday against the 21s. Their squad is being announced tomorrow morning.

Premier League players and Sheffield United players won't be reporting till Sunday so won't feature in the game except for Duffy who was brought in early to play in the practice match and Hourihane who requested to arrive early.

After the presser and before it gets cut off someone asks him about Omobamidele and Idah. Says Omobamidele is back running on grass after his back stress facture, but sounds like Idah won't be back until near the start of the season from his knee injury. Which is a worry that he's had two knee injuries in 15 months and include his hernia he's missed 48 games in the last two seasons.

ben.schlomo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119114986#Comment_119114986

Thats an unfortunately large amount of time for a young player to miss alright.

Did you smash it

What is going on with a jersey sponsor for Ireland?

Francie Barrett

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119113513#Comment_119113513

Obafemi had 12 goals in the Championship last season, Hogan had 10 goals, ahead of Robinson who only managed a disappointing 7.

johnnyryan89

https://twitter.com/KennysKids/status/1529749920248479746

Presume we'll be back to a back four with three CBs named. Disappointed that Cashin's paperwork still hasn't been sorted. Would have been good for him to play some U21s as he's overage after these games unless we finish second.

Tasty looking midfield and good to see Joe Hodge in after his long term back injuries. Has looked decent for Wolves U23s. Would love to see how Kilkenny and Coventry get on against the senior team in Sunday's in-house game. Didn't Kenny's U21s beat Mick's senior team in the last in-house game between both squads.

If after the first two games we're out of contention or guaranteed second place then hopefully we see some go train with the seniors.

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119116834#Comment_119116834

With a bit of luck Manning and himself will end up at QPR together. Swansea would be another team that would suit him but mightn't be guaranteed a staring spot with Joel Piroe there.

adaminho

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119116062#Comment_119116062

Cashin is joining up with the squad in the hopes his paperwork is put through in time so he may still feature.

Francie Barrett

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119117743#Comment_119117743

That is great news. Out of all the defenders named in that squad, he looks like he could be the best out of them all. He was so comfortable on the ball when I watched him at Derby. He would drop in quite nicely playing left centre back with a more traditional defender like McGuinness who's right footed.

Pawwed Rig

Slightly off topic but we have booked the Poland trip and with flights, accomodation (2 nights) bus transfers and match tickets the cost is coming in at something like €280. I was just saying that this is cheaper than the cost of someone doing a trip from Cork to see a match in Dublin. Train €50, match ticket €50, hotel €100 x2. Throw in the price of food and drink and the Poland trip is a bargain. €9 for the match ticket.🤣

johnnyryan89

https://twitter.com/footyinsider247/status/1530211761617571840

Could be a load of shite but if you were to make up a rumour about Collins you'd surely pick a better team than Leeds or if Newcastle was involved you'd link them to someone abroad with the money they have now.

Pawwed Rig

A move to Leeds might see him relegated 2 years in a row. They were hopeless this year

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119123192#Comment_119123192

Yeah they'll invest this summer as the squad does a rebuild and should have money to spend with the sales of Phillips and Raphinha but not convinced about Jesse Marsch being the man for the job.

If Newcastle are genuinely interested he should give it strong consideration. He's got the potential to play at the very top in England and Newcastle have the investment needed to get there. Jump on that train early and make a few quid in the process.

johnnyryan89

https://twitter.com/PKendrickWIG/status/1529896445909905439

James McClean had his contract extended for another season. The season he had for them he'd have gotten a new contract offer if the option wasn't there to extend it.

eire4

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119123192#Comment_119123192

Very true and that could happen if he went there. Having said that center back was a major area of concern for them so if Collins went there he would likely play a lot and certainly would be an upgrade on what they have there now. Would be good to see Collins stay and play regularly in the top flight if possible.

~Rebel~

Leeds could do worse than bringing in Cullen as well to be honest. They were horribly hit with injuries this season though, Bamford especially. Could see them being alright next season with a few smart buys.

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119123770#Comment_119123770

If he's looking for PL football and regularly starting then Leeds would probably be his best bet from the clubs that were named as possibly interested. One issue is there's a good chance he'll be playing championship football the following season.

Don't see them improving under Marsch and would probably still be down in the championship if it wasn't for Bielsa.

~Rebel~

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119123928#Comment_119123928

Think Marsch is better than he's given credit for too, he gets a bit of **** for being American, but I think he's streets ahead of Bob Bradley etc. Coming through the RB system successfully in New York and then Salzburg, he's much more european minded than previous American managers.

johnnyryan89

https://twitter.com/KennysKids/status/1531266786519355394

..

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119135724#Comment_119135724

Not sure tbh and nothing pops up on a quick twitter search except a post from the Albanian president of him, Rudi, and Rocco holding a Celtic champions 21/22 flag during the week. Could be injured and over in Albania with his family or the Albanian president is him hostage until he declares for Albania 😂

Though himself and Harry Vaughan play the same position but you would think he'd still get a call up as he can play out wide too. Luke Pearce is another admission I just noticed and you wonder if he's injured or not. Has been in great form for Southampton's U18s and U23s this season. Wasn't in the U18s for the games against Malta in December but played was in the squad for October and Novembers games.

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119136580#Comment_119136580

Sam Curtis looks a top class prospect and will be the next youngster to leave Pats to go abroad. Has recently broken into the Pats starting XI and won't be 17 till December. Will be interesting to see long term which position he'll settle into. Whether it be RB, CB, and he can play in midfield too.

trashcan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119137170#Comment_119137170

Yeah he looks a fantastic prospect. Doesn’t look only 16. With talk of Josh Keely going to Spurs for big money too Pats academy is certainly producing the goods.

johnnyryan89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119138644#Comment_119138644

He could end up joining Spurs, but Pats will probably get a low six figure sum as compensation. Signed a pro contract in January of last year but he's out of contract at the end of this season. Second choice keeper for our current U19s team so do find it hard to see why Spurs would be interested when there's better young keepers in the UK.

Not like Keeley has the experience at senior level too like Bazunu got before clubs came in for him. Bazunu had only turned 16 about four months previous while Keeley has just turned 19. If Spurs are looking at a young Irish keeper should chance their arm with Travers whose current contract only has a year left.

I'd say there was more to why the Curtis brothers moved. Now better opportunities was probably one of the reason but they've two younger brothers that one article says were also involved with Rovers and a later article when brothers joined Pats which said one is back playing in Navan and the youngest brother is at St Kevin's. Unless the article was BS and only Sam and Ben were at Rovers.