Republic of Ireland Team 2023/24 [old thread]

All I was thinking was if Omobamidele was a young English player they would not be half as critical!

Edit- just stopped Raphinha running on goal few mins left of normal time.

He's done pretty well overall up against a top class attacking player. He had a few shaky moments in the first half and gave the ball away, but an improved performance in the second half. Norwich would have got something from the game had Krul not had his error.

Similar to the one of the commentators I wouldn't even be that negative towards him for Raphinha's goal.

In terms of the international team things are looking bright for us defensively for years to come. Three young lads in Collins, Omobamidele, and O'Shea who could be Premier League regulars for years to come.

McGuinness is getting regular game time at Cardiff and you'd back him to be at least a top championship defender. Dunne has started a few games, came on as a sub for a few games, and has done well. Dyche has said he sees Dunne as someone that can go on to be a top championship defender.

In goals we've got three talented young keepers in Bazunu, Kelleher, and Travers. Anyone of them could easily be our number one keeper.

We do need some full backs to start coming through though. Unlike the GK and CB there really isn't any young players in the squad challenging the main starters. Manning has mostly played at CB and Scales can't get a game for Celtic. Hasn't even been in the last three match day squads. Hopefully we see one of McNamara or Kioso in March given Christie is our third choice and the Euros is probably Coleman's last campaign. If we're lucky Festy Ebosele can break into the Derby team and get some good minutes this season.

Bit of a mixed bag. First half he was grand, wasn't put under too much pressure but did no wrong. Second half was a bit of a mess though. He was at fault for Eagles first goal when he let his man get by him to put a cross in that was headed home. I don't think he was great for the second goal either. He looked to be far too deep/central which meant the opposition winger he was supposed to be defending against was able to put another unchallenged cross in that was scored from.

If there was a game where the Norwich board have finally taught to themselves, "yeah this lad is a bit of a chancer at this level" when talking about Farke it would have been yesterday. You wouldn't have picked that line up yesterday in football manager.

Sticking your least experienced player in a position he's never played. In a system they've never used before. A system where you need to be tactically astute and really need the personal to make it work. Trying to do a Brighton by lining up as four at back but picking the players that can make it a 3-5-2/3-4-3 in game only works when you've got the personal and manager that knows what he's doing.

Antonio Conte appointed as Spurs manager and someone that loves his 3 at the back system. Another fresh start for Doherty with his third manager in 14th months since moving. Big international window for him to show some form.

Yeah he's only on loan at MK Dons and doing well. Joint first for goal contributions with four goals and four assists with all bar one goal coming in the league. Peter Kioso is next after him and Twine with three goals and three assists from wing back. The Irish lads are doing well there at the moment.

Ah I thought some of the lads who got named in under 21s would of got a call up to the senior squad

Scott Hogan and maybe Will Keane the big senior call ups tomorrow

Need to stick a man marker on Ronaldo from the minute he steps off the plane in Dublin and stay with him until he gets back on it.

Are we getting an orange away jersey?

Hopefully not as the current kits are actually decent and only out about a year. Would have preferred the blue centenary kit to be used more as well.

Edit: yeah FAI just tweeted that it's going to be an orange away kit. Wonder will they try make a modern version of the old orange kit or if it will be all orange with some green trim around the neck and possibly sleeve.

Callum Robinson back in the starting line up and Taylor Gardner-Hickman who seems to be Irish eligible starting too at LB. Molumby is on the bench.

McGuinness and Dunne both staring in their game.

Kilkenny on the bench tonight along with Robbie Brady.

Jason Knight back fit and starting with Ebosele on the bench.

This was my first thought too. How many times did we use that Jersey?

Robinson looked back to his old self. Set up the only goal of the game and although he didn't get too many good chances himself, he linked up play very well.

Had never even heard of Gardner-Hickman before this, but he looked absolutely quality. He started at right wing back, but as Hull dropped deeper, he was operating more as a right winger. He gave his full back an absolutely torrid time and had the beating of him on several occasions. He could pass, he was tight defensively and had a bit of pace about him.

If Lee O' Connor is going to be sitting on the bench for a tier 4 team like Tranmere Rovers, surely it's an absolute no-brainer that Gardner-Hickman is called up for the under-21's next time out.

Ah sure we only have pride to play for and also trying to feck up Portugals World Cup hopes (few nervy heads in FIFA if Portugal have to take part in the Playoffs to qualify)

He can't have any complaints really. Wasn't even in the Brighton squad last weekend and I didn't see him listed as injured.

Connolly would want to use will keane getting in the squad ahead of him as a wake up call and start putting the ball in the net for us when he does play.

Connolly definitely has ability, but he seems to be made of glass and has fitness issues. People are suggesting he should go out on loan in the Championship. Dropping down a level would give him more opportunities, but is his body capable of playing a 46 game season, or anywhere even close to that number?

Christ thats awful.

Shows how a sponsor also ruins a jersey. Plus how do you make one of the shittiest crests around even worse.

Like something you would get for free at a samba soccer summer camp

Not surprised at all about Connolly. His job is to score goals and game after game he just couldn't with the best will in the world find the net for some reason. Really frustrating player. Seems to be in a bit of a downward spiral.

If they're seeing it as a pain then they shouldn't be doing it. It's not as if they're off booking Ryanair flights and hire cars to get to games

Dokter going is no loss

When you're dealing with the political minefield that is the FAI and Irish football you're never going to achieve a whole.