Republic of Ireland Team 2023/24 [old thread]

Hasn't managed more than 45 minutes since his hat trick a month ago. A bit of a worry.

It’s the continuous lingering knee injury he’s been carrying for over a month now that I’m worried about. Seemed it was something he had even before the Newcastle game, but it got aggravated further then. He’s very young to be playing through this sort of injury, would much rather they let him fully heal instead of trying to manage it with these 45 minutes appearances.

Moran dropping deeper and having a great start to the game. Certainly has an eye for a pass.

Szmodics scored again for Blackburn, he's doing very well this season so far

Jake O'Brien with his first start for Lyon today. Unfortunately they are 2-0 down at Reims with minutes to go.

Was one of better players by french media.

Came on and scored a last minute winner. The fella he replaced is their top scorer with five goals in seven games. Last season's top goal scorer had six goals I think. Might be fit enough to start but their starting CF has started the season in good form. So might have to bide his time but a last minute winner in derby might get him a start next game

Cameron Carter-Vickers is due back at the end of this month and hopefully Scales has done enough to prove to Rodgers that he could be the long term partner for CCV at CB.

A win and a good performance against Lazio might do the trick. Was impressive and possibly Celtics best player in the two biggest games so far against Rangers and Feyenoord. Would be harsh to see him dropped once the other CBs are fully fit.

It's so refreshing to see our lads play on the Continent. Long may it continue.

Idah back on the bench again for Norwich tonight. I'm still of the opinion he needs a move. Rarely does he seem to be given an extended run in the team. Only 4 starts this season, and only completed the 90 minutes once.

Yeah, most annoying is that he's been behind different people. I had kinda felt that it was fair enough to be behind Pukki, and he just had to bide his time - but then Pukki moves on and they bring in Ashley Barnes and Ui-jo Hwang, and it seems now Idah's behind both of them instead. Just get the feeling they're never gonna give him the top spot.

I find it a bit odd that anyone would be calling for him to move at the current moment. It's his best start to a season and he is very much in contention for regular starts and involvement. And as you suggested, I don't know where he would go.

I wouldn't take much significance in him not starting a midweek game. The Championship is a long slog and with his injury record it seems like astute management.

Good to see Scales earn a recall but how Szmodics (6G, 1A), Azaz (2G, 1A) and Moran (4G, 3A) are overlooked in favour of McGrath (2G, 0A) and Johnston (0 appearances) is puzzling.

Since our campaign is already dead, I kinda hope we give Ferguson very little time - maybe two brief bench appearances or something.

I'm increasingly uncomfortable about the way his knee injury is being managed, not being given proper time to heal up. He's making appearances most games (today included), but hasn't managed more than 45 minutes since before the last international window. I know he's important to Brighton, but he's so young... that's the age some of these sorts of issues can leave real lasting problems if not fully sorted out early. There's so much talent there, would hate to have his ceiling limited by early impatience.

Brighton have plenty of options and he is a huge asset to them financially so if they are worried about that they can rest him. We should play him if passed fit.

Will definitely play in the friendly. I'd say his announcement probably came on the back of a conversation with Kenny, and phasing out. It might even be why he's not included - given that we're out of contention, and know he's no longer going to be an option, it's better to use other people from now on in the remaining dead rubbers.