Republic of Ireland General Discussion Thread 2024 [use match threads for games]

I don't think he's good enough to start as a lone striker for Ireland. But then very few would be. It's totally the wrong approach for a team with no wingers, wing backs, or creative midfielders. He gets totally isolated and is ineffective. Opposition would be delighted to see him as a lone striker. Same for Ferguson. We need pace as an alternative to make up for lack of quality throughout the team.

Aaron Connolly looks set to seal a move to Sunderland.

Idah should not start for Ireland. Why choose to start with 10 men? He is best as a sub.

It's not the level of teams he's playing against for Ireland, so much as the level of team he's playing for with Celtic. They're just much better than everyone they play in Scotland, so the role is obviously different. Will be interesting to see how he does in the CL against better teams than Celtic though, and that's hopefully where he can learn to do what's needed for Ireland if he's given the nod. (i'm not sure being an option for Celtic in Europe automatically puts him ahead of someone starting for Ipswich having been top scorer in the Championship, or for someone starting in a good Eredivisie side though… they're all playing at decent levels, which is great for us).

For Idah, it's also not just the England game I'm talking about, he's consistently frustrated me over the last 4 years when played up in that role. Loses the ball far too often, and whenever he did hang onto it, it was generally a long pass back to fullback rather than trying to get an angle on the half-turn for a more effective pass. He's young, so he could well develop that side of the game though.

I'd really fear for Collins in midfield, he's decent when a game is in front of him but at DM the game by default will be coming all around you and I don't think he has the head for that… Dara O'Shea maaaybe could. Think he'd be the most positionally flexible of our defenders off the ball anyway. Christ we could really do with Bosun Lawall catching fire at Stoke as a DM this season! Though sounds like he'll be recovering from a back problem for the next while…

Halgrimsson needs to take over from O'Shea first.

he played at the weekend…..

Ogbene. The lad impressed when he played WB for Luton.

Heimir dropped him for the Greece game.

Idah has been consistently poor.

Idah has been no worse than nearly anyone else playing for Ireland for the last couple of year

I mean, thats just not true but its a purely subjective opinion. I doubt many people would agree with you on that.

We will see what Heimir does in a few weeks. We know he's dropped him already but that was only one game.

Best we've played in the past 5 years was that brief stint where we had Parrott and Obafemi fit and playing together - particularly with Oba in form. Would love to get back to that sort of style, with two strikers playing close enough to support each other and actively look to get turned and set each other up.

Ferguson's the best Irish striker in years obviously - but in terms of actual performances in an Ireland shirt, I don't think anyone's looked as direct and as capable of a bit of magic as Obafemi. He's made some woeful club choices though, and seems to have a questionable attitude if things go against him, but hopefully can regain something of that Swansea form if he's playing week in week out this year. Tom Cannon has such huge potential too… we've got some real gleams of hope up front if things can just click a little bit for a few lads.

I agree with much of that.

We need to try something a bit drastic and accept the fact our midfielders don't have the character to perform for Ireland and/or don't have the quality. They need to be bypassed as much as possible and just used as workhorses. We need to get the ball to our forwards as quickly as possible. I'd say we need at least two up top and the any combination needs Parrott to be effective. Ogbene is someone who should also be looked at more as an attacking option and maybe Mcateer. With two of the above, one of Idah and Ferguson could have a chance to do well.

You’re not sure what I’m looking for?? 🤣🤣

I’m looking for an honest assessment of how Irish players are getting on, and johhnyryan is a gem on this thread.
Saying Idah’s first goal v second tier Falkirk (a 2 yard tap-in to an empty net) was a ‘top class finish’ is just a lie and definitely not what I’m looking for.

‘Made a good run and stayed onside’, that’s a much better description. No need for hyperbole.

Connolly officially signs for Sunderland on a one year deal. They've had some start to the season winning five and losing one in the league.

Thought Blackburn would try sign him given their financial issues. Looks like Eustace is starting to get things clicking as they've started the season unbeaten. Pity we didn't try get him as apparently was on less money as Birmingham manager than Kenny was on with us.

They've a couple of strikers but nothing to write home about. Wouldn't be CFs you'd put your money on getting you promoted. Not that Connolly is either though but Mayenda has started the season well. Two goals and two assists but he only turned 19 in May and spent the start of this year on loan at Hibs but only played 49mins.

Going by their statement we might not see Connolly until after the next international break. No surprise since he's only played around a 120mins in the league in 2024.

Kristjaan Speakman added: “Aaron needs an opportunity to re-establish himself and to reset the perception of him as a professional athlete. It wasn’t long ago that he was scoring goals in the Premier League and playing for his national team, but he has suffered some setbacks.

We all handle challenges differently and when it comes to responding, sometimes we don’t get it right immediately. At Sunderland, he’ll have the environment and support to perform and an opportunity to showcase his ability.

It’s an important 17-game period following the next international break and we believe Aaron can add value to our squad during that period. We look forward to helping him settle and supporting him in that process.”

One year deal that is basically an 8 month deal doesn't exactly suggest anything more than a cover player with zero risk for the club.

Connolly has only himself to blame. Personally think Sunderland is not a great place for him to suddenly have an epiphany. Should have followed Parrott's lead.

He seemed very firmly committed during all his interviews… of course could still back out, but I'd doubt it at this stage.

Was left out of the last squad as had just moved to Stoke in the days before and hadn't played with them yet.

Has a really high ceiling though, has that bit of raw talent, speed and skill we've lacked aside from Obafemi's purple patch.

I would guess it was more that it was better for all involved for him to spend that little bit of time with his new team, settling in and earning his place. Ferguson's far more established as a player, and has been at Brighton for years, so just getting away for some minutes was good for him. Cannon barely played last year, and was only just in the door at Stoke, with a great early opportunity to get up to speed on training and tactics etc. He went straight into their starting lineup for the next games.

Would hope/expect he's in the next squad if he looks like he's sharp enough and playing alright.

parrott scored in the europa tonight

I saw it. It was actually a good watch as both teams had a go in dreadful conditions and made for good entertainment.