This is the Ireland team that started against Russia:
Given,
O'Shea, Dunne, St. Ledger, Kilbane,
Green, Whelan, Lawrence, McGeady,
Keane, Doyle.
There have been mixed fortunes for this starting 11 so far this season. Many people look at Irelands hopes for qualifying in a pessimistic manner with points dropped against the Russians and only salvaging a point against Slovakia away in a game we could have won. Many of these players have fallen out of favour with their clubs and Trapattoni`s ignorance in ignoring some quality players is disappointing for any fan. In my oppinion, things can only get better for Irish football in 2011 and expect to see it been a busy transefer window for many Irish players.
Given: has been linked with a move to Roma.5th in the league and have 5 goalkeepers in the squad. We all know Given is a quality goalkeeper and I think Given would be a first choice keeper for most clubs in the premier league or abroad. If he moves in January he will get regular playing time and will ease the concern of him lacking match practice when called up for international duty. No worries from me on Shay.
O Shea: always puts in 100% in the green jersey but hasnt featured for united as much lately and united havent been leaking the goals without him. He will become important for united during "squeaky bum time" (as fergie would say) and his versatility means he can fill the void of any player at unite and will remain an important part of our qualifying hopes.
Dunne: under performing at the moment and this is a big worry for our qualifying hopes. linked to Celtic. whether he moves or stays im sure he will improve his current form. Gerard Houlier hasnt been getting good performances from any of his players
St Ledger: dropped from preston. preston are disaster. worrying
Kilbane: shouldnt be too long before Cunningham, arguably are brightest prospect, takes his place
Green: playing consistent but international material? no
Whelan: out of favour out Stoke and doesnt look like regaining his place. Could get a move in January but probably to a lower league in my opinion. Has plyed consistently well for Ireland but is lack of playing time for his club puts doubt on his international future
Lawerence: having a great season for Portsmouth scoring and assisting. only worry for him is that coleman is doing the same but in the premier league
Mcgeady: starting to justify his hefty price tag and playing well in a strong spartak team. creating many chances while tormenting defenders with his skills. hasnt put in a notable performance for ireland as of yet but hopefully can carry his club form to international level.
Keane: out of favour at spurs and has looked rusty for Ireland so far. he is a proven goalscorer and im sure he will bounce back to his best providing he gets a move in january, hopefully to my west ham :)
Doyle: playing well but his lack of goals is another reason why Wolves are in the position they are in the premier league. always puts in 100% for Ireland and his workrate is second to none. hope for his sake that wolves dont go down as im not sure another premier league team would buy him unless it was good value for money.
My brief analysis of the Irish team that started against russia shows reasons to be positive but also reasons to be negative. It remains to be seen whether Trapattoni will chnge his stubborn ways and look to some of the alternative players who have something different to offer. Here is a brief evaluation of the alternatives.
Goalkeepers:
Westwood- havent seen much of him to be honest but had an absolute howler at the weekend. he may well be a decent keeper but I wouldnt drop Shay for him.
Kenny- has been in international exile since stan days. playing well mfor QPR and likely to be a premier league player next season. options
Left back:
Cunningham: highly regarded at city as one for the future. playing some good stuff for Leicester and is surely only a matter of time that he replaces Kilbane as Irelands first chooice.
Ward: Continuously overlooked by Trap who has kept faith with Kilbane. Improving all the time and despite Wolves poor league position, should be considered for International selection.
Harte: playing well but cant and never could defend!
Right back:
Coleman: can also play right midfield. either way he is a quality player set for a bright future. must not be overlooked
Kelly and McShane: kelly will do as a replacement. poor paul really needs to put in a decent performance SOON!
Foley: similar to Doyle and Ward, playing well despite poor league position. In my oppinion he is the most creative player at wolves this season. bright future i reckon, could offer Trap a big selection headache at right back.
Centre Back:
Duffy: recovered well from horror injury and a bright prospect at Everton. Makes the bench at Everton and is thought to be held in high regard by david Moyes. Will be 19 tomorrow and big things expected from him in the future, possibly Richard Dunne`s long term replacement.
Clark: needs a cap before he changes his international allegiance. playing well at a disappointing Aston Villa side. Versatile in that he can play centre back or midfield. another one for the future but worth a gamble in playing him this campaign... known for the odd goal or two!
O Dea: im personally not his biggest fan but hopefully he can prove me wrong
Right Midfield:
Coleman: see right back
Fahey: ever present for Birmingham and does his job well, not brilliant but does what is required. more of a centre mid but can play on the right if needed.
Left Midfield:
Duff: poor at Fulham but is being played out of position by a clueless sparky. hopefully he can rediscover his form for Ireland as his position in the side is very much under threat. great servant for Ireland it would be a shame if injury and form where to end his international career. at least Trap has a few options for left mid to change a game or to hold on to a lead
Hunt: never stops working. not the most gifted of players but certainly tries the hardest. great to see him play well and hopefully his high work rate can help us qualify. id nearly be inclined to play him in centre mid in the carling friendlies to see how he would cope as playmaker! worth a shot in my opinion
Treacy: dropped by Preston. good talent but his attitude is questionable
Houlihan: playing well for Norwich but probably will be overlooked. understandably though
Centre Midfield: *needed badly!
Wilson: scored for Stoke at the weekend but hasnt been first choice. 2011 will be the year he will/should establish himself at Stoke. Really needs to up his game to stake a claim for Ireland midfield
Gibson: yes he can score goals and is possibly are most creative player, but he is so inconsistent! a move away from united would possibly be best for Ireland but doubts over whether he would move. should replace green in our starting line up at least.
McCarthy: bright prospect and I honestly believe he should be starting for his country. Trap needs to move on regarding their arguement for the good of Irish football.
Reid: wont dwell on the andy reid saga too long but he is a good player and playing well for sheffield united, very well.
Ireland: dont return
Delap: probably out of the question but I would love to see the long throw tactic employed. not going to happen though
Meyler: straight back into the Sunderland team after long term injury. not afraid to put in a tackle and will only get better playing in this strong sunderland team. hopefully he will have a big part to play in 2011 as i think he could be a GREAT player for Ireland now and in the future
honourable mention for Clifford too but not likely in the immediate future. bags of potential though
Strikers:
Long: playing well for reading and has proven capable of the challenge when playing against Slovakia and Norway. unlikely to replace Keane or Doyle although a great option to call upon
Folan: mehhhh...
Stokes: great season for Hibs last season but hasnt carried on that form at Celtic. bagged a good hattrick for Ireland u21s. although it seems there is nothing he can do to impress Trap. would be certainly worth a place in the squad though. good player still learning.
Sammon and Rooney:both in lethal form for their sides. Sammon most surprisingly as he could do nothing for the students! rooney has always been a goalscorer and coping well in the SPL. top scorers of the irish abroad with almost 30 goals between them including strikes against Celtic (sammon) and Rangers (rooney)
worth bringing into the squad? they are the only two consistent goal scorers too!
honourable mention for Hunt, Murphy and Keogh
