Alot has been said about the possible end of Given, Dunne, Duff & Keane at the end of this tournament & how with this in mind the final game should be a showcase of the future of Irish football.
Whilst I agree in theory, if it is to be the end I'd like to see all 4 given the game so the fans can pay tribute to those players who have bought us many tears, cheers & heart murmurs over the last 10+ years
I'd mix it up by adding the likes of McClean & Gibson as these guys appear to a big part of our future and playing competitive games is a must for those who will be an integral part of our WC qualifying campaign.
My team V Italy & future - in brackets:
Given (Westwood)
O'Shea (Coleman)
Dunne (Wilson)
St Ledger
Ward (Clark)
Duff (McGeady)
Andrews (McCarthy)
Gibson
McClean
Long
Keane (Doyle/Walters)
Looking at the some lads left behind like Coleman, Clark, Wilson, McCarthy, Stokes, Best..........think we still have a very able & competitive squad.
Final Match & The Future
posted on 15/6/12
If Conor Henderson can stay fit he will be in and around the Arsenal first team squad, so expect him to be in contention for the Irish side.
posted on 15/6/12
Remember who the manager is before making bold predictions ! This is the man who brought on Paul Greene against Spain!!
posted on 15/6/12
Shame to say it, but I don't think Ireland will be at the World Cup in two years time, really difficult group you got coming up, but good luck!
posted on 15/6/12
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 15/6/12
Remember who the manager is before making bold predictions ! This is the man who brought on Paul Greene against Spain!!
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Not making predictions - just stating the side i would like to see against Italy.
Also pointing out we have some decent young players not at this tournament so we shouldn't be too down
posted on 15/6/12
There needs to be a huge shake up after the Euros, especially in defence.
That back 4 can't go unpunished for all those sloppy mistakes, bring Wilson, Clark, Coleman and Duffy into the side as soon as possible, get rid of St Ledger and Ward, otherwise we'll carry on embarrassing ourselves in qualifying.
I agree though, certainly in midfield and upfront we do have some very decent players coming through.
posted on 15/6/12
I agree that it would be nice to have a blend of old and young for this match......they have nothing to play for but pride now.
Keane, Duff and Given are nearing the end. Ward and Whelan are just not good enough at this level. McGeady had a terrible game.
Bringing on Green was such a strange decision. Did you see him falling over for Fabregas' goal? Even Derby dont want him!
Might not be popular to say on this board, but good luck England tonight......Wish we had as easy a group.
posted on 15/6/12
Yeah best of luck to England as well. If they dont beat Seeden tonight they could be in trouble as they will have to get a win against the host nation Ukraine