THE CLAMOUR FOR James McClean to make the starting line-up for Ireland at Euro 2012 is not about to die down but Aiden McGeady delivered a reminder of his talents against Bosnia.
The Scottish-born winger was a constant source of danger in the 1-0 win and set up Shane Long for the winning goal.
McClean, making his first start for Ireland, started well and tested Asmir Begovic with a fine strike in the closing stages of the first-half.
He faded as the game went on and was overshadowed by his competitor for one of the wide berths.
Giovanni Trapattoni said, “It was important to give McClean the opportunity to play with the team to give him confidence.
At this moment Aiden McGeady is in a very good condition.
Who do you think is in pole position – McGeady or McClean? Or can room be found for both players in the Irish midfield?
Your thoughts and comments are welcome.
Mc Clean and McGeady no duff
Mcgeady was back to his best. He should start with McLean on the bench as an impact sub. Come on Ireland….
Reasonably sure that the two of them & Duff will get a similar amount of game time over the three group games (& hopefully beyond!)
Start the Croatia game with 2 of the 3. Then bring the 3rd on with 35 minutes to go. Thats the best bet.
The photo above of McClean is from his debut versus Czech Rep, he wore 26 that night & 22 today versus Bosnia/Herz.
I would start with Duff & McGeady, they both raised their games today. McClean will make an impact from the bench. He will get time.
Doyle can’t start, he’s out of form for a good while now. I’d be happy with either of Long or Walters.
Mcgeady can play central as proved today with McLean on the wing.
Thank god that McClean has come into the squad- the further Hunt is pushed down the pecking order the better.
Between the 2 players named it is very hard to choose and would depend all on the opposition and the formation that we play.
McGeady is more creative in terms of breaking down a defence but McClean is much more direct. With the way McGeady plays I would feel that he is better playing in a team that are breaking at pace as he seems a bit better with the ball at his feet.
As suggested above though it may not be an either/or as both could start.
If I was picking the team I’d would play all 3 of Duff/McGeady and McClean in the Italian and Spanish games, probably with Long up top and look to keep it tight with McGeady and McClean out wide breaking at pace and Duff in a centre midfield role with a creative licence
Stephen Ireland
that little cork slaphead should never be allowed anywhere near an Irish shirt again, him or his granny.
He shouldn’t even be allowed to buy one!
He should be stripped of his surname too.
Stephen England can get lost
Wonder what Cork people ever did to you Paul Robinson?
I was just thinking the same thing dexter. He must have been bullied by a Cork man or something!!
The one thing about “the trap” is we could all name his starting 11 6 months ago for this tournament and, injuries aside, I can’t see that changing! For better or worse (in footballing style terms) he got us to our first major tournament in 24 years do lets all get behind the boys in green – whoever starts!
How about those 3 World Cups in between?
Mc Grady and duff will start unless injury u won’t c mc clean till around the 75min of the Croatia match depending on the result at the time
Who is McGready or are you just trying to be ignorant?
So many idiots calling for James to start. It is pure ignorance. Trapatoni told Paddy Agnew in an interview in the Times that he went for a meal in a restaurant, in Italy, and the chef was an Irish fella who approached and said he should start McClean. Trap asked the guy if he had ever seen him play and the guy admitted he hadn’t. Ask most Ireland fans if the have ever seen McClean (in the flesh, not on MOTD2) and they will usually say no. Suggesting dropping McGeady or Duff is laughable. Two guys who have committed everything, their careers to Ireland. There is no doubting McClean’s ability but only a complete fool would start him against the Croats. He is a kid. Keep him on the bench and raring to go. Start him and one bad touch at this high a level could ruin him. Get a grip and get behind a legend of Irish football. A person who has the potential to win games for the nation. To inspire us all….. No not James….. Trap
Forget all this talk of McClean/McGeady it’s great to have two exciting young wingers both have something to offer more importantly how the hell has Paul Greene got into the squad he hasn’t even got a club…
Good to see McCleans arrival has put a fire under mcgeady . Mc Geady lookedverygood today.
McClean is definitely a star for the future no doubt about that, however he needs a lot more experience for this level and like others have said he is a very good impact player to have on the bench. With his great energy and pace, he might just give us a boost in the latter part of our games.
Both
i’d have McGeady benched, and McClean starting along side with Duff.
Doyle benched and Shane long starting along side with Keane.
McClean could play left back and go into midfield when Ireland need a goal.