1. Marc Wilson could do with some game time
HAVING BEEN MORE or less a regular during his Stoke tenure under Tony Pulis, Marc Wilson has had a less happy time under current boss Mark Hughes of late.
A quick glance at the Irish player’s stats do not prompt immediate cause for concern — featuring in 27 out of a possible 38 games is a respectable tally.
However, of Stoke’s last six games, he has failed to feature in three and only completed the 90 minutes in one — the disappointing 2-0 defeat by Swansea.
These figures must be somewhat worrying for O’Neill, as Wilson is consequently unlikely to be quite as match sharp and confident as some of his opponents come the qualifier in June.
That said, there aren’t exactly countless alternatives ready to slot in alongside John O’Shea at centre-back. Ciaran Clark is injured, Paul McShane has proven unreliable in the past, while Richard Keogh — despite impressing against the Scots at Celtic Park — is still relatively inexperienced at international level.
Damien Delaney has had a good season with Crystal Palace, however the Irish management have seemed reluctant to pick the 33-year-old Cork native in the past, so it would be a surprise if the O’Shea-Wilson axis is broken up, irrespective of the latter’s recent indifferent form.
2. James McCarthy has much to offer going forward
James McCarthy is invariably thought of a relatively safe player — someone who will sit in front of the back-four, break up play and produce sideways passes all day long.
Nevertheless, the Scottish-born midfielder appears to have added an extra element to his game in recent times.
Of late, the 24-year-old Everton star seems to have been given extra license to venture forward by coach Roberto Martinez. And this development has been beneficial for both the player and the Everton team, with McCarthy looking particularly impressive in the 3-0 win over Man United — the game in which he grabbed the opening goal.
Martinez says Everton are a much better team with McCarthy in the side, and the same could probably be said of Ireland, in spite of recent criticism aimed at the ex-Wigan player.
However, McCarthy could do with showing some of the dynamism he has displayed with the Toffees, towards the latter half of the season, come the arrival of Scotland at the Aviva Stadium this June.
3. Jon Walters offers a serious goal threat
Jonathan Walters is surely one of the Premier League’s most underrated players. In 28 starts this season, the 31-year-old Merseyside-born attacker has managed four assists and eight goals — a scoring ratio that’s particularly impressive when you consider that he has operated in an unnatural wide position on many occasions.
Indeed, in helping Stoke to a ninth-place finish this term, there is a case to be made for calling him the most effective Ireland player in the Premier League this season.
His robust physique and modest enough technical ability means fans often struggle to warm to Walters, however, his footballing intelligence and work-rate are clearly traits that Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane admire — the Stoke man has completed 90 minutes in all of Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualifiers, apart from the Gibraltar match, so far.
The former Ipswich striker’s Premier League stats show he knows where the goal is, and that may prove a useful characteristic, particularly in an Irish side that tends to be far from prolific in the big games.
4. Hull’s Irish players are not as bad as the table suggests
The table clearly does not reflect well on Hull and their considerable Irish contingent. Their 0-0 draw with Man United last weekend, coupled with Newcastle’s victory over West Ham, consigned Steve Bruce’s men to Premier League relegation.
The fact that Robbie Brady, Paul McShane, David Meyler and Stephen Quinn are expected to ply their trade in the Championship next season is, of course, an issue of concern — O’Neill ideally would like all his squad members to be playing at the highest level possible on a regular basis.
But anyone who watched Sunday’s clash with United closely will probably feel more optimistic than the outcome suggested. Brady was arguably the best player on the pitch with his consistently outstanding set-piece deliveries catching the eye, while McShane was named man-of-the-match for a committed display against his former club, and Meyler and Quinn hardly disgraced themselves either.
The main problems at Hull lay elsewhere, so Martin O’Neill might be best advised to keep faith with the beleaguered quartet.
5. When on form, Shane Long is hard to stop
For many players, being part of a Premier League team that finished seventh would be considered a significant achievement. However, Shane Long may feel somewhat disappointed with his campaign.
Despite Southampton paying as much as £12million for his services, the Irishman was outshone by fellow new signing Graziano Pellè, and ended up coming off the bench in as many games as he started (16).
That said, Long sporadically showed why the Saints paid so much to purchase him from Hull, especially in the club’s recent 6-1 demolition of Aston Villa, in which he contributed a highly impressive two goals and two assists.
With the 28-year-old striker therefore seeming to reach peak form of late, O’Neill must be tempted to start the Tipperary native at home to Scotland, just as he did in the reverse fixture.
Please some one in the FAI sort this mess ,
Too late, the lunatics have taken over the asylum…
We need leadership now.
We need someone like Harry redknapp to manage the team and Niall Quinn on the fai board
Gibson always had an attitude. Don’t mind Ronaldo having an attitude but Gibson is not good enough to have one. Another Stephen Ireland is all we need.
With regards to Stephen Ireland, I say a prayer every night for his return
The FAI is the mess.
Just imagine if they fans had the same attitude.Darren needs to man up.
Trap has lost the players. Now keep an eye on the attendance figures for the home fixtures in the WCQ. If they’re lower than expected his time may be up
Amazed that he was able to convince Dunne to stay on – probably guilt tripped him into it. Dunne doesn’t owe us anything now.
I can see why he has made himself unavailable, but this is his big chance for him to become a part of the starting 11, it’s going to be interesting what happens when he does make himself available
Gibson is a loss. Trap is so conservative that he won’t give Gibson a game therefore Gibson wants to focus on his club. Fair enough. When a regular prem starter sits on the bench and sees Cox being played in midfield you can’t ble him for getting pissed off.
Don’t forget Green also got more game time than him in the euros and he didn’t even have a team, he’s right to do what he’s doing
Yes you can blame him. If you’re offered the green shirt you wear it with pride. He should never be allowed to sully it again.
Vincent, he was not getting his Green shirt in order to wear it with pride. Unless the training bid is green. He was being asked to turn up for a week, with no realistic opportunity of game time. He placed club commitments above that, sounds fair to me and certainly understandable. You can keep your simplistic views if you want but at least try to see bigger picture.
Aww. The poor little fella.
What a mess. Gibson to scared to ruin his confidence if he plays rubbish again for Ireland. More interested in playing for everton. Not that Gibson is much of a loss it’s a sure sign that Traps style of play is not popular with the players anymore. Delaney & Trap out now… You could not pay me to go watch an international match these days….disgusting dinosaur football. Delaney and his 400,000 a year OUT now that delaney is a Buffon and a sham looking Irish fool get him OUT now!
He’s struggling by on ?360,000 now poor mite.
Hard one to call, however I can see why he’s done it. For all the hype in qualifying for the Euro’s Ireland were awful. I don’t blame any of the players but the outdated negative system Trap insists on. To sit on the bench and watch that must be a killer.
We need a change of management from the top down and play a style of football that will bring the fans back.
You get offered the green shirt you wear it with pride. End of.
Traps man management skills have to be questioned at this stage!!!!
He needs to grow a set. Most people would love to be in his position and he refuses.
We need to sign Andy Carrol,
How would football work if every player who felt aggrieved at a Managers decision not to play him refused to line out. By the way, I challenge any of you defending Gibson so name a match where Gibson had a good game for Ireland.
I hope everyone who defended Roy Keane in Saipan recognise now that their tolerance of his treachery lay the foundations for the likes of Stephen Ireland and Darron Gibson to betray their country.
Troll! J’acuse
Disagreeing with you, Stephen does not constitute Trollery, I’m afraid. But while we’re accusing, I notice you are an Everton fan. Putting club before country, it would seem.
Bringing Roy Keane (whom I agreed with BTW) and Stephen Ireland (Whom I hate) is not helpful. Why not bring Collins and Dev while you are at it? And I think bringing Keane and Ireland into the argument is bordering on Trollery (If thats a word, maybe it demonstrates Trollish tendencies!)
Trap is an idiot. At the Euros we had the option of Gibson or Green to come on off the bench and he choses bloody Paul Green. That is ridiculous. Must be sickening to watch Paul Green play ahead of you. Feel sorry for Gibson
Gibson went to the Euros and had to sit on the bench and watch two lesser players getting picked ahead of him. I dont blame him for pulling out.
I didn’t realise players get to pick the team now. Interesting how the whole squad system works in that scenario.
if we had a no nonsense manager like Alex Ferguson he would never withdraw from a squad cos he knows he’d be finished.. wouldnt be surprised if he retires from international, who could blame em with a senile old man in charge
No loss
Sure he’s not even Irish so f@@@ him we don’t need him, onwards and upwards
I take it you dont want McClean then?
Silly comment, McLean and McGeady should be gone too so?
Not Irish Donal? How dare you? Who or what gives you the right to deny Darron Gibson his nationality? If there is one thing this country can do without is people like yourself spouting pro-British partitionist views. You really should try to avoid demonstrating your ignorance. Darron Gibson like everyone else born on this island is Irish. Now, we know there are some (kindred spirits of yours) who consider themselves British but Gibson is not one of them. You have no right to deny him his birthright. By your ignorant and twisted reckoning McLean and Wilson (also born in Ireland) are not Irish either, certainly you surely believe McCarthy, McGeady, Fox, Walters, St Leger are not Irish either. You in your exalted position would no doubt deny these members of the diaspora their right to be Irish. Obviously, you would also have been irritated in the past by the inclusion of non-Irish players such as Paul McGrath and David O’Leary (both born in England).
Be a man – apologise for, and retract your scurrilous statement. If you can’t or won’t might I suggest you take yourself off to an English and/or N. Ireland fan site where I am sure you will find others of a similar mindset to yourself. Shame on you!
Is he any good though? Looks like Trap hasnt him in his first 11 for the next games. Whelan, Andrews and McCarthy will fill the mid 3 for the Germany game if fit. Gibson obviously not happy. Is he doing anything at Everton? Took him a long time to realise he wasnt good enough for Utd. Pity to see players walking away though.
No he’s overrated always throwing his arms up like a spoilt child . Throws in the odd decent pass r shot.
He’s been a revelation since signing for Everton and become a key player and fan favourite try quickly. I was uncertain about him signing but he’s had a good attitude and good work ethic and fitted in well with the team.
You’d swear Gibson was Messi the way some people are going on. This is the same player who has struggled for fitness and consistency at United, Everton AND Ireland over the years. Don’t want to play? Then don’t. We’ll plough on and get behind the guys who actually want to play for their country. Not liking this prima donna nonsense from very average players.
Damn right
The move to Everton has done his career wonders, he’ll be a loss to Ireland. Odd attitude though after choosing to play for the Republic. He’s obviously lost faith in Trap, because I’d imagine he would have been a starter.
If you are blessed with enough football talent to be a professional footballer at this level , you should take pride in playing for your country. If you have some issues with the manager or team mates at international level you shouldn’t compare them to the day job where in this day and age you get very well paid.Throwing toys out of the pram smacks of primma donna which has been a noticeable bad trend from highly paid players when dealing with the various different challenges faced at international level , pity to see Gibson adding his name to the list.
Only positive about this is that Gibson was honest about it and said it straight, traps days are numbered! Bring back jacko
sorry pauli & donal,thumbed both of ye down in error.thought at first that u were referring to gibson and not that money grabbing chancer!
I blame both Trap and Gibson. Trap should expect people to walk out when he plays lesser championship standard players (cox, green ward) and doesnt even have certain personnel in the squad, (wilson, stokes, stephen reid,) It doesnt help when he continues to go with his unattractive football
But at the same time, Gibson and others should act like a professional and at least agree to play when selected.
The writings already on the wall for Trap in my book, expect HIM to walk out before the end of the qualifiers due to negative public pinion.
In my opinion Ireland has as large a pool of talent as its ever had at the moment with players like Robbie Brady about to come to prominence in the next year, so the next manager will have an exciting job on his hands.
If only Trap could see that and trust these irish players to play a style of football they can.
Gibson is silly in pulling out though. He needs as much exposure as he can get, as he’s still very unproven at the top level.
It won’t matter who will play’ they Have’nt got a chance ‘ and not one bit against GERMANY
Gibson was wrong to withdraw from the squad. Like many others commenting here, I believe a call up for your country is an honour not to be snubbed regardless of slight felt. However, he has every right to stage some form of protest. Just wish he had chosen a more appropriate one. I normally wouldn’t advocate mutiny but it is obvious that Trapattoni has lost the respect of many of the players, and judging by comments across many fora, the fans too. His latest incredulous statement re use of substitutes V the Italians demonstrates he has completely lost the plot. Too many players are falling out with him. Can they all be wrong? Time for his resignation.