FAI...June 2024 Friendlies v Hungary and Portugal

[imtommygunn]

I thought we were competitive in the first half - the Serbs had copped McGeady as the weak link and were throwing the kitchen sink at his wing - once they switched McClean over there and moved Hoolahan to cover McGeady I thought we looked stronger and were reasonable creative.  After we started making substitutions we looked like our cover was sub-standard and we were on the back foot for the last half-hour.  Wasn't terribly disappointed; I think Serbia are a stronger side than anything in our group except Germany.

McClean was awful. Head down, run, cut inside and shoot is what he does nearly every time. I dunno how he stayed on the whole game. Gave the ball away so many times and because he's so greedy he completely curbs Coleman's influence as he can't overlap.

[Denn Forever]

This has to be the most bizarre internet campaign.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26442914

Roy Hodgson criticises petition to ban Tom Cleverley from finals
England boss Roy Hodgson has defended Tom Cleverley after an online petition was set up calling for the Manchester United midfielder to be banned from selection for his World Cup squad

[Billys Boots]

I thought we were competitive in the first half - the Serbs had copped McGeady as the weak link and were throwing the kitchen sink at his wing - once they switched McClean over there and moved Hoolahan to cover McGeady I thought we looked stronger and were reasonable creative.  After we started making substitutions we looked like our cover was sub-standard and we were on the back foot for the last half-hour.  Wasn't terribly disappointed; I think Serbia are a stronger side than anything in our group except Germany.

McClean was awful. Head down, run, cut inside and shoot is what he does nearly every time. I dunno how he stayed on the whole game. Gave the ball away so many times and because he's so greedy he completely curbs Coleman's influence as he can't overlap.

Sure he makes bad decisions pretty regularly, but he was curbing the attacking threat because they appeared to be afraid of him.  And he makes tackles, or attempts, which you need when your opposition is superior technically.  I thought Coleman and himself linked well on a few occasions - they were giving Kolarov lots of headaches in the first half. 

[imtommygunn]

I arrived late so only saw after he'd been switched over so didn't see what happened before then. I find the guy very frustrating with how little he looks up and I do think that Coleman is significantly less of an influence with him there as he's so greedy that Coleman's attacking runs are a waste of time a lot of the time. That being said maybe he's the best option. It is about time he learnt though - he's been playing long enough.

Serbia are a very good team. Matic a standout player and true world class. If Long could finish we could have won the game but realistically wouldn't have deserved it. Some very nice wee moves put together on one or two occasions. Too much possession conceded though.

[ballinaman]

I arrived late so only saw after he'd been switched over so didn't see what happened before then. I find the guy very frustrating with how little he looks up and I do think that Coleman is significantly less of an influence with him there as he's so greedy that Coleman's attacking runs are a waste of time a lot of the time. That being said maybe he's the best option. It is about time he learnt though - he's been playing long enough.

Serbia are a very good team. Matic a standout player and true world class. If Long could finish we could have won the game but realistically wouldn't have deserved it. Some very nice wee moves put together on one or two occasions. Too much possession conceded though.

Started brightly. Anything good we did in the first half involved Wes Hoolahan, scary how much we rely on Keane because Long's finishing is very ropey.

Agree re McLean, headless chicken if every there was one, he's a championship type player. I like how he gets stuck in, could do with a few more lads to do it but I think Robbie Brady is a much better option when he's fit.

Serbia played some cracking stuff, you can see why they didn't qualify though for the WC, all over the shop for the first 20 mins. Matic tore McCarthy to pieces.

[rodney trotter]

Seems Noble is to declare for Ireland, could do a lot worse. He has been a solid performer in the PL.

[DennistheMenace]

He's a quality player, would be a good addition.

[general]

quality, bit of depth now. fingers crossed this signalls the end of paul green

[rodney trotter]

Hopefully so, always thought Noble was underrated.

[Under Lights]

Has his best football played at this stage. He is 32 years of age.

[beer baron]

 Noble's a decent player,but i wouldn't be getting over excited at the prospect of him in the Ireland squad,he's probably as good or better than anyone other than Mc Carthy in there but he's not going to improve us dramatically.

[beer baron]

Has his best football played at this stage. He is 32 years of age.

The man's still in his 20's. You're probably thinking of Nolan who was linked to us before.

[DennistheMenace]

Has his best football played at this stage. He is 32 years of age.

He's 27.

[Under Lights]

Has his best football played at this stage. He is 32 years of age.

The man's still in his 20's. You're probably thinking of Nolan who was linked to us before.

That's exactly what I've done. Mark Nobel a match better signing. Good stuff.

[general]

if it keeps that clown paul green out im happy

always a discussion about players representing other countries. if he intends to stand for our flag and anthem he is welcome IMO. I think hes a better player than jack colback who has made the england squad.