They’ve been involved with Big Mick since the start, he’s trying to keep a bit of continuity and showing loyalty to lads.
Yeah I’d also have Robbie Brady involved and would have added McCarthy once he got through that game last weekend. Hogan has been awful any time he’s played, I don’t understand it
I think Hogan is a penalty box player who will get goals if he’s in a side with the right amount of possession and dominance but that’s not really going to happen with Ireland, Maguire is probably fairly similar.
Genuine question.
Who is James Collins and has he played for Ireland before?
What’s mccarthys contract situation? If he’s only played one game back and given his history it’s a little unfair to ask him travel imo
True enough. As far as I can make out, McCarthy’s valuing continuity and broadly sticking with lads who’ve been available and turned up for all squads if there’s some close calls. I’m not saying Long or whoever hasn’t genuinely been injured, but he definitely pulled out of one or two meet ups. He seems to be rewarding the likes of Hogan who’s been involved in a few games off the bench and, if memory serves me correctly, delivered an appalling display when getting the start at home to Gibraltar.
He plays for Luton. He was top scorer in League One last season, has scored 3 or 4 goals already this season.
He made his debut against Bulgaria in a friendly and scored, I thought. Big, strong, physical unit.
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Maguire has a bit more about him, he plays on the wing for Preston. Definitely not suited to Ireland’s style though
Luton Town striker. Scored a load of goals for them as they won League 1 last season. Former U21 international, had been a bit of journeyman type up to then. Played with Swindon, Hibs and others before Luton. Has started off reasonably well in Championship with Luton and made scoring Ireland debut off bench in friendly against Bulgaria last month. Big call to start him. He’s a strong, old fashioned, number 9 type.
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I’d agree with your assessment on Hogan. Maguire probably has a bit more about him, has been playing in a more withdrawn role for Preston recently, but Collins is the form player.
He’ll give a platform to the likes of Hendrick and Hourihan to break off him. He’ll need bodies running beyond him.
If Hourihan and Hendrick can get beyond him and Robinson keeps his width, I can see Robinson having a field day, create one on one situations for him and he’ll create. He’ll be our main attacking threat today. If he doesn’t score he’ll create one
Hourihane has to get up in and around him alright, he’s a threat from the edge of the box.
He seemed to play well for Villa last weekend but I think Hourihane is a bit slow for the role he plays in our side compared to Hendrick
He picks up good positions, the lack of pace with him and Whelan is worrying alright, especially if we get turned and have to run backwards. I never understand why we don’t play a high line with such a slow midfield. Play high and tighten up the space.
You’ve probably seen him play twice so you have no notion whether he picks up good positions or not.
No.
The rugby lads have done their bit hopefully Ireland soccer boys hold up their end of the bargain.
Kevin Doyle getting the call up to the RTE panel because he played with Matt Doherty at Wolves while he was playing left back. Inside knowledge.
Great to hear the national anthem played on foreign soil at a sporting event.
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You were calling them Eire an hour ago