The first of three Euro 2012 warmups is Wednesday night at the Aviva Stadium. Discuss here. Most important talking point will probably be the debut of Sunderland's James McClean.
Starting XI: Given, O'Shea, St. Ledger, O'Dea, Ward, Duff, Andrews, Whelan, McGeady, Keane, Long. Doyle and Fahey couldn't shake off their knocks and are back at their clubs. Keane is going to play the withdrawn role in a 4-4-1-1. Maybe this is the system we will see at the Euros, since Croatia, Spain and Italy will all overrun us in midfield? McClean and Duffy to make their debuts at some point, but probably only as late substitutes.
The Irish media seem to be taking a leaf out of their English counterparts book in the way James McClean is being built up. I've never seen such hype over a new kid on the block since Keane and Duff but theirs was over a period of time whereas with James is instant. I just hope people don't expect too much. Great player though!
Great to see McClean playing for his country only 6 months after leaving the LOI. Surprised there isnt another home friendly for 3 months though. KOH
My God Traps can be one frustrating man! McCarthy, James, Duffy and Coleman all need to be looked at and should have been given a half at least. Only James got 15 minutes. For me the positives were a well taken goal by Simon Cox and a good performance from Andrews who probably cemented his place on the first 11. Paul Green coming on looks ominous for McCarthy and Gibson. One or both of them might not make the plane.
Agreed - can't see McCarthy making the squad at this stage. Trapattoni said something to the effect that he was too young. While we were poor enough on the night, it's important that we didn't lose. With the system as it is, we'll never have more than 30-40% possession. Apart from one serious defensive mistake, though, we were rarely troubled and actually created more clear-cut opportunities than they did. Long should have buried his header in the first minute. The major question/concern is whether Croatia, Italy and Spain have the quality to turn their possession into clear-cut chances?
Out of all the teams in our euro group i think Italy will be possibly our toughest test, the italian players are used to playing against teams such as us and they will be patient in attack..hopefully we'll be able to frustrate Spain like Switzerland did in WC 2010, and as for Croatia i think its fair game for the 3 points.