Comments on: Where next for Trap and Ireland?

By: Neil Sherwin

Neil Sherwin — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:02:10 +0000

I think the fact that there isn’t a target man as such in the mix means that particular tactic can’t be used as ‘Plan A’. Probably the only player who could fill that role is Cillian Sheridan and he is untested and probably won’t be of much use anyway.

As I alluded to in the article, we don’t have a ball player in midfield so I imagine that Richard Dunne, for example, goes long because a) he doesn’t have faith in Green and Whelan when they’re on the ball and b) Doyle is quite effective in the air so it’s the lesser of two evils.

Trap may not necessarily send his side out to be long ball merchants but due to the inadequacies of those in the middle of the park it just ends up that way.

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:17:10 +0000

You mentioned the brand of ‘hoofball’ must go. Agreed, but even having said that if Trap was ok with that brand of game why didn’t he position a big target man beside Keane and Doyle/Long for both games. Does Trap honestly expect Ireland’s two diminutive front men to win the ball in the air, chase after their own knock downs on the ground, win the ball back, beat an opponent and then score. Not expecting much of them is he?

Trap needs to define Ireland’s style. Either he is going to take the brave move and try to get his team to play some football on the floor, or he’s going to allow them to go back to the trials and errors but only way we really know how brand of game (Route One). Either way is fine with me, but if he’s playing Route One he needs to equip the team to play to their strengths.

By: theironsloth

theironsloth — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:37:02 +0000

How dare you call the mouthwatering Four Nations battle with Wales a friendly. Shame on you for denigrating such a prestigious tournament!

Nah, seriously, agree with nearly all the piece especially about the full-backs. Ward and Foley have been first choice all season and both can play in midfield.

Coleman has started Everton’s last 3 matches but he looks a bit raw for international football. Good going forward but seems hell-bent on trying to concede penalties.