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Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni at the press conference today. INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Trapattoni places faith in Keane and Dunne for crucial Swedish clash

The Italian named a strong starting line-up at the Aviva Stadium and is targeting all three points on offer.

IRELAND MANAGER GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI has placed his team’s World Cup destiny in the hands of his old guard from Tallaght ahead of the pivotal World Cup Qualifier against Sweden.

Robbie Keane will lead the attacking line, alongside Shane Long, while Richard Dunne will partner John O’Shea in the heart of the Irish defence.

David Forde is back in goal for Ireland after missing the friendly encounter with Wales. Marc Wilson and Seamus Coleman start at left and right back, with James McClean and Jonathan Walters up their respective touchlines. The midfield duo is Glenn Whelan and Everton’s £13m signing James McCarthy.

“I have watched the game against Sweden and I am convinced that we had good chances to score and to win the game. In Stockholm, we played very well,” Trapattoni said at today’s Avviva Stadium press conference.

“Now we need to repeat the same performance with full commitment.”

The Italian was asked why McClean got the nod ahead of other options in the Ireland squad.

“At first I thought we would play with four strikers [Cox and Walters out wide] but the second time, I thought three strikers was enough,” he told reporters.

“During the game, changing to the other option could be very important. During the game I can choose to have other tactical opportunities. That is the reason.

“In Sweden, yes, he played well. He is also physically strong and this will be a physical, but also technical, game against Sweden. They are strong physically.

Richard Dunne starts his first Ireland game with the Boys in Green since the Euro 2012 campaign in Poland.

“I said at the last press conference that I have to think about Richard because first, it was a very long injury and second, he was also without a club. I said I would follow him because it was important that he was in a fit condition,” said Trap.

“I see that he is very well, with the same personality. For me, Richard is the same as before the injury.

Sweden will announce their team later today, at 5:30pm.

Ireland: D Forde; S Coleman, R Dunne, J O’Shea, M Wilson; J Walters, G Whelan, J McCarthy, J McClean; S Long, R Keane.

5 Irish players who need to shine against Sweden

Explainer: What Ireland need to keep World Cup qualification hopes alive

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61 Comments
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    Mute Eoin Joseph
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:35 PM

    Not the worst team he has picked

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    Mute Big Pat
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:16 PM

    Easily the least controversial.

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    Mute Robert
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:02 PM

    I think keane can still get goals he may be older now but let’s not forget he has scored over 50 goals for Ireland which most likely never be beaten we should be proud and supporting our team and not be so quick to put players like keane down I hope he scores the winner to prove all his doubters wrong he’s a legend lets judge him on all the good he’s done with Ireland and not the bad games he has had

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    Mute richie lynch
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:05 PM

    Absolutely!

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    Mute Stephen Mullally
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:03 PM

    Why not judge him on the good AND the bad games? Bit one sided if you only judge him on the good isn’t it?

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    Mute Josh Barton
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:22 PM

    On this basis Jimmy Greaves should still be playing for England

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    Mute Alan Smith
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    Sep 5th 2013, 7:55 PM

    Although the MLS is below many European leagues Robbie Keane is still banging in the goals over there….and at the end of the day it can only takes one goal to win a game. I’d bite someone’s hand off for a 1-0 Ireland and Keane to score

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    Mute Josh Barton
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    Sep 5th 2013, 8:13 PM

    Lets not beat about the bush it’s the equivalent of a uk pub league

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    Mute Rock Strongo
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:31 PM

    Fairly nervous

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    Mute Nelly
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:15 PM

    Lads even if they do qualify by some sort of miracle they will still make a show of themselves like the euros.we were the worst team in it

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    Mute #whoarethegoons?
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:53 PM

    Nelly go to bed you miserable twit

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    Mute Niall H
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:02 PM

    @Nelly. Maybe we should just not have a football team? What’s the point? Oh and 25 counties in the GAA championship should just not bother competing next year either!! How about the rugby….maybe we should refuse to play the All Blacks in future as we can’t seem to beat them either?

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    Mute Nelly
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:03 PM

    Just stating some facts.

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    Mute Eoin Bishop
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:04 PM

    What team have you been watching? Trap had a tough job of regenerating a young team with limited talent. Most idiotic Irish people think we’re brazil and should be beating everyone. We have passed transition stage and are now looking to only develop this side and get stronger. You are an absolute moron, which is why you have so many smelly red hands beside your comment.

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    Mute Mr Know It All
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:43 PM

    A physical side, a lot of us would have hoped for Brady’s inclusion, but you can see why Trap has gone for that extra security with Walters. Wont be many chances in this, having two proven strikers gives us a great boost. They have Ibra, but besides him we have nothing to fear.

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    Mute Big Pat
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:16 PM

    No Cox on the wing!

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    Mute Eamonn Duggan
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:51 PM

    Nearlly 48,000 tickets sold, including 5000 Swedish fans, Lansdowne will be jumping,
    COYBIG

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    Mute John Donagher
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:27 PM

    I hop so they can sell it out for two british clubs playing they should be able to sell it out for a Ireland game we are irish after all !!

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    Mute Darren Carey
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:37 PM

    Lets hope the Aviva gets a bit of a crowd too.

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    Mute Joe Loughrey
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:37 PM

    That’s great news, if we get an early goal the place will be hopping. Shame they moved the weekend internationals from Saturday to Friday though. Landsdowne has to be one of the hardest places to get to at rush hour when you’re travelling after work outside of Dublin.

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    Mute John Donagher
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:51 PM

    :p

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    Mute The Bourgeois Pope
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:43 PM

    Pilkington instead of Whelan and you have Ireland’s best attacking 11 so not bad Trap, you’re learning lad ;-)

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    Mute Big Pat
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:12 PM

    Id say Pilkington would be rubbish in central midfield.

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    Mute Brendan
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:10 PM

    The good news is McCarthy, Coleman, Walters, McClean, Wilson, O’Shea and Long are in the team. And we’ll have to wait and see how Richard Dunne and Robbie Keane get on. Both of them are getting on a bit now.

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    Mute Ian O'Gorman
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:25 PM

    Brady and Pilkington should be starting instead of Mclean and Walters, they would both carry a better threat and end product on the wings.

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    Mute Big Pat
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:37 PM

    Agree on Brady. But Pilkington has literally just arrived. Can hardly be lashing him in for the most important game of the campaign.

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    Mute Ian O'Gorman
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:54 PM

    Fair point about just arriving on the scene, but if your good enough you should play. Walters out of position, all be it he works his socks off, is not as technically good as Pilkington on the right wing. And for a game this important it might just come down to one good chance, which Pilkington is more likely to create for Keane or Long. Plus Walters could then be used as an impact sub late on.

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    Mute Big Pat
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:00 PM

    Ah yeh, no question Pilkington is technically better, and more at home there, even if Walters performs admirably there.

    We just didnt get the chance to bed in Pilkington, with all the injuries and withdrawals so its unfortunate but id stand by Traps decision not to lash him into the fray.

    Other than that, good, strong lineup despite a few pull outs (I’d take McGeady over McClean). But were ready to give this one a right bash!

    COYBIG!!!

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    Mute Martin O Donnell
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:51 PM

    Still playing the fool Keane just don’t get him keeping faith with a washed up player at the end of his days……

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    Mute richie lynch
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:00 PM

    Our all time top scorer by miles. Our only real goal threat. The best natural finisher we’ve ever produced. The player you’d bank on if we need a goal. The only player we have still scoring at club level albeit in a poor league

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    Mute Mr Know It All
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:17 PM

    That “fool” scored five goals in a week for Ireland last June, goes unnoticed. Truly disgraceful how one of our greatest players and by far our greatest goalscorer is treated, honestly it makes me cringe every time that “worlds greatest fans” line is trotted out, it couldn’t be further from the truth.

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    Mute Martin O Donnell
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:32 PM

    Most of his goals scored against poor opposition Keane should be gone long ago …couldn’t hack it with Liverpool.. Moved to so many clubs…he’s just a glory hunter and its time he moved aside for younger guys…….good riddance to the Muppet I say…was pure shite in the Euros…..Do the decent thing Robbie Retire you will not be missed…..never be in the same league as Roy Keane ….John Aldridge …Tony cascarino ….Moran ..Houghton…Brady…McCarthy..Quinn….he has not a patch on these true Irish legends…….

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    Mute Small Retort
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:32 PM

    While I wouldn’t be quick to drop Keane, I certainly get frustrated watching him lose the ball over and over again. His first touch can be horrendous at times and for a lad that can finish well I don’t understand how his passing is so bad. I can’t believe Trap compared him to the uber technical Totti.

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    Mute Big Pat
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:40 PM

    Martin, I love how Keane has scored more for Ireland than all of those players combined

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    Mute Niall H
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:07 PM

    @Martin. I can only identify one fool in that comment and its not Keane

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    Mute Darren Carey
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:47 PM

    Say what you want about Keane, and about the opposition he played against. You can only beat who’s in front of you. And he has more International goals than Henry, Eto and Gary Lineker to name a few.

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    Mute Ciaran Haughton
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    Sep 5th 2013, 6:59 PM

    Well done man, you win idiot of the week by miles. Congratulations.

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    Mute Martin O Donnell
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    Sep 5th 2013, 7:56 PM

    I would even score goals against the opposition Keane has scored against …when he is up against quality defenders he is useless ….his touch is terrible and he can’t pass at all…he is way past his sell by date and the sooner the better he is gone………..just love all the Robbie lovers….let’s face facts what silverware has he to his name…nought….enough said …just an below average player …he is no game changer….

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    Mute Niall H
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:29 PM

    Martin go back to your football sticker album, theres a good kid. When you’re older you might learn to appreciate a legend of Irish football who is still more than capable than most of the other forwards available

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    Mute Martin O Donnell
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:37 PM

    Niall H…u are a fool if you think Robbie Keane is a legend ….he is a joke in the footballing world with all his dreams about playing for every team in the world….do a search on Google or bing and he is never mentioned in the likes of true Irish legends like Brady and the real Keano…….just face facts he is a very average player who got the chance to rack up a big scoring record mostly against very poor opposition….

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    Mute Niall H
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:52 PM

    I don’t need to google it kid. I saw all of the above playing and will make my own judgement.

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    Mute Niall H
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:01 PM

    I suggest you read and learn. I bet some of those facts surprise you! Seen as you british tabloid reading, premier league supporting generation seem to believe opinions of reporters who are more qualified to talk about interest rates clubs get on loans for new signings than they do about the actual game! http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/739282-robbie-keane-biography-14-years-of-a-legend-being-taken-for-granted

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    Mute Neil Peckham
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:09 PM

    Martin you are the fool who knows nothing about football. You rank France at home Holland at home Germany in the WC poor opposition who you would score against? Not surprised you couldn’t even manage your kids GAA teams

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    Mute Keith Ryan
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:14 PM

    Scored in the playoff against France… Hardly a shit team. Away twice to the Dutch. Ssshhhh..

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    Mute Martin O Donnell
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    Sep 6th 2013, 12:58 AM

    But hang on a sec boys he did that when he was in his prime but the point u guys are making is he’s the best Irish forward ..the majority of this idiots goals are against average opposition and in the majority of times he played against quality he was pure shite… Just face it he’s a very average player with a great goal scoring record …you cannot compare him to the real Irish legends I mentioned he is just not in their league

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    Mute Martin O Donnell
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    Sep 6th 2013, 1:01 AM

    Oh by the way Neil I coached gaa for 10 years and took a very poor B team and turned them into winners …over that period brought them from division 8 right up to division 3 ….and I have the medals to prove that and some of the forwards I had I would rate better than the Muppet called Robbie keane

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    Mute Fergal Kelly
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    Sep 6th 2013, 1:02 AM

    You’re some clown martin. Who did Henry and Lineker play against then? I suppose all of their internationals were against Brazil and Spain were they? Never travelled to the lowly opposition countries as well? Idiots who say Keane is anything other than one of our greatest ever players shouldn’t be allowed talk.

    Not to mention he scored a rake of goals for Spurs that got him the transfer to Liverpool. Oh ye and sure we’ll disregard that so many of the internationals he’s scored more than were playing with substantially better teams thank Keano.

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    Mute Darren Carey
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    Sep 6th 2013, 7:55 AM

    Hahahaha you must be proud. Comparing your illustrious GAA managerial career to that of Robbie Keanes career. Give your head a shake mate.

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    Mute Bilbo Brennan
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:50 PM

    Why do we have mc lean on.i never have seen him really shine.is he any good?

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    Mute Alan Dunne
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:59 PM

    McClean works hard and has a strong left foot he’s worthy of his place.

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    Mute Niall H
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:08 PM

    COYBIG!!! 4 points from the next 2 games and the show is back on the road

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    Mute Nick Menezes
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:38 PM

    the way I look at it is that we are effectively chasing a win with a draw only complicating things so its fair to say we have nothing to lose.I think its a decent team but why not let the shackles loose and start robbie brady who is are form player at the moment and throw in pilkington or hoolahan?McClean was barely considered when on form and now that hes on the bench for a championship team he gets the nod. I like walters as a winger im pretty sure thats where he started his career but Brady or Pilkington would provide more deliveries and a better goal threat.Still too conservative for my liking but its one of the best starting 11s hes put out in 5 years.COYBIG

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    Mute Big Pat
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    Sep 5th 2013, 5:33 PM

    I admit I would have gone with Brady too. It would do his confidence the world of good to go up against Sweden. Im guessing Trap picked McClean because he is direct and physical.

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    Mute Jamie Lee D'Alton
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    Sep 5th 2013, 8:48 PM

    Traps greatest trick as manager was to dampen expectation to such a level that many dismiss this team as the worst Irish team in recent history. He can’t lose, when we get beaten off the park, he says this is Ireland, what do you expect, when we put some good results together its all the work of the fantastic manager. Fact remains we still haven’t beaten anyone ranked above us since he took charge, he failed to integrate youth with experience meaning Wilson, Colman,McCarthy, Gibson, Meyler, Brady, Clark, Stokes and Long did not benefit from playing regular with great Irish pros like Duff, Given, fully fit Dunne and Keane, even killer Kilbane could of brought players through. He continues to cause consternation within the squad with his loose talk, his myopic view on players like Whelan, Cox, Ward, O’Dea and Keogh has meant real quality has not gotten a fair shake and these players far more caps then their ability deserved. No wonder we play the way we play, a more inclusive and progressive manager would have the best 11 in the pitch not just the YES men. We’re no world beaters but either were Greece and Denmark when they won euros. Good international managers get more then the sum of their parts. Lots of Trap apologists blame the players, that’s exactly what he wants. Trap out…

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    Mute kachow
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    Sep 5th 2013, 3:56 PM

    By the look on dunner’s face, its a crap joke. Probably in response to Keane telling him, that he made the team, again! “Dream come true Richie, I swear”

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    Mute paul burch
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    Sep 5th 2013, 4:22 PM

    No pressure then !!

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    Mute Michael cunnane
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    Sep 5th 2013, 8:32 PM

    Traps faith in keane and Dunne smacks of desperation.Both players wayyyy past their prime and a bit like our Kerry team except the old players in the Kerry team still ooze of class.the two lads ooze nothin!

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    Mute Brendan O Connell
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:09 PM

    Stick to the gaa so ya redneck

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    Mute Michael cunnane
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    Sep 5th 2013, 10:22 PM

    Touched a nerve jackeen??? My opinions are my own.Like it or shove it lad

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    Mute Niall H
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    Sep 5th 2013, 11:02 PM

    Michael I’m a Culchie and proud and also think you are talking sh1te

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    Mute David Sharp
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    Sep 6th 2013, 8:50 AM

    Walters on the wing??? Why why why?? Might as well play Keane in goal!! Same logic!!

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