THE SQUAD HAS been selected, the suits have been measured and the dodgy theme tune has been recorded.
Now all that’s left for Giovanni Trappatoni and the Irish squad is to get through this weekend’s friendly with Bosnia before heading, first to Italy for a training camp and then on to Budapest for a final friendly against Hungary on June 4.
Obviously, Trapattoni’s main concern revolves around injuries. With worrying news regarding Shay Given and John O’Shea in recent days, it’s unlikely the Italian will risk any players he considers borderline.
However, this Saturday’s game should not revolve just around avoiding injuries and here are the three things TheScore.ie would like to see in Dublin 4.
1. Plan B
We know that Ireland are good at limiting the damage other teams can inflict on us. If Trap’s reign had a motto, it would probably be ‘whatever happens, lets not lose by too many.’
Given, it’s not a catchy slogan, but it is an accurate one.
However, what happens if Ireland find themselves 3-0 down to Spain in their second group game, having secured a win over Croatia in the tournament opener? Goal difference could be everything and getting back into that kind of game seems unlikely given the dearth of creativity in Ireland’s starting eleven.
This Saturday, it’s important that Ireland show they can go out and put two or three goals past a decent defence (Bosnia are ranked 27 in the world).
The way Ireland score is just as important. Set pieces and counter attacks will be so crucial against Spain and Italy, they need to use this game to brush up on both areas of the game.
2. Hunger
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s action, Darren O’Dea said he could see no way he would get into an Irish team ahead of a fit Richard Dunne. This lack of ambition is a worrying.
While Trapattoni clearly has his favourites, how else do you explain Whelan and Andrews, all players should believe they are first choice. Anyone who says anything else is playing the wrong sport.
Saturday, therefore, is the ideal opportunity for players like O’Dea, James McClean and Jonathan Walters to stake a claim. It may come to nought but it’s surely better than accepting a role as a water carrier and little more?
Likewise, we’d like to see established players put in a shift too. When you know a player is putting in a shift as if their place depends on it, they become much easier to accept, regardless of any perceived limitations they may have. It’s the Dirk Kuyt factor.
3. A good send off
Ireland have done remarkably well to qualify for Euro 2012. Low attendances have dogged Irish friendlies in recent years but it would be nice to see this group of players get a big send off.
Likewise, the game gives the players an opportunity to put on a spectacle for those who have followed them through the good and bad times over the last decade.
With tickets starting from €20, there’s little excuse not to.
I suppose a natural development since Kilkenny’s physicality in the air has evolved the game into more of a physical battle. Hope there’s still a place for a Joe Deane or eoin Kelly type player in the modern game, hurling would be much poorer otherwise
There are not enough hardy lads in Tipp for the kind of game Ryan wants to impose .
I’d like to think you still need to be able to hurl to succeed tho. It’ll be interesting to see how Clare do with their pace and skill based game. I think it would be good for hurling to see them in croke park again. Hopefully Tipp can get the balance of brain and brawn right tho
Just because lads are after getting big and strong it does not mean that we after loosing a type of player.I think lads like TJ,Richie Hogan,JJ Delaney,Joe Canning and Callanan are just as skillful and class as Deane and Kelly.Just look at the player of the year nominees this year…….all three are like Houdini when they have a sliotar in their hands.Its the way the game is being played is changing.I think Kilkenny just brought more intensity rather than physicality,as the game was much more physical just as far back as 20 years ago.And more again 40 and 50yrs ago
For too long now ,Tipp have thrown away Munsters and all-Irelands due to their non physicality….
As Tommy Docherty once said when describing a Ladies team ” their lovely to look at,, but they wont hurt you ”
Maybe its time to bring back Hells Kitchen !!
I’m still scratching my head trying to figure out why maher was centre forward last year. I think right half back is his best position , in midfield he goes in and out of games. He’s more solid than Barrett.
Just as long as he doesn’t throw the baby out with the bath water. EOS was on the cusp of cracking it but his team lacked a bit of edge, not helped by injuries to the like if Mahony, Cahill, Stapleton etc. who add a bit of bite to the team. I would nearly prefer lose than sacrifice EOS’s hurling philosophy in favour of that sweeper system/ Donegal tactic that other teams are employing. Also if Michael Quinlivan can hurl he would be well worth a try.
That’s the worry Johnny, but I hope with the likes of bubbles, Callanan and Noel McGrath you have the bones of a hurling front 6 as opposed to a blunt battering ram. Galway even uppe’d the physicality stakes this year as well. Where’s it all going to end.. in puke football territory maybe? I like you still want to retain our nice brand of hurling identity if possible
Tipp need to find a few more players. No Denis Maher? The question you need to ask as a fan is how many of this squad would start on a Kilkenny first 15? 4-5 at a push, this is the bench mark for Tipp unfortunately.