Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* /*]]>*/ /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}

On November 10th Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni named his 23 man squad to face European counterparts Poland in the friendly match to be played at Croke Park on the 19th. We'll take a look at the players included, probable depth charts, and some surprising exclusions.

GOALKEEPERS: Shay Given, Dean Kiely, Joe Murphy

Depth Chart: Given-Kiely-Murphy

No surprises here. Shay Given will again lead Ireland into battle, gaining his 91st cap in the process. Despite Newcastle's turbulent campaign so far, Given has been in excellent form and Trap has hailed him as one of the best in the world. Kiely, who gained two caps in the May friendlies against Colombia and Serbia to bring his total to ten, will serve as his deputy. Joey Murphy's great form with League 1 promotion contenders Scunthopre gives him the honor of being in the squad ahead of Coventry City keeper Keirin Westwood, who has been in recent squads. However it is very unlikely he will add to his lone cap in this match.

DEFENCE

 Alex Bruce- The Ipswich Town defender's versatility means he could see time at either centre back or right/left back. He was captain for the Developmental Squad when they took on Nottingham Forest last month, a 2-0 win. This would be a good opportunity for Trap to see what he’s got, as his only cap was over a year ago on the USA tour, against Ecuador.

 Damien Delaney- The QPR left back is another defender for whom this match could be vital for his international hopes. With only 2 caps, and an apparent hole at left back, expect Delaney to be involved at some point. 

 Richie Dunne- A man who many think should be Ireland's captain instead of Robbie Keane. Dunne has had a short run of poor form for Man City recently, but he always seems to be at his best in the green shirt. Expect another strong, passionate showing from the Tallaght native.

Kevin Foley- The uncapped right back from Wolves, who has appeared at U21 and B level, could force his way into the starting right back role in the absence of injured Steve Finnan. In the last few matches Trap has deployed John O'Shea at right back with Paul McShane accompanying Dunne in the middle. Unfortunately, McShane has been in dire form and O'Shea and Dunne together in the middle is really too good to break up. With Finnan out, surely Foley at RB and Dunne and O'Shea in the middle would be good to test out against a good Poland side.

 Kevin Kilbane- Ireland's Mr. Consistency has been a regular for the boys in green since his debut in 1997, and he will be looking to make his 91st appearance. Kilbane has played a variety of roles for Ireland in his career, but in recent years he has been put at left back most often. Expect him to start, and perhaps Delaney to come on.

John O'Shea-The Waterford native will surely start, but the question is where. Many Irish fans, myself included, hope that he will partner Dunne in the center with Foley or Bruce at RB, and McShane on the bench (or better yet in the stands!). One of the more experienced players on the team, O'Shea will edge closer to the half-century cap mark, this being his 48th appearance.

Paul McShane- No one can doubt that he gives his all; unfortunately, that is all he seems to provide at the international level. Consistently the weakest defender in recent years, McShane has been at fault for many of the goals Ireland have conceded due to sloppy play, poor judgment, and a relative lack of speed. He may start at centre back, but surely he has proven what he can do and Trap should let others get their chance

Predicted Starting Line Up: Foley      Dunne         O'Shea           Kilbane

MIDFIELD

 Keith Andrews-The Blackburn Rovers midfielder will be looking to make his first appearance at senior level for Ireland. His fantastic form at MK Dons from 2006-2008, which saw them win promotion to League 1 with him as skipper, earned him a summer move to Ewood Park, reuniting with former Dons boss Paul Ince. After Darron Gibson's mid-level performance against Cyprus, Andrews could be given a run-out in central midfield to see what he can do with constant Glenn Whelan.

Damien Duff- Arguably one of Ireland's greatest ever players, the Duffman has been in superb form for both club and country this year. He set up the only goal in the 1-0 win against Cyprus with a fantastic run and a smart cross to find an unmarked Robbie Keane. Expect him to resume his usual post on the left wing.

Darron Gibson-Given a shock start in the 1-0 win over Cyprus, Gibson put in a hard and gritty performance, although perhaps in a bit over his head. The Derry native could be given a second chance to show what he can do alongside Whelan, and coming on as a substitute (at least) would be a solid bet, as Trap seems to like him.

Stephen Hunt- Hunty has been on fire for Reading this year as they've emerged as contenders to go straight back up. But the former Brentford man has failed to work his way into Trap's plans, unlike when he was a regular under Staunton, and continues to warm the bench as Damien Duff is preferred. It would be nice for him to get a run-out, but I doubt he'll see much playing time, if any.

Andy Keogh- Has been one of Trap's favorite players so far, despite not setting the world alight at Wolves this season. The Dubliner scored his first goal for Ireland in the 1-1 draw against Serbia, leveling in the 90th minute to prevent a loss. Keogh is useful because he can play both striker and on the wing, is quick, and has a great work-rate. But Trap seems to prefer McGeady on the right wing and the glut of strikers ahead of him is why he was actually put down as a midfielder for this match.

Aiden McGeady-The Celtic youngster was a revelation for the Parkhead side last season, having a fantastic year and picking up both the SPL Player of the Year Award and the SPL Young Player of the Year award. Although his form hasn't been as stellar at international level, it has shown signs of improving since "Il Duce" took control of the team. Already with 20 caps at age 22, McGeady will play a vital part if Ireland are to have success in the coming years. I would expect him to start on the right wing.

Liam Miller- The Cork native has often been accused of struggling to fulfill his potential, and a falling-out with Roy Keane, or just a lack of form, has seen Miller make only 2 appearances for Sunderland in the league this year. This match provides him with a chance to prove his doubters wrong, and to show he is the man to partner Whelan in central midfield and help lead Ireland to South Africa come 2010; a starting place is doubtful though.

Glenn Whelan- In something that is rarely seen in football, Whelan cannot buy his way into the Stoke team at the moment, and has only made one start this year. But he is one of the first names on Trap's team sheet, and has proven himself to be the tough, central defensive midfielder the Italian is looking for. He is also an example of how Trap doesn't pick on reputation; he picks on players he thinks will fit into the system he envisions. Whelan has been solid in central midfield, and should surely start this match and get his 5th cap. 

Predicted Starting Line-Up: McGeady Gibson Whelan Duff

STRIKERS

Robbie Keane- The Liverpool striker had a slow start to the season at Anfield, but recent form has shown an improvement in his performance, the recent brace against West Brom an example. Granted, this was West Brom, but Keane does seem to be playing with more enthusiasm and has ended his goal drought. He also scored his first LFC goal against PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League match in early October. He has gotten some stick in recent years for his performances with Ireland, but Keane always gives 110% to the shirt and the captain leads by example. He will be hoping to build on his goal tally for Ireland, which currently stands at 35, the most in Irish national team history. He scored the winner in the 1-0 win over Cyprus, 

Kevin Doyle- The Reading forward has been a solid partner for Keane in the last year and a half or so, since coming to prominence under Steve Staunton. The former St Patrick's Athletic and Cork City player has scored 6 goals for his country in just 20 caps. This season he has been on fire for Reading, who are back in the Championship, scoring a stunning 13 goals in 16 starts in the league, leading the Championship in that category by far. Expect him to accompany Keane up front, and pray he can continue this form for the match and the rest of the qualifying campaign!

Caleb Folan- Fresh off of making his international debut against Cyprus, which lasted about a minute tops, Folan has had a rapid rise to the squad since Trap was named manager. After a string of injuries often prevented him from even getting into the Staunton squads, Folan was a nice surprise in the Ireland Development XI's 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest, scoring the first goal. He has struggled to get playing time at high-flying Hull City, having made just 7 appearances and 1 start. He has 1 goal. Folan is an intriguing prospect as the Irish strike-force seems to be anyone's guess after Keane and Doyle.

Shane Long- Another struggling for time at club level, the former Cork City man has made just 2 starts for Reading in the Championship. No doubt team mate and fellow Irishman Noel Hunt, brother of Stephen, will be left fuming at Long's inclusion when Hunt has done so well this year. Long has just 8 caps, but has scored 3 goals and seems to have great potential. The 21 year old is certainly one for the future.

 Anthony Stokes- The most puzzling inclusion, in my opinion. The 20 year old, on loan at Sheffield United from Sunderland, has spent most of his time in the reserves or on loan at the Stadium of Light. How he is picked ahead of other strikers scoring goals at the same level, namely Noel Hunt and Clinton Morrison is perplexing. However Trap may want to see what Stokes can do for Ireland, and the experience of being around players like Keane can only make him better.

Predicted Starting Line-Up: Keane Doyle

SURPRISING EXCLUSIONS

Owen Garvan- The highly rated youngster plying his trade at Ipswich Town must be wondering what he must do to get a game for Ireland. Although one of the best midfielders in the Championship, Garvan did not even come on during the match against Notts Forest, and has failed to make the squad. At age 20 there is obviously time, and he does look to be a bright prospect for Ireland, but this match seemed like a good time to see what he could do in central midfield.

Noel Hunt- As previously stated, Hunt must really be confused as to why he can't get into the senior squad, let alone developmental! He starts for Reading alongside Doyle, scores goals, and Long is in the reserves. But despite scoring boatloads of goals for Dundee United last year, he went unnoticed. A move to England, and still nothing has changed. He really should be given a look.

Keith Fahey- Although it isn't surprising that players in the Irish domestic league, the League of Ireland, are continually overlooked, this player really seems to be something special. Fahey has been without a doubt the best player in the league this season, by far, and was instrumental in leading St Patrick's Athletic into the 1st round proper of UEFA Cup Qualifying. His performance over 2 legs against German outfit Hertha Berlin was nothing short of superb, and he was clearly the best player on the field. Recent speculation links him with Birmingham City, Tottenham, West Ham, and it was even rumored Hertha put in a bid for him. The sad thing is he will probably walk into the squad when he goes across the water.

James McCarthy- The Scotland-born Hamilton midfielder is one of the brightest prospects for Ireland....well, ever. He has quickly progressed through the system since declaring for Ireland, playing for the U17, U18, U19, and now U21 squads at the ripe old age of 17. He was the subject of recent wooing from Scotland manager George Burley, but thankfully he declined. I think Trap would be smart to cap him just in case, and also to see if McCarthy, linked with Chelsea, Juventus, and Liverpool, among others, lives up to the hype. 

Sean Scannell- The Crystal Palace youngster is another bright prospect for the future of Irish football. At age 18 he is a regular in the strong Palace squad, and has played for Ireland up to U21 level. The speedy winger/striker has bags of talent, and Fabio Capello has tried to persuade him to play for his country of birth. Surely he could have been given a shot here.

Andy Reid- The subject of tons of media clamor for his inclusion, Reid has yet to play a minute for Ireland since Trap's appointment. Although he is talented, he has struggled to get into Roy Keane's Sunderland squad, but it seems the real reason he has been overlooked is that he just doesn't fit the system.

PREDICTION: IRELAND 2 POLAND 1