Could we embrace an Irish version of an Iniesta-Xavi type partnership in midfield? Is Martin O’Neill prepared to transform the Republic’s style of play, and with it, our fortunes? Here’s ten talking points after a big week in the new manager’s reign.
“He’s English on the outside, but, pure Irish on the inside.” The elderly woman in the ‘Western’ pub in Liverpool was referring to her grandson, Wayne Rooney. Most are Toffees in this part of Merseyside and Aiden McGeady’s arrival at Goodison Park to bolster the green contingent is a reminder that traditionally Everton were the Irish club in the city. The common football phrase “Taxi for” even owes its origins to a former Irish manager.
Just seven days into the New Year, football fans are excited about the prospect of bringing in reinforcements to help them for the remainder of the season. In the Premier League, clubs at either end of the table are hoping to hold onto their key players while finding new faces who can add a much-needed extra dimension to get them over the line. What does the transfer window have in store and could a number of Irish players be on the move?
Two games into the reign of O’Neill/Keane and the shot in the arm to Irish soccer has been like an adrenaline rush following the tedium of Trap’s last days. A positive display against Latvia followed by more of the same in Poland before an element of tiredness set in has given everyone reason for optimism. If only we’d had this six months ago. Here’s ten talking points.
So it’ll be a Spain-Italy final, both conquerors of Ireland in the group stages. Does the meeting of the Mediterranean masters cast the performances of the Republic at Euro 2012 in a different light?
A SHORTER than usual Spud Watch this week as I am losing the will to live, because, with Ireland’s economy now playing in the Vauxhall Conference against teams like Darfur and Haiti, it seems like our national team may be heading in the same direction.
IT LOOKS like one of our spuds is flourishing in foreign soil – Aiden McGeady put in a very impressive shift last night for Spartak Moscow, dazzling the home fans with skills and putting in some decent balls. The much-maligned McGeady and the Russian side are now looking good for the knockout stages on this form.
