They probably would still have been knocked out at this stage, but at least they would have gone down playing some exciting football...
I'm glad they didn't get picked, as you say the Irish would have got knocked out anyway, but at least Hoops & Pilks haven't damaged their reputations by being in a really awful team! ILD OTBC
Can't see Wes getting a look in but probably would have been worth taking Pilks for the experience and to tie him down to the Republic. Looking at their squad I reckon there's a few who won't be around for their world cup campaign so maybe Pilks will get a chance.
agree about pilks. irish may have missed out on this as if he keeps improving must be considered for england, he is already much better than downing, but then so are most wingers in the premier. he must have the goods on someone in the f.a., why else would a succession of managers rate him.
That's certainly true of Hoolahan, not sure about Pilks - he's about as Irish as Trap anyway Ireland's achievement was to qualify, it's pretty small pool to pick from after all. There are many fine athletes in Ireland who choose Gaelic games as preference. Not many decide to cross over to football. Shane Long is an exception, but then, he was injured anyway!
No surprise at all that the Irish have been humiliated in the Euro's. Trapattoni doomed them the moment he said he'd stick with the squad that qualified for the tournament as he effectively broadcast his tactics to everyone before they'd even kicked a ball. Both the Croatia and Spain games were wide open and someone like Hoolahan would've thrived on the amount of space in the middle, while Pilks would've had space to run into. I even found myself agreeing with Roy Keane's post match analysis that they needed someone in the middle who could put their foot on the ball and create something.
To be honest, I doubt they may have qualified with Hoops and Pilks. ROI grind it out to qualify. Under Jackie Charlton they were reasonably successful but bloody awful to watch. Hoofball based on statistics. And Given has been awful in this tournament. A good goalkeeper may get you through 5 or 6 games. Thats why England will still have a chance if Hart plays to his potential.
Trapottoni has just exposed himself as a manager unwilling to take risk or change a system that doesn't work 1 dimensional football, plenty of players like pilks and Wes in teams in the prem not getting a look in, James mcclean not given a chance, really shocking. He should definitely lose his job
Good news that Pilks & Hoolahoop didn't go. Would have only messed their morale up. They should get their chance when Trappa gets kicked out.
I hate to say that was predictable but there are as of yet undiscovered tribes in the heart of the Amazonian rain forest who knew you were going to say that. Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
I really rate Pilks, he'd be devastating if he had a bit more pace as he is quality on the ball and his delivery is spot on. Having also been at a couple of rents he has attended, and having the opportunity to speak to him, he's a top lad and is really down to earth. I personally think him, Howson and Ryan Bennett are our best outfield players. I also think Howson could find himself knocking on England door as he is better than the likes of Joey Barton for sure. He moves the ball quickly but simply and keeps us in possession and is also very versatile.
Fair enough, but as an Ireland fan myself, I do understand why Rubadub may have felt inclined to make that comment. There's only so many times you want to hear people say how ****e Ireland were, however true. As I've said before, it's a small pool to pick from (even pretending Pilks is Irish), notwithstanding that other sports may be more important to Irish sportspeople, and they've done well just to qualify with a pride and heart lacking in many bigger nations!
That's fair comment gandy, I wasn't implying that Ireland were ****e, but I do think they were totally outclassed, which is not their fault for the reasons you mention! My response to Rubadub was purely as a Norwich fan, pointing out that Liverpool have nothing to shout about over the last season! People in glass houses..........
I wonder if Pilks and Hoolahan are more likely to be picked now that we have Hughton as manager, particularly if Trap is replaced with someone with a history of playing for the Irish national team. Hughton was, after all a well respected member of the team back in (I think) Jackie Charlton's days. I remember Lambert saying that he had been contacted by the Scottish manager before Martin was selected. I guess these discussions take place to check up on temperament and dressing room presence, which can't be seen by scouting alone.
And Liverpool finished where? What a great side they are! I have already made my views very very clear on Liverpool Football Club and their followers. Always the victim, it's never your fault!! Oh yes and just for ther record Eire are a ****e football team! ILD OTBC
Well, it's nice to have that confirmed! Doesn't stop me supporting them. I'd draw the line at supporting Liverpool, though.
International football is being farcical given FIFA player qualification rules - Englishman (and Scots) playing for Ireland, all manner of Africans playing for France etc. Time to end this nonsense about grandparents being sufficient grounds...
