According to the teamsheets I've seen O'Brien isn't even on the bench although Mick McCarthy was saying as recently as yesterday that he would be. PLEASE someone tell me that he's not injured, or even better that he IS on the bench for the RoI.

-- Anonymous, November 10, 2001

Answers

Sorry, but losing O'Brien would be a major problem.

-- Anonymous, November 10, 2001

Haven't heard anything about him, but it's probably just because he's still new to the Ireland team. McCarthy is sticking with the most experienced players available and those who've proved themselves in recent WCQ matches.

-- Anonymous, November 10, 2001

A minor niggle that would keep him out of the trip to Iran would be nice....

-- Anonymous, November 10, 2001

Hmm, but McCarthy more or less swore in yesterday's papers that he'd play at some point today and it's rare that defenders are the subject of managerial head games. Please, Oh Ye Gods of Football, please let him be uninjured (if pissed off at a manager who would select that knacker Staunton ahead of him).

-- Anonymous, November 10, 2001

Interesting. I didn't see that bit.

-- Anonymous, November 10, 2001

Actually, Ciara, I've just thought of a manager playing head games about defenders: Glenn Hoddle told the world Southgate was injured in the last World Cup. Like that would make any difference. LOL.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

So McCarthy just used Staunton to lull the Iranians into the thinking Ireland couldn't defend. he will then unleash O'Brien on Thursday. A cunning plan! ;-)

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

A cunning plan indeed.

I wonder if the Iranian coach will go through with his suicide mission if Iran lose. ??

He said he would hang himself from the cross-bar if Iran didn't go through. A bit extreme, but if that's how he motivates his players then fair enough. If the players didn't like him though....

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

LOL. Wasn't it Iran where the national association was accused of flaying the players' feet after they were knocked out of an international competition (possibly the last World Cup).

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

By the way, did anyone see those saves of Shay's on the North East news? Blimey.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

I think it was Iraq's players who had their feet beaten. I believe some relative of Saddam Hussein had something to do with it - possibly his brother. Now that really is an incentive.....

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

Saw the game on Sky Dougal. That second was a cracker and the first when he dived at the forward's feet cdertanly kept Oirland in with a shout. Shay got Sky's MotM award.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

Apparently, Staunton is injured and is doubtful so Andy may get a shout in the away leg. Part of me doesn't want him to, in case he gets injured, but another part sort of thinks that international experience will make him even better for us. In any event, I hope that the RoI hold on to it so Shay and Andy will be playing out of their skins all season to get selected.

Pleased to see that Sammy McIlroy didn't see fit to select Aaron for their friendly against Macclesfield....

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001