Daryl Murphy

Do people think he deserves a call-up to at least an International friendly/training camp? I think if Cox, Keogh and Sammon are getting call-ups, then this guy might deserve another shot? Ipswich could be vital for Ireland.

 

Slightly off topic, but now that you raised it, Is Walters guaranteed a place EVERY game? Is Long guaranteed? Is even Robbie guaranteed? I'm not sure I'd agree with your assessment there. Now, I wouldn't know Martin O'Neill if he landed in me dinner, but he strikes me as a bloke who doesn't suffer fools gladly nor do I think does he feel the need to simply follow on from what went before. In other words, he is his own man. Did he not even intimate in so many words in one of his press conferences already that there were no guaranteed positions, even for Robbie. He seemed at least to infer that, clean slate, call ups on merit, etc.

 

If Murphy keeps scoring regularly, imo he should at least be invited to a training camp for more closer assessment to see could he do a job for us. Pick players on form,fitness, ability and committment and nothing else. 

 

Yes, currently it could be argued, but that position is not held in stone beyond even next week.  

 

I'm not genuinely trying to be pedantic, but you used the word guaranteed at least once. My understanding of that term is a legitimate expectation of certainty that such an outcome will re-occur and continue into the future. I'm arguing against certainty. I'm saying, pick the players no matter who they are, based on form, fitness , ability and committment and no other criteria. That  "uncertainty" over whose in and whose out will create it's own natural and necessary competition. We need to encourage that ethos even at International Level. You appear at least, to rate "ability" head and shoulders over the other three criteria I have suggested. But what use is an "able" footballer if he doesn't also demonstrate form, fitness and committment. Probably only the likes of Messi or Ronaldo can get away with the "ability" criteria alone, and even then not forever. Not Guaranteed. Do you see what I'm arguing? It's actually counterproductive and divisive to single out and identify any one individual as Guaranteed their position. That wouldn't be done in a team working together in a business. Why should it be done in a football team?

I've the height of respect for what Robbie has achieved in the game and his contribution to Ireland and I don't wish to see him retire from International Football just yet. We'll probably not see such a prolific striker wearing the green again in our lifetimes. But I stop short of what you appear to be advocating that he should be guaranteed his position. No Sir, I don't like it!

That doesn't mean that he is nowhere near good enough for our squad.

Doyle, Cox, Keogh, Stokes and Murphy are all around the same level and vying for either 1 or 2 remaining striker spots after Long, Walters and Keane.

And on current form Murphy is the one scoring so he deserves to be in the squad IMO.