Josh Cullen

I'd see Cullen as a direct replacement for McCarthy (any argument to play both say, away to Serbia and Portugal?).

I've great respect for Whelan and both himself and Hendrick get too much of that scapegoat style criticism imo but Cullen would definitely cover more ground than Whelan. He is still relatively unproven, though at this stage but Kenny needs to give him more of a chance in actually starting matches.

Edited by irishmufc - 07 Feb 2021 at 9:00pm

Hendrick definitely puts in a shift and nobody can deny he gets around the pitch. But one thing both McCarthy and Hendrick have in common is they in an ideal world (for them) have no intentions of getting on the ball if they can help it. Too much moving away from the ball as opposed to making themselves available. Too often pointing at other people who should receive the pass. i.e. not taking responsibility. 

King_Kenny wrote: irishmufc wrote: Banjaxed wrote: Cullen should be starting for Ireland. Never spectacular, but so composed from box to box. Really impressive for Anderlecht this eve. Some engine on him.   Yah I think he deserves a shout at being a regular starter. I don't think James McCarthy is going to play enough football up until next month's opening qualifiers. I would have Cullen keeping a close eye on Tadic who ripped us apart in the 2-2 match back in 2016.  Haven't seen much of Serbia recently but I'm sure a lot of their attacking threat flows through him and given Cullen's mobility, he is our best option for that shadowing role.  The key word you said there is mobility. Whatever the style of play. Players have to be able to get around the pitch. Hendrick, Hourihane and Brady are ‘luxuries’ we can’t afford. If Kenny starts those three he is making a rod for his own back.

Banjaxed wrote: Cullen should be starting for Ireland. Never spectacular, but so composed from box to box. Really impressive for Anderlecht this eve. Some engine on him.

Cullen should be starting for Ireland. Never spectacular, but so composed from box to box. Really impressive for Anderlecht this eve. Some engine on him.  

Back from injury & starting for Anderlecht in the game V Genk

Been injured for the last two games after captaining the side the week before that. Anderlecht have underperformed apparently and judging by some of the media coverage he’s been a big miss for them

Conan wrote: I'd probably start Cullen alongside McCarthy for the moment with Molumby as back up. I don't think either is quite international standard as yet but certainly better than the alternatives such as the ever anonymous Hendrick and Hourihane that tend to constitute our midfield.  I'd have Brady then in a more attacking role ahead of them to do the creative stuff and Knight maybe to fill the wide attack role as he provides more threat than O'Dowda is ever likely to.

Edited by irishmufc - 23 Jan 2021 at 10:27pm