Who should get a shock call up

Salmon of Knowledge - Sammon of College = I love it.

Would love to see Delap get a call up. He is playing week in week out in the EPL and playing well, which can't be said for most of our starters. As for his long throw, it's as good as a corner, if not better, and would be a great weapon if we had a couple of target men on the field

grazza wrote: Would love to see Delap get a call up. He is playing week in week out in the EPL and playing well, which can't be said for most of our starters. As for his long throw, it's as good as a corner, if not better, and would be a great weapon if we had a couple of target men on the field

For Stoke, he fits perfectly.
Tony Pulis recognised it four season ago, when he set about having a supply of big centreforwards to get Stoke out of the championship which worked rather well and almost surprisingly, it's continued to work in the EPL.

But for Ireland? I know I've said in the past that he could be worth a punt chasing a game late on, but realistically, where's the giant Irish strikers to make use of it? Folan is probably the only one who would benefit.

TBH, Delap does not offer much else to Stoke. If it were not for the throw-ins, he wouldn't be getting his game.

ericdogg wrote: Thats a bit harsh on the player to be fair. If that was the case surely Pulis would only throw him on as a sub for the last 10-15mins like you said and get a few throws in the box. He starts every game pretty much so he must have something to his game. He is very fit, can get around the pitch, likes to get in the box and can put in a tackle. His age will be the biggest obstacle.

I'm a great admirer of Delap. When he broke his leg in three places whilst on loan from Sunderland, he might have been finished, because at 30 years of age many other players often don't make it back from such a serious injury.
Whilst he had the long throw before his move to Stoke, it was during this period of recuperation that he put in huge gym work on his upper body strength to perfect the throw-in.

He's seen off a succession of midfielders at Stoke, including our own Liam Lawrence and he's generally chosen ahead of least one of Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Walters, Wilson and Pennant who all offer far more ability on the pitch.
As a player, his touch and passing can often be quite poor and whilst he's a game tackler, he gives away far too many free kicks due to mistimed tackles.

Anyway, why throw him on just for the last few minutes? The throw-ins are very effective at any time during the game. Admitadly, EPL opposition have by and large worked out how to defend against it, but it still gives Stoke plenty of forward impetus with every throw-in from the half way line up, going into the opposition's box.

Steven Reid should get the call. Ok it makes no sense, he isnt getting regular football, has sort of retired but willing to answer the call again now. Def our best midfielder in the last couple of years.

Andy Reid, every time.

paul keegan

Clonbhoy wrote: Shane Supple