Good article in the Independent

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Ireland's No 1
After one of the most exciting seasons in years, Daniel McDonnell puts the fortunes of our Premier exports under the microscope

Monday May 25 2009

ANOTHER Premier League season is over and, aside from the small matter of a few cup finals, attentions for the next few weeks will turn to the international scene.
Tomorrow, Giovanni Trapattoni's 25-man squad for this week's friendly with Nigeria will gather at Arsenal's training ground in St Albans. Only 14 of that party actually played in the biggest league in the world this season, with the rest plying their trade at Championship level or in Scotland.
However, just like last year, 26 Irishmen were deployed in the top flight at some stage during this campaign and their respective fortunes have varied greatly. At a time of the year when evaluations are made, we rank those individuals by the success, or otherwise, they have experienced in the past nine months.
No 1 -- Stephen Ireland
No contest really. Robinho came to Manchester City for �150,000 a week and a fanfare like no other, but he was left in the shade by the bald pate of the playmaker from Cobh who has strengthened physically and grown even more threatening in opposition territory to become one of the season's outstanding performers. Deserved to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award but then, given his stance on international football and his recent wage demands, sympathy in this part of the world will be in short supply.
No 2 -- John O'Shea
Some will refuse to forget previous mistakes but this has been the best season in the Waterford man's top-flight career, illustrated by the fact that he can expect to start Wednesday's Champions League final whereas he was an unused sub in Moscow. Capitalised on Gary Neville's setbacks to take the right-back slot, with defensive prowess supplemented by noteworthy attacking forays.
No 3 -- Rory Delap
In October of 2006, after arriving on loan at Stoke, Delap broke his leg in two places but Tony Pulis waited for him to recuperate and signed him permanently. The 32-year-old is now a Premier League cult hero, with his freakishly powerful long throw confusing defenders and instrumental in the Potters' wonderful adventure. 
No 4 -- Shay Given
In truth, we should be showering Given with confetti and garlands for simply taking the decision to wave goodbye to Newcastle considering what unfolded thereafter. Seriously, though, it was a significant step for the Donegal man who has nailed down his place at Eastlands, much to the chagrin of those championing Joe Hart as England's next in line. Likely to be a circus at his new club over the next few years but at least he has given himself a chance to contend for honours.
No 5 -- Glenn Whelan
A whirlwind rise for the Dubliner who has established himself at international level and again proved -- similar to his Sheffield Wednesday experience -- that if you place obstacles in front of him at his club he will gradually remove them. Out of favour with Stoke behind expensive buys until October but when he got his chance he seized it with both hands, improving with experience as the season has progressed.
No 6 -- Keith Andrews
Look where he's come from. Last season's League Two player of the season was widely derided as a manager's pet when Paul Ince brought him to Blackburn but has gradually come to terms with his rapid elevation and, significantly, survived the change of boss to win the respect of Sam Allardyce, albeit filling a gap at right-back in the closing weeks.
No 7 -- Andy O'Brien
Unfashionable Bolton were heavily tipped to go down this season but have survived, with O'Brien not far off being ever-present in the heart of their defence. Has failed to match the sparkling form of 07/08 which justified the clamour for Trapattoni to give him a call that was refused. All the same, he's persevering in the big league as his 32nd birthday approaches.
No 8 -- Darron Gibson
Okay, so Gibson hasn't yet set the world alight at Old Trafford but consider his position now relative to 12 months ago when he had made no impact on loan at Wolves. Emerged from that to make two Wembley appearances this season; specifically the Carling Cup final and the FA Cup semi-final. The Derry man is down the queue for the matches that matter, but demonstrated potential with stunning strike yesterday.
No 9 -- Robbie Keane
Sure, in one respect, it's been a torrid year at club level for Keane relative to his expectations to the start, but then he was a victim of an Anfield power struggle after landing his dream move. Didn't fire with the Reds -- although showed an odd glimpse of capabilities, like the equaliser at the Emirates -- so the move back to familiar territory made sense, although he has been utilised in a variety of roles by Harry Redknapp. 
No 10 -- Kevin Kilbane
Realistically coming towards the end of his days as a regular Premier League performer, and moved from Hull to Wigan in January to guarantee first-team football after dropping down Steve Bruce's pecking order. Has actually done okay for the Tigers, but not well enough to prevent their dramatic slide since Christmas.
No 11 -- Liam Lawrence
A form pick to finish higher but Lawrence's entire campaign needs to be put in context. Determined to make an impact in the Premier League, his season started sluggishly and then, after being cruelly hacked down by a family pet, he spent the mid-part on the sidelines. Burst back into life for the closing stages, laying a platform for the rest of 2009.
No 12 -- Andy Reid
Frustrating campaign for Reid, and that's without making reference to the sing-song which led to his breakdown in relations with Trapattoni, although it probably hasn't done wonders for his mood. Frequently involved at Sunderland but has struggled with consistency and is certainly behind where he was at this juncture last year.
No 13 -- Paul McShane
A spectator for the second half of the season at Sunderland, but do not forget the fine start which the Wicklow native made to the campaign where he was an integral player in Hull's fairytale burst off the blocks on a loan stint at the KC Stadium. Conceded a penalty in his inglorious return to Stadium of Light and consigned to back benches thereafter.
No 14 -- Caleb Folan
Broke into the Irish set-up properly this term and made that memorable contribution in Bari, but his club form with Hull has been moderate. Hit the target on the opening day against Fulham but no joy since then, primarily restricted to a substitute role. Sending-off against Liverpool at a crucial point in that game compounded misery.
No 15 -- Keith Treacy
A frustrating conclusion to a campaign which had been going very well for the ex-Belvedere youth who was involved in the first team from the outset and remained in the frame after Allardyce replaced Ince. Fell temporarily out of favour with Big Sam after the heavy drubbing at Anfield, and had his well-publicised spat with Don Givens, but, overall, seems to be heading in the right direction.
No 16 -- Marc Wilson
Tony Adams gave the defender a few outings in the Portsmouth team earlier in the campaign but his departure and an injury have halted his progress. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old did his long-term prospects no harm and cash worries at Fratton Park may ironically provide him with more opportunities -- particularly if Glen Johnson is sold, as is expected.
No 17 -- Richard Dunne
Recently admitted the first half of his season was a disaster, but has regained some credit since then. The weight of expectation at Manchester City after takeover was possibly a distraction in the build-up to Christmas. His worst campaign in a while, but hopefully just a blip rather than anything more serious.
No 18 -- Aaron Doran
Sam Allardyce has clearly taken a shine to the teenage winger, promoting him to the Blackburn first-team squad and pitching him in as a half-time substitute against Liverpool at Anfield. One for the long-term who will have taken a lot of heart from his brief education.
No 19 -- Daryl Murphy
Not a good year for Murphy who hasn't been involved as much as he would have liked at Sunderland and has dropped out of the Irish international picture completely. Has a lengthy contract at the Stadium of Light, but very much at a crossroads.
No 20 -- Stephen Kelly
Strange times for Kelly who was surplus to requirements at Birmingham, yet jumped a division by making a loan move to Stoke. Alas, the regular football he craved did not materialise and with Stephen Carr offered a new deal at St Andrews, he goes back to his parent club in the knowledge that he will be in reserve if he hangs around.
No 21 -- Dean Kiely
Only made his Premier League bow for the season in the win over Wigan a fortnight ago after spending eight months waiting for some misfortune to befall Scott Carson. Already eyeing management and safe to assume West Brom's relegation brings an end to his Premier League career.
No 22 -- Anthony Stokes
Top-flight displays this season restricted to two substitute cameos with Sunderland before being sent out on loan, first to Sheffield United with no success and second to Crystal Palace where things went slightly better. Question marks about his aptitude to be a serious high-level performer still remain, although it's worth remembering he's still only 20 years old.
No 23 -- Joey O'Brien
A miserable year for the Dubliner whose knee difficulties flared up in the early part of the campaign, and since then he's been confined to the treatment table. Essentially, it was a season wasted for the promising 23-year-old and his critical comments towards Trapattoni -- wondering if he even knew his name -- could cost him an international career for the foreseeable future.
No 24 -- Liam Miller
Five years since he moved to Manchester United, but yet to prove he can deliver regularly in the Premier League. Ineffectual beginning to the campaign with Sunderland precipitated a January move to QPR but they released him at the end of the term. Offers on table from Championship clubs, and it's a rebuilding process now.
No 25 -- Steven Reid
The 28-year-old should be in his prime, but we find ourselves wondering if he'll ever come back. A terrible shame, as both his club and country have missed the talented Londoner desperately. In August, he was speaking excitedly about making up for lost time, but it really has gone from bad to worse.
No 26 -- Damien Duff
Oh Duffer, how did it come to this? The most exciting Irish talent of his generation deployed at left back for relegation strugglers in the dying stages of a desperate campaign, culminating with the ignominy of scoring the own goal which sent them down. Judged by his own high standards, it's a deplorable fall from grace.

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Sono Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Robbie Keane Inspector Gadget Joined: 09 Mar 2009 Status: Offline Points: 23292	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sono Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Good article in the Independent Posted: 25 May 2009 at 2:41am
	Ireland's No 1 After one of the most exciting seasons in years, Daniel McDonnell puts the fortunes of our Premier exports under the microscope Monday May 25 2009 ANOTHER Premier League season is over and, aside from the small matter of a few cup finals, attentions for the next few weeks will turn to the international scene. Tomorrow, Giovanni Trapattoni's 25-man squad for this week's friendly with Nigeria will gather at Arsenal's training ground in St Albans. Only 14 of that party actually played in the biggest league in the world this season, with the rest plying their trade at Championship level or in Scotland. However, just like last year, 26 Irishmen were deployed in the top flight at some stage during this campaign and their respective fortunes have varied greatly. At a time of the year when evaluations are made, we rank those individuals by the success, or otherwise, they have experienced in the past nine months. No 1 -- Stephen Ireland No contest really. Robinho came to Manchester City for �150,000 a week and a fanfare like no other, but he was left in the shade by the bald pate of the playmaker from Cobh who has strengthened physically and grown even more threatening in opposition territory to become one of the season's outstanding performers. Deserved to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award but then, given his stance on international football and his recent wage demands, sympathy in this part of the world will be in short supply. No 2 -- John O'Shea Some will refuse to forget previous mistakes but this has been the best season in the Waterford man's top-flight career, illustrated by the fact that he can expect to start Wednesday's Champions League final whereas he was an unused sub in Moscow. Capitalised on Gary Neville's setbacks to take the right-back slot, with defensive prowess supplemented by noteworthy attacking forays. No 3 -- Rory Delap In October of 2006, after arriving on loan at Stoke, Delap broke his leg in two places but Tony Pulis waited for him to recuperate and signed him permanently. The 32-year-old is now a Premier League cult hero, with his freakishly powerful long throw confusing defenders and instrumental in the Potters' wonderful adventure. No 4 -- Shay Given In truth, we should be showering Given with confetti and garlands for simply taking the decision to wave goodbye to Newcastle considering what unfolded thereafter. Seriously, though, it was a significant step for the Donegal man who has nailed down his place at Eastlands, much to the chagrin of those championing Joe Hart as England's next in line. Likely to be a circus at his new club over the next few years but at least he has given himself a chance to contend for honours. No 5 -- Glenn Whelan A whirlwind rise for the Dubliner who has established himself at international level and again proved -- similar to his Sheffield Wednesday experience -- that if you place obstacles in front of him at his club he will gradually remove them. Out of favour with Stoke behind expensive buys until October but when he got his chance he seized it with both hands, improving with experience as the season has progressed. No 6 -- Keith Andrews Look where he's come from. Last season's League Two player of the season was widely derided as a manager's pet when Paul Ince brought him to Blackburn but has gradually come to terms with his rapid elevation and, significantly, survived the change of boss to win the respect of Sam Allardyce, albeit filling a gap at right-back in the closing weeks. No 7 -- Andy O'Brien Unfashionable Bolton were heavily tipped to go down this season but have survived, with O'Brien not far off being ever-present in the heart of their defence. Has failed to match the sparkling form of 07/08 which justified the clamour for Trapattoni to give him a call that was refused. All the same, he's persevering in the big league as his 32nd birthday approaches. No 8 -- Darron Gibson Okay, so Gibson hasn't yet set the world alight at Old Trafford but consider his position now relative to 12 months ago when he had made no impact on loan at Wolves. Emerged from that to make two Wembley appearances this season; specifically the Carling Cup final and the FA Cup semi-final. The Derry man is down the queue for the matches that matter, but demonstrated potential with stunning strike yesterday. No 9 -- Robbie Keane Sure, in one respect, it's been a torrid year at club level for Keane relative to his expectations to the start, but then he was a victim of an Anfield power struggle after landing his dream move. Didn't fire with the Reds -- although showed an odd glimpse of capabilities, like the equaliser at the Emirates -- so the move back to familiar territory made sense, although he has been utilised in a variety of roles by Harry Redknapp. No 10 -- Kevin Kilbane Realistically coming towards the end of his days as a regular Premier League performer, and moved from Hull to Wigan in January to guarantee first-team football after dropping down Steve Bruce's pecking order. Has actually done okay for the Tigers, but not well enough to prevent their dramatic slide since Christmas. No 11 -- Liam Lawrence A form pick to finish higher but Lawrence's entire campaign needs to be put in context. Determined to make an impact in the Premier League, his season started sluggishly and then, after being cruelly hacked down by a family pet, he spent the mid-part on the sidelines. Burst back into life for the closing stages, laying a platform for the rest of 2009. No 12 -- Andy Reid Frustrating campaign for Reid, and that's without making reference to the sing-song which led to his breakdown in relations with Trapattoni, although it probably hasn't done wonders for his mood. Frequently involved at Sunderland but has struggled with consistency and is certainly behind where he was at this juncture last year. No 13 -- Paul McShane A spectator for the second half of the season at Sunderland, but do not forget the fine start which the Wicklow native made to the campaign where he was an integral player in Hull's fairytale burst off the blocks on a loan stint at the KC Stadium. Conceded a penalty in his inglorious return to Stadium of Light and consigned to back benches thereafter. No 14 -- Caleb Folan Broke into the Irish set-up properly this term and made that memorable contribution in Bari, but his club form with Hull has been moderate. Hit the target on the opening day against Fulham but no joy since then, primarily restricted to a substitute role. Sending-off against Liverpool at a crucial point in that game compounded misery. No 15 -- Keith Treacy A frustrating conclusion to a campaign which had been going very well for the ex-Belvedere youth who was involved in the first team from the outset and remained in the frame after Allardyce replaced Ince. Fell temporarily out of favour with Big Sam after the heavy drubbing at Anfield, and had his well-publicised spat with Don Givens, but, overall, seems to be heading in the right direction. No 16 -- Marc Wilson Tony Adams gave the defender a few outings in the Portsmouth team earlier in the campaign but his departure and an injury have halted his progress. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old did his long-term prospects no harm and cash worries at Fratton Park may ironically provide him with more opportunities -- particularly if Glen Johnson is sold, as is expected. No 17 -- Richard Dunne Recently admitted the first half of his season was a disaster, but has regained some credit since then. The weight of expectation at Manchester City after takeover was possibly a distraction in the build-up to Christmas. His worst campaign in a while, but hopefully just a blip rather than anything more serious. No 18 -- Aaron Doran Sam Allardyce has clearly taken a shine to the teenage winger, promoting him to the Blackburn first-team squad and pitching him in as a half-time substitute against Liverpool at Anfield. One for the long-term who will have taken a lot of heart from his brief education. No 19 -- Daryl Murphy Not a good year for Murphy who hasn't been involved as much as he would have liked at Sunderland and has dropped out of the Irish international picture completely. Has a lengthy contract at the Stadium of Light, but very much at a crossroads. No 20 -- Stephen Kelly Strange times for Kelly who was surplus to requirements at Birmingham, yet jumped a division by making a loan move to Stoke. Alas, the regular football he craved did not materialise and with Stephen Carr offered a new deal at St Andrews, he goes back to his parent club in the knowledge that he will be in reserve if he hangs around. No 21 -- Dean Kiely Only made his Premier League bow for the season in the win over Wigan a fortnight ago after spending eight months waiting for some misfortune to befall Scott Carson. Already eyeing management and safe to assume West Brom's relegation brings an end to his Premier League career. No 22 -- Anthony Stokes Top-flight displays this season restricted to two substitute cameos with Sunderland before being sent out on loan, first to Sheffield United with no success and second to Crystal Palace where things went slightly better. Question marks about his aptitude to be a serious high-level performer still remain, although it's worth remembering he's still only 20 years old. No 23 -- Joey O'Brien A miserable year for the Dubliner whose knee difficulties flared up in the early part of the campaign, and since then he's been confined to the treatment table. Essentially, it was a season wasted for the promising 23-year-old and his critical comments towards Trapattoni -- wondering if he even knew his name -- could cost him an international career for the foreseeable future. No 24 -- Liam Miller Five years since he moved to Manchester United, but yet to prove he can deliver regularly in the Premier League. Ineffectual beginning to the campaign with Sunderland precipitated a January move to QPR but they released him at the end of the term. Offers on table from Championship clubs, and it's a rebuilding process now. No 25 -- Steven Reid The 28-year-old should be in his prime, but we find ourselves wondering if he'll ever come back. A terrible shame, as both his club and country have missed the talented Londoner desperately. In August, he was speaking excitedly about making up for lost time, but it really has gone from bad to worse. No 26 -- Damien Duff Oh Duffer, how did it come to this? The most exciting Irish talent of his generation deployed at left back for relegation strugglers in the dying stages of a desperate campaign, culminating with the ignominy of scoring the own goal which sent them down. Judged by his own high standards, it's a deplorable fall from grace.

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