I'd of liked to off seen Crawley called up also, but he's barely played needs to make an impact somewhere playing first team football.

Same crowd who have no idea who Scott Hogan is id suspect, don't look past the glorious Premier League.

re dan crowley.....he probably can't be in the squad anyway as paperwork to change countries takes time (if he has even decided to join us). 

re inviting lads to train with them i.e. jack byrne - at least he is being straight up and saying "i dont see u making the euro squad" (not saying i agree or otherwise) but u are the future.

will be an interesting squad when finalised. needs to have a couple of utility players and then a couple that can give u something different.....and maybe something new ie odowda?

Hogan, Forrester, Byrne, Mason, O'Dowda, Browne, Crawley, Cullen, Toner  all have a big part to play over the next few years not forgetting lads like Kiernan who could see themselves replacing the likes McShane/Pearce in the squads . O'Dowda/Hogan the two that could easily start v Serbia. 

Whats the story with Redmond, he's been relegated (again) surely we have to start chasing this guy he hasn't ruled us out either not forgetting Paddy Bamford, Callum Wilson. Havent seen much of Sean Scannell to even make a case for him.

 

Agreed. Pretty frustrating.

 

Forrester maybe a little unlucky to miss out as well?

For Cambuur, a side Oxford would probably beat ffs.  

I always worry whenever I see Wilson's name near a squad, surely Cunningham was worth a look in these two games? Surprised at McGoldrick too, surely Mason was worth a punt ahead of him? Even Hogan, as flimsy as it is to call someone up on a month's form, would surely have been worth a gamble? Hopefully Pilkington gets a run up front. We are really light on options up front.

Its typical of O' Neill he spent the past week with his begging bowl out to Crowley who probably told him to do one . All the while snubbing his most technically gifted player who has the potential to be a great midfield player for Ireland.  Byrne is the real deal 

O' Neill is a clown calling up a player who plys his trade in league two, while ignoring byrne who has got man of the match awards against world class teams like Ajax and PSV Eindoven

This Byrne thing fascinates me. He isn't ready, did anybody see him against the Italian under 21s? O' Dowda was the one that stood out. He is physically more developed than Byrne. The reason people are getting excited about Byrne is because he plays in the Eredivisie, a league that has dropped an awful in quality in the past few years. Not only has the league dropped in quality, he was playing for far and away the worst team in it, a team that if they were playing Oxford United in a competitive game I know where my tenner would be going. This constant need to use the fact he plays on the continent does not mean he should be picked over anyone else, the reverse also applies of course. Next season is a big year for Jack, he did ok with a poor club this season and the spell in a different culture, on and off the pitch, will stand him in good stead. Hopefully he can get a loan deal to a better club next season and force his way into the Irish senior set-up.

Byrne is a player who Patrick Viera has compared favourbly with Paul Scholes. From what I have seen of Byrne . It is a justifiable comparison . Byrne has everything you want in a creative midfielder . He has great close control, can dribble , great cross field pass, vision , decision making, can score spectacular goals . He can see things on the pitch that few other players can see,. What really strikes me is the maturity in his game he plays the game like he is a veteran , he so calm and assured on the ball. He is a better player than Hoolohan already . 

O' Dowda is a pub player in comparison . He is a poor mans Mcgeady he hasn't got the football brain to make it in a top league . Championship level is his standard. I say at best he will get to Pilkingtons level . Pilkington looked a world beater in the championship but when he went to the premier league he was a journey man . Pikikgton is a more talented footballer than O' Dowd.

 

I've read some nonsense on here, that is right up there. O'Dowda is being tacked by Spurs, United, Derby, WHU, Liverpool among others... don't go into football scouting thats for sure. I've watched him live a few times and previously stated he is the future of Irish football I stand by that comment the fact he was called up today playing L2 just reinforces that point. How many minutes of football have you watched O'Dowda play? He give the Italian u21s the run around playing for Oxford while they play for Milan etc.

Byrne is physically weak there is a reason he didn't get a chance at City this year but Iheanacho did judging by your summary Byrne should be playing for Barcelona putting Iniesta on the bench. Chris Forrester is a better player at this point and playing for a better side in Peterborough. The guy has attributes that will allow him to get to Wes Hoolahans ability without doubt, when he's playing for Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord in the Dutch league then i'll take notice personally. 

Yeah, World Class.Most recently in the 90's for Ajax, and early 2000's for PSV.. still wouldn't call that PSV team world class.

Topper, this will surprise you as much as it does me, but that is spot on.

I would have said the poster that makes Topper seem sane!

The criticisms of Long are actually meaningless, and the reason why is the other strikers in the squad, only Walters (who doesn't play for us as a striker half the time) is even fit to be talked about in the same category. Long has to get his place in front of a years past his best Keane, a fella who has never really looked like an international footballer in Murphy, and possibly Doyle, another one whose best days are behind him. Shouldn't be too difficult for him. 

This crap about Vardy, Benteke, Radamel Falcao, whoever else ya like to mention & goals to games ratios is equally irrelevant, none of them play for us. Whether Long is top 4 EPL club material, or lucky to be at Southampton makes no difference at all in the context of Murphy, Doyle & Keane. 

I haven't seen as much as you have seen of him . But from what I have seen of him I don't see anything special in him . His decision making , crossing, reading of the game, ability to beat players is poor . If you want to talk about wingers with top class ability who have potential . Lets start with Pat Roberts . O' Dowda from a technical stand point is light years behind Roberts . The way you talk about him it is like he is the next damien duff . Perhaps if I see more of him I will change my mind  but I don't think so.

 Anyways, Its just my opinion . For example I rate Will Hughes I think he is one of the best midfielders one day . Others think he is light weight and is just a championship player . Anyways time will tell which of us is right about O' Dowda.

 

Agree with this!

 

Amazes me seeing people write off young players, do you honestly believe this nonsence or are you just another wind up merchant?

So having a different opinion is a wind up merchant now.