The Malta game is the one where we should be looking at players who could perhaps fill out the gaps in the squad - Wing Back cover - Sykes, Manning, Midfield - Coventry, Azaz.

20 of the 25 man squad look nailed on imo - 3 keepers, 2 RWBs, 2 LWBS, 5 CBs, 5 CMs and 3 Forwards look nailed on, so there are really only 5 spots up for grabs (1 DEF, 2 MID, 2 ATT). First team looks settled enough now, we still need to find an attacking midfielder and the spot alongside Obafemi is still up for grabs imo. It would be nice to find a more defensive minded LWB for away games vs top seeds also.

Last 2 warm up games before qualifying, I dont think we need to be overly experimental, thoughts?

Yeah the ongoing treatment of Manning is a bit surprising on the bare face of it, but I guess they went Mc Clean and Brady (didnt let them down tbf) in the last window and O'Dowda (who played there a handful of times for Cardiff this season) was in the squad also. In any case, you couldnt be sure that Brady's injury problems are behind him and Mc Clean is 33 now, so dont see why Manning wouldnt be worth another look.
 

Manning, Sykes and Coventry are probably the ones that might be worth a look, or another look in Manning's case - he seems to be in good form at club level. I don't think Coventry has done enough to be honest, but we need better cover for Cullen and Molumby and there's little else out there to fill the backup role in that position, so might as well take a look at him. Sykes covers right wing back and central midfield, and is playing regularly in the Championship, so deserves a friendly cap to show what he can do I think.

A left field call would be Joe Hodge. I wouldn't usually favour calling in a player without senior experience, but it's a position of weakness, it's just a friendly window and a couple of our neighbours would probably call him up in similar circumstances. So, if he's the best prospect in that position, why not take an early look?

The last thing he needs is another loss. (at home). 

He might call up a couple of those players mentioned and also Coventry and Smallbone from the u21's. But I wouldn't expect them to see any game time.

To start, I don't see many new names in the November squad as I'd say SK will focus on what he has and it's not like we have many lads that can be aggrieved at not being in the last squad.

But if we want to dip our toe in, then midfield is where we need immediate cover, which was proven so blatantly versus Armenia.

Re Hodge, I wouldn't normally be in favour as I'd say he's a fair way off it yet, but he's a talent and it might be worth giving him minutes vs Malta as I am led to believe there is some doubt over his commitment long term. It will be interesting to see if a new manager at Wolves moves the dial for him or probably more importantly at this point in time, Ronan.

I think Ebosele, after his in/out, then down to U21s and barely used, is one we should be including and giving minutes vs Malta. It's unlikely I know, but come March he could be playing regularly at the top end of Serie A, even if mainly off the bench.

He's also the type of player who can give a team a lift off the bench. Any time I saw him come off the bench for Derby, he got the crowd up and was very direct. In a tight game, a 10 minute cameo could make a difference.

It would be a shame also to lose a talent like Festy, brought up in the Wexford Schoolboys League, to another association.

Think the rest are not yet ready. Connolly has ability to get himself back up top if he gets a run together 

Dont get yizzer hopes up for ay radical changes.

To quote David Sneyd from his one on one with Kenny over the weekend

Is the strongest XI sorted at this point? I think there's still question marks at least over the midfield vs the lower seeds and the support striker for Obafemi. Last chance to have a look.

I like the look of Cashin also and he's having a very good season for Derby by all accounts (Top rated Irish player on WhoScored in League One). I just think he's going to have to bide his time, there's far too much quality ahead of him in the senior set up atm.

Agree re the others, but Coventry needs game time.

As for others probably just see who hits form I don't see a huge amount of changes either.

Yep Cashin looks very assured young player. Too bad he is yet another CB! 

Secondly kenny will make limited changes to the squad he h

a shown he is slow to change.

Barring a big injury list 

There is no media/fan darling being overlooked as there was under previous managers.

His slow to change critics are more about his in gane management 

He is slow to change it took him an age to get obafemi in when his form was good.

He also has reference including the players that had previously been in camps being selected over others.

Huh?

He only started to hit form last Feb/Mar just prior to the Belgium and Lithuania friendlies, he/Swansea opted to be left out of that squad in order to manage his injuries / work loads.

He was literally in the next squad come June. 

I won’t he had shown more form that other strikers at varying points scoring at premier league level a higher level than other forwards in the squad.

He also wasn’t first choice when he was over the 21s.

He also over looked Scully at times when he was clearly in better form than parrot

What are you taking about?

Obafemi played 57 minutes of PL football the season Kenny took charge of the senior team. Scored 0 goals. Spent most the season out injured, on the bench or playing reserve team football.

At what point did he deserve a call up over other strikers?

As for Scully, what form? Scoring a few goals in that mickey mouse EFL trophy? or taking a few penos in League One?

Jesus, Kenny just can't win either way with some lads!

45 players used in 28 games over 2 years, 27 used in last 8 games. I'd nearly have taken your point if it was entirely opposite to the one you made!

When did kenny give obafemi his first cap?

Scully was scoring plenty in League 1 and was doing better than parrot at times.

He also held on to Horgan for ages!

 

Mention already, Sykes, Smallbone, Szmodics for not capped yet options.

All three have been playing regularly for their Championship clubs when fit and available. 

Sykes has been in a squad or two already, Szmodics was in one squad but had to leave due to injury, Smallbone hasn't been in the senior squad yet.

Those three lads should be still playing in the Championship regularly come the Euro matches in March/June and could be an option. If even one of them is showing good form around next years windows at least he has them capped and integrated in the squad. 

Probably a few current fringe players like Manning, Lenihan, Scales, Keane, Connolly, McGrath etc if they are playing well or if there are injuries.

I can't justify players like Coventry or Ebosele if they are not playing. Will they be playing for their clubs come March/June?

Need to be looking at players who will be playing regularly at a high enough level and be an option come March/June.

Udinese won again tonight, but Festy didn't get off the bench. It's a high level though. Still think he's worth a call up, don't want to lose him and you never know, he could easily get game time, he's making the bench every week.

Likewise with Coventry, he will almost certainly get a decent loan in Jan so likely to be playing regularly come the end of March. I'd have him in the squad in November even if he doesn't get much game time. Worth a look!

5 wins on the bounce for udinese now, 1pt off top spot in Serie A. Festy making the bench, just needs a chance now!

Yes Coventry and Ebosele are at high level clubs but currently not playing.

The other three are are currently playing regularly (I know Szmodics was out injured for a few weeks but his manager gave him game time as soon as he was available ahain).

Kenny will probably only call up 2 or 3 new players at most or if even, along with the other fringe squad players.

I think Sykes, Smallbone, Szmodics tick several boxes. Playing regularly in the Championship, Sykes could be an option as back-up to Doherty, Smallbone and Szmodics could add creativity or goals from midfield which is something the team lack.

I am just basing this on players who are currently playing regularly. That could all change in a months time with injuries, player falling in or out of favour or form.

Coventry COULD go on loan, but we don't know what level or if that loan works out or not. He could stay at West Ham waiting for his chance. Both Coventry or Ebosele could start playing for their clubs, then they could be seen as options but currently they are not and not looking like it either inless both go on loan after Xmas.

I wouldnt die in a ditch over Coventry to be honest, I'm not convinced he's ready in any case. 

Ebosele is a different kettle of fish for me, for one his l/t commitment has been questioned and you can be sure if we had a 20yo wing back on the subs bench for a Top 6 side every week in the PL, people would be clamouring for his inclusion (Udinese 3rd in Serie A currently). I also think he has the necessary attributes to be a useful impact sub as I have seen him do just that a number of times for Derby. Now I'm not claiming he's the second coming, he has plenty of learning still to do, but he has the raw attributes and I think with Doherty struggling for game time and Coleman 34 now, we should be having a look - a few minutes off the bench vs Norway if needed maybe, but definitely the last half hour vs Malta to see if he can influence the game. We had nobody vs Armenia who could just beat a man one on one and create space that way, Ebosele can do that. I would hate to lose Festy to another association - he is very high potential, in a way that Coventry probably isnt.

I agree with you re Sykes and particularly Smallbone, but unless Szmodics shows some serious form in the next month, he's way off. Think he's been out for the last month anyway.

Likely starts also for Ogbene, Hogan, Browne, Keane, McClean, Manning and Obafemi, who will hopefully return to the starting XI after his heroics at the weekend. Let's hope for s few goals with 5 of our strikers likely to be involved.

Agree with most of this tbh - not sure I'd take Ferguson though, Connolly for me and I'd probably take a 5th wing back 

How did that article get published

It’s Pundit Arena, journalistic standards don’t get much lower in the sports world

Jeez lads, it's just a bit of craic, a hypothetical. Sure aren't we discussing Collins as a Central Midfielder on here! 

Are we gonna get another world class player any time soon? I mean we haven't had one since Roy. 

In fairness to Georgia they are an up and coming team who have taken scalps off better teams than us. I don’t think the result was the reason for the backlash O’Neill got but it was more the performance against them. Like Denmark were miles better than us but the media coverage was farcical in the build up to that game. It was made out that eriksen was the only difference between the teams. Obviously losing 5-1 was not acceptable but look at ours and Denmark’s trajectory since that game.  Denmark went out on penalties to World Cup finalists and got to Euro semifinal.

Tbf we have a few okay talents one who many outlets have already dubbed the best U21 goalkeeping prospect on the planet for a start. Youngest goalkeeper ever to play the first 8 games with a PL side astonishing considering the era of money and big spending in the English game at the moment. 

The fact he's only playing for Southampton might temper your enthusiasm a bit on him.

That young lad at Georgia is flying but is more so a breakout prospect than a world class talent at this stage. Give that Georgian kid a chance too. 

He most definitely is a world class talent! 

All the rest of our top guys have been mid table premier league clubs Coleman the exception.

I’m not including Duff, Robbie, O Shea etc as they were Roy’s time.

And funnily enough, one who would have been written off a couple of years ago if he were Irish.

Just the 3 goals in 18 games for Rustavi in Georgia a few years ago, followed by 1 in 7 for Lomomotiv Moscow, and then 9 in 69 for Rubin Kazan.

Fortunately for him, he wasn't thrown onto the scrapheap and he's really taken off over the last 6 months. It can take a little while to hit the heights...

Clearly a team on the up after a good NL campaign albeit at Group C level against Nth Macedonia and Bulgaria (both in decline) and Gibralter. Last WCQ campaign, they lost at home to both Kosovo and Greece, lost 5 and drew 1 of their first 6 games before winning the last 2, away to Kosovo and home to Sweden. I wouldnt overly fear them, there are tougher fourth seeds imo (Turkey/Greece)

The squad pretty much as it stands:

                            Parrott(20)                 Obafemi(22, IP)                    
                         Robinson(27)                 Ogbene(25)                         
                              Keane(29)                 Hogan(30)
                            Idah(21, IP)                 Connolly(22, IP)        

                                                 Knight(21)
                                                Browne(27)
                                              Hourihane (32)

    McClean(33, IP)                                Molumby(23)         Doherty(30)
    Brady(30, IP)              Cullen(26)      Hendrick (30)         Coleman(34, IP)
    Manning(26)                 ??????                                        Christie(30)
    O'Dowda(27, IP)                               
    Stevens(32, IP)     

                                  O'Shea(23)  Egan(30)  Collins(21)                      
                                Lenihan(28)  Duffy(30)  Omobamidele(20)

                                                  Bazunu(20)
                                                  Kelleher(23)
                                                  Travers(23)

*IP = Injury Prone

**Players in yellow have issues with age and/or injury.

***Players in red are most likely done.

We can't ignore Will Keane's form either.

Ffs the perfect time to bring in some players but nope the same old 30+ aged players coming in for these games 

Smallbone for Hourihane should just be a given. I'm not saying Smallbone is the answer to all our problems but could play that bench role that Hourihane fails miserably at to make any kind of difference and is detrimental when he starts.

I agree about not just throwing in u21s who have played little senior minutes but we badly need options is some positions.

The qualifiers for euro 2024 will nearly be over in 12 months time. Yes the wing back options are getting on but I think they will be OK for the next campaign. Manning is one I'm surprised hasn't gotten more of a look in though. 

It's not even just age. Brady, Doherty and Coleman are usually either not playing or get their fair share of injuries. Both Sykes and Manning can play in other positions too so aren't bad options for the squad in any case.

Norway playing Finland in there 2nd friendly and wouldn't it be some kick in the bollocks if they rested Haaland for our game so he will be super fit for the local Derby 

I'm going to watch our lads - Don't really care who lines up against them!

Same, yes it will be good to see Haaland in person but if he doesn't play I won't lose much sleep as I'm going to support my country 

Squad should be announced in 3 weeks, not a whole lot will change between now and then in terms of players gametime/form.

With Parrott & Idah out, & possibly Ogbene & Connolly too, there's a couple of spots up for grabs there.

Keane will probably come back in as a like-for-like for Parrott.

1 or 2 of Armstrong, Odubeko, Ferguson & Kelly could be fighting it out for the last spot(s).

If I had to pick 2 of those I'd probably go with Keane & Armstrong.

Hodge, I think, is making himself hard to ignore. Get him in as Cullens understudy, it's badly needed.

Coventry should also come in there, I know he's not playing now but he will be come January. Both can play as a 6 or an 8, too. It's good depth to start developing.

Smallbone is obvious at this point, name checked by Kenny too.

I've seen shouts for Azaz, perhaps. No harm in getting him and having a look in training.

I'd like to see McGrath & Manning back in. McGrath is playing regularly again, & Manning is having an excellent season so far.

If I see Hourihane called up again I might actually scream.

EDIT:

Somehow forgot Festy!

Trying not to name loads of players as Kenny said he won't experiment "greatly", but there's giant holes in the squad.

Doubt he'll bring any new strikers in, maybe Kelly but he'll probably make do with Obafemi, Robinson, Hogan and Keane. Armstrong, Odubeko and Ferguson aren't worth mentioning, they wont be anywhere near the squad.

Going by his comments on Hodge I dont think he will be either.

I'd expect Smallbone and Coventry will be the only 2 u21s we see promoted and as you said we'll probably see Manning and McGrath back and maybe Sykes.

No real radical changes.

I think it's probably too late in the process for that many changes tbh - these are the last two games in advance of the Qualifiers and Kenny has already indicated that changes will be minor. I can't see how he could name eight or nine newcomers without naming a 30plus man squad and one would assume he wants to go with close to his likely starting XI for France against the Norwegians, so I don't see how he would give enough of them game time.

As you say, Smallbone, namechecked by Kenny and on the scoresheet since will almost certainly be one. I think Manning assuming he is fit will get another chance as the 5th wingback in the squad. I'd agree re Keane also, he's producing now in the Championship and there's a spot there with Parrott and others out. 

I wouldn't be surprised if that was the extent of it, bar Hodge and/or Connolly actually getting starts between now and then or one of the Championship strikers e.g., Kelly banging in a heap of goals. It's likely too soon for the likes of Ferguson, Armstrong, Odubeko who all remain U21 eligible and Ebosele and Coventry just dont look like getting enough, if any, game time before then. Azaz is a dark horse but is certainly making a case for himself. Mc Grath hasn't done enough to force his way back in imo.

Agreed Hourihane should be gone!

It's good that there are new names being mentioned - Hodge, Armstrong and Azaz - even if most or maybe all of them won't make the cut in the end. Absolutely nobody would have been talking about any of those three in terms of the senior squad six months ago, but that's what we need, groups of new players constantly coming through and knocking on the door.

For what it's worth I'd absolutely bring Hodge in, I was suggesting him even before Wolves started playing him because it's a position we desperately need depth in and he has long looked a talent coming through the age groups. Azaz should be close too, he looks too good for League 1 and I'd say we'll see him in the Championship next season. 

The problem they have is that Coventry and Smallbone are probably ahead of them in the queue so will likely be preferred for call ups. Whatever about Azaz v Smallbone though I think Hodge's ceiling will end up being higher than Coventry's, so I'd be looking to get him in now and getting him used to the setup. 

Smallbone is ahead of Azaz on merit, both are the same age, Smallbone has played multiple times for the U21s, Azaz has played 40 minutes, Smallbone has played PL football and is a regular starter in the Championship now, a level above Azaz. I like the look of Azaz btw, but this is a case of the brand-new shiny thing!

As for Hodge vs Coventry- Hodge definitely looks like a lad with a higher ceiling than Coventry. Fwiw I dont think either of the two will be called up unless Hodge actually establishes himself in the first team squad under the new manager whomever that might be, and the timeframe looks too tight. If he is good enough to merit consideration for a senior spot vs France should Cullen be injured, he should have been absolutely standing out vs Israel in the two U21 games, he didnt - yes he was neat, tidy and combative but no more than that. IMO people are getting overly carried away with a few sub apps under an interim manager.

Coventry is a possible only on account of his long-standing captaincy of the U21s imo, rather than on any merit-based assessment.

Doesn't mean anyone else has to miss out, the Irish rugby squad do similar regularly, I see no downside for doing it for the upcoming international window

We are woeful light in CM/ and in attacking areas while you have Sinclair Armstrong, Ferguson,Odubeko,Finn Azaz,Smallbone,Hodge etc all making strides at club level. The first mentioned it's not a million to one he will be on the pitch regularly for a Championship team chasing promotion as it stands. Look how light we are up top now with the 3 lads out injured.  would be practical to bring a young lad like that along. 

Smallbone would be playing for Southampton only for injuries I think and will on merit be selected before Azaz. Azaz has that bit of magic about him the few times I have seen him. Could be our most significant declaree in a long time. Looks way above League 1 level already considering Knight played in that position the last twice just shows he should be considered.

QPR/Blackburn/Burnley/Norwich/Sheffield Utd all represented. Even Millwall Swansea other teams there or there abouts have Irish players.

Could see Burnley ending up with Obafemi in January too.  Think Burnley are strong contenders to go up. Will only get better as the season goes.

Would expect more Irish players to be in the PL next year at least. Even if Bazunu and Collins both go down (very unlikely) every chance they get transfers back up again anyways!!

I think Kompany thinks the same as they club see him as the missing link . 

I think he will be a Burnley player in January . 

Put my head on the block when i say sign him ans they will go up . 

Swansea really should have just let him go in the summer with the money they threw at them! Obafemi has had a stop start time of it since,Swansea will likely lose him for a fraction of that in Jan/nothing next summer.

No benefitted from it bar maybe Burnleys owners pocket. 

I did find it funny plenty lads were saying "Obafemis attitude again" when he treid to push for the move. nothing wrong with players wanting to kick on when they get momentum to a higher standard of club. Same guys would be tearing their hair out at Jason Knight for not kicking on and showing ambition!

Interestingly Cashin is top rated CB in L1 on WhoScored with a rating of 7.36 and is the 6th top rated player overall in L1. Probably suffers from our depth at CB, but this lad is making serious strides, still just 20.

Also a left field one from League One, Corey O'Keefe RWB at Forest Green, joint 3rd in assists in L1 this season with 5 thus far. Had 2 goals and 10 assists last year in League 2 for Rochdale. Not suggesting he should be called up or anything, but one to keep an eye on if he continues to progress, still only 24.

Expect to see lots of tickets floating around now, might as well make the trip up 

Small knock, only question mark is over this weekend, not expected to be out long.

Either way I'm going to see ireland not haaland

Ah Jaysus, dont start 

Jamie Bryson for the ÉIRE 

You're nieve if you don't think that happens esp in Ireland

Do you really think people were flocking to see James McClean last November when the  Aviva was sold out for the Portugal game

A lot of tickets for this Norway game is because of Haaland 

Definitely a thing with kids these days. More interested in following players than teams. 

Was it not always a thing?

I remember people going to see Messi here in 2010 and Ronaldo/Ronaldinho in 2003.

Especially when nothing else exists outside the EPL to some (leaving the irony of my own username to one side) 

Wouldn't go too hard on kids themselves but you will probably have a contingent in the Irish support hoping Haaland puts on a show and scores a goal or two. Any benefit to for the national team will be very much secondary in terms of priorities.

Hoping to be in Dublin for about 4.30pm. Loved O' Donoghues' pre match, Hoping to see 'Doheny & Nesbit' and 'Searsons' this time. Whenever I'm in Dublin for concerts I'm always northside

Healy52003 wrote: When's the squad announced

Nothing showing up

Don't forget Rovers are finished the weekend and a certain JB will be free

Yet another assist for O'Keefe today!

No surprises as sure, who else is there! 

Yeah, cant see any other forward players being named with Idah, Connolly, Parrott and Kelly, who only had an outside chance in any case, all out. Next in line would be the likes of James Collins, Shane Long, Maguire based on minutes played. Of the youngsters probably Sinclair Armstrong and Odubeko, but both are still U21 eligible and neither have done enough for a senior call up imo.

If any of the 5 you mention pick up an injury then I guess there is an outside chance that he calls up Ferguson just to have a look and give him a boost, but it's a long shot imo. He looked a long way off senior level in his U21 performances. Szmodics (not strictly a forward but has been getting minutes there) is the more likely call up in the event of further injuries.

Tbf, it's a lot better than this time last year when Oba was injured, Ogbene was a rwb in L1, Robinson was out of favour, Hogan was bang out of form and Keane and Parrott were also in L1. Idah was probably injured and Connolly was on the lash 

Kilkenny back in training I believe, but surely too late for him.

Really only Troy, Oma, Idah and potentially Knight from our first choice squad.

Knights might make Liverpool mid week according to Derby. So I'd say if he plays a few minutes there and is involved in league action at the weekend he'll probably be in our squad