Wes Hoolahan

Taken from TheGuardian website this morning.
Interesting...The article was: 5 things We've learned from the Premier League this weekend.

The Republic of Ireland should look at Hoolahan

With Robbie Keane injured, Kevin Doyle suspended and Shane Long reeling from that horrendous tackle by Alan Hutton, the Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, has a selection dilemma ahead of next month's Euro 2012 play-off tie against Estonia. West Bromwich's Simon Cox replaced Keane in the starting 11 against Armenia and it is reasonable to assume that he will start the first leg in Tallinn – Trapattoni is not a man who likes change.

But the question is who will start alongside him? Leon Best is the obvious answer but Wes Hoolahan may be a less obvious one and the former Blackpool man made a strong case for his inclusion with his performance for Norwich against Liverpool on Saturday. He worked hard, tracked back and had a hand in Norwich's deserved equaliser – he has created the most chances (16) for Norwich in the Premier League this season and only Grant Holt had more assists than him in the previous two seasons. He is also a good passer of the ball and rarely cedes possession – 86% of his passes met their intended target at Anfield.

The game in Tallinn will most likely be one that Trapattoni sets out not to lose, rather than to win, and selecting Hoolahan would fit the Italian's perennially conservative plans. The Norwich man could play in front of the central midfield pairing – Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews – supporting Cox when his side attack and dropping deeper when Ireland are not in possession, helping to swamp the midfield; a role not too dissimilar to what Doyle does for the Italian, albeit with a more attacking edge. His steady, mature and level-headed approach is what Ireland will need and, judging by Best's somewhat reckless performance against Wigan – he was substituted to save himself from being sent off – Hoolahan may just have earned himself a place in Trapattoni's thoughts. IMC

Leon Best? Not a mention of Walters in the article for some reason which is strange. And yeah, would be an interesting option - but like The Saint I can't see it happening.

Doubt Trap will change things up now

Nice ball player, but exactly the type Trap  doesn't want in his team. If Long is out, reckon he will play Walters and Keane/Cox up front.

Can't see him getting a chance myself,especially not supporting Cox.Would be nice to see him play off somebody like Walters or Long,but no way will Trap drop Cox after the Armenia game

tetsujin1979 wrote: lassassinblanc wrote: Had a chat about this on saturday night while watching motd think he should be in the squad having a decent season, but as many above say Trap ain't going to change it now.It be Cox and Keane/Walters for away leg- Doyle and Keane/Cox for home leg   Maybe if we qualify he can test him out during the friendlies leading up to the euros   Wasn't he called up before by Trap?? played in the B game against Nottingham Forest, where he was terrible, was on the first training get together in Portugal, and was a last minute substitute in the win over Colombia at Craven Cottage

Yeah that's what a thought. would still like to see him get his chance though

Drummerboy wrote: Nice ball player, but exactly the type Trap  doesn't want in his team. If Long is out, reckon he will play Walters and Keane/Cox up front.

 

BigStrongMan wrote: Must be heartbreaking for lads like Houlahan knowing that no matter how well they are playing in the PL they will not even make the squad

Whatever us "experts" say, Trap does the opposite. Will Hoolahan get a chance...not even a sniff

Hoolahan's form just didn't spring into life last Saturday, he was exceptional last season in the Championship and was then overlooked also. There'll be a blue moon (sorry united fans) before Hoolahan's considered for the starting eleven