Trap’s too lazy to do it, so leave it to JOE to look back on the performances of the established and potential members of the Ireland squad over the weekend.
By Frank McCann
Premier League
Seamus Coleman
Following John O’Shea’s injury against Marseille last Tuesday night, Trap can take comfort in the fact that he has a more than suitable replacement in Seamus Coleman.
The Donegal wideman was superb on Saturday evening, with his first half goal the catalyst for the Toffees’ victory over Fulham at Goodison Park.
A superb headed effort gave Coleman his sixth goal of the season, giving him the perfect send-off with the international break approaching.
David Moyes spoke very highly of the former Sligo Rovers player after the game, stating that the versatile wingman was making excellent progress in his first full season at the top level.
It looks almost certain that he will win his second international cap against Macedonia during the week, but where?
With O’Shea absent, will he be instantly be parachuted in at right back ahead of the likes of Dominic Foley, Marc Wilson and Stephen Kelly, or will Trap take a risk and play him on the right of midfield where he has been so effective all season?
Given that Trap would deem the very thought of crossing the road a bit risky at times, the former option seems far more likely.
Jon Walters
The Stoke City striker makes the cut once again this week, with another fantastic performance, this time against Newcastle United.
The Irish frontman made it two goals in two games after finding the net at the Brittania Stadium on Saturday, while also setting up another in the Potters’ 4-0 victory.
Walters has been one of Stoke’s best players this season, with his work-rate and off the ball play being amongst the best in the Premier League.
With Robbie Keane missing out on some badly needed playing time, there are still doubts about whether or not he will start against Macedonia. If the West Ham striker isn’t deemed fit enough to play, it will be between Walters and Leon Best for a starting position with Kevin Doyle in the Irish attack.
With Best failing to start for Newcastle at the weekend (rumours have it he was out baring his chest with Stephen Ireland in a Newcastle nightclub the night before) and apparently a major doubt for Macedonia, the likelihood is that Walters or Shane Long will be given the starting berth.
His recent performances certainly haven’t harmed Walters’ chances.
James McCarthy
After weeks of ‘will he or won’t he?’ McCarthy has confirmed that he will pull on the Irish jersey after successful and long overdue talks with Trap himself.
The Wigan midfielder was energetic as ever during his side’s crucial 2-1 victory over Birmingham.
His neat passing and constant running was great to see, with Ireland badly needing a leader in the middle of the park.
His distribution to the strikers was excellent, feeding some top quality balls through to Di Santo and Moses in a game that was vital to the hopes of Wigan’s Premeir League survival.
His inclusion in the Ireland squad is now even more important following the news that the statue-like Keith Andrews will now miss the Macedonia game.
Expect big things from McCarthy on the international stage, if he’s given the chance of course.
Steven Reid
Being one of Ireland’s ‘forgotten men’, it was great to see Steven Reid get on the scoresheet for West Brom at the weekend, especially against a side with Arsenal’s profile.
Having revived his career with Blackburn Rovers after playing some excellent football (which included a stunning goal against Wigan in 2005, see below) it seemed like Reid could have became a major player for his country.
That was not to be the case, as several injury setbacks resulted in a loss of fitness and form, bringing his international career to a standstill.
However, it seems that his career is now back on track, having found a new home at the Hawthorns and a new position at right back.
Whether or not Reid desires a return to the international stage is unclear, but if the former Blackburn man can keep himself fit and well, Giovanni Trapattoni will have no choice but to consider the 30 year-old in the future.
nPower Championship
Paddy Kenny
With Ireland prospect Hogan Ephraim (from the Ephraim’s of Ballyjamesduff, apparently) netting the winner against Doncaster at the weekend, we could be excused for putting our focus on him.
His international future is still up for grabs as of yet, however, but it was annoying to see his team mate Paddy Kenny’s exclusion from the Republic of Ireland squad when he is putting in performances like he did on Saturday.
Another clean sheet for the former Sheffield United shotstopper helped Queens Park Rangers to yet another victory as they get closer and closer to promotion.
Kieren Westwood is set to start against Macedonia, with the nation hoping he’ll perform well. However, if there are any slip-ups, many will be wondering why Kenny wasn’t there instead.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
