When Irish Eyes Aren't Smiling

Sunderland Clearout the Irish
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The potential clearout of Republic of Ireland internationals from the Sunderland first team in the upcoming months is a disappointing if hardly surprising development. The Irish players in question could find themselves out of contract and without a club with the World Cup Qualifiers fast approaching.

It’s hardly the ideal preparation for Giovanni Trapattoni either if a large portion of his probable squad will be unsure of their futures ahead of vital friendlies and a training camp in the coming weeks. The current Irish squad needs as many players as possible regularly playing in the Premier League if we are to have any hope of making South Africa in 2010.

Paul Mc Shane, Anthony Stokes and Liam Miller are three individuals who could and should have done better this season with the Black Cats. Roy Keane is correct in his assessment that too many of his buys have underperformed but from an Irish point of view it is going hinder the preparations of the new manager and his staff if selected international players are not 100% focused in the coming months.



Under17’s lose two on the bounce
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The Republic of Ireland suffered their second successive defeat in the UEFA U-17 Championships campaign in Turkey yesterday when Switzerland triumphed 1-0 following an unfortunate Gavin Gunning own goal.

Manager Sean McCaffery and his players should still take heart from the Ireland have been competitive in each of their game in what has undoubtedly been a disappointing campaign thus far. The opening Group defeat to France and now the 1-0 loss at the hands of the Swiss means the Irish will be travelling home from Turkey earlier than expected.

I can’t help thinking the 10th year anniversary of Brian Kerr’s successful European campaign and its increased media coverage might have had an adverse effect on the squad. McCaffrey is an excellent manager and will no doubt continue to nurture what is a refreshingly talented age group containing quality players such as Celtic’s Richard Towell, Man United’s Robbie Brady and Ipswich’s Paul Murphy too name but a few.