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| |  Posted 05/10/2006 10:40:49 | |
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| Stephen Ireland is ready and willing if Stephen Staunton needs him
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Date: Wednesday, 04 October 2006 Section: International
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Stephen Staunton’s stated intention of encouraging Ireland’s younger set of players has been a huge encouragement to the likes of Stephen Ireland.
The 20 years old Manchester City midfielder admits that he would love nothing better than to feature in his first competitive match for the Republic of Ireland this coming Saturday against Cyprus in Nicosia (kick-off 5.30pm).
Ireland play their second match of the EURO 2008 qualifying campaign against the Cypriots before hosting the Czech Republic on Wednesday, October 11th at Lansdowne Road.
Ireland, who was born in Cobh, made his senior debut during Stephen Staunton's first game in charge of the National team against Sweden in February earlier this year as a half-time substitute in the 3-0 victory.
He was selected in Stuart Pearce's starting line-up for the first time this season last Saturday in the Premiership game at Everton..
"I'd love to start the game on Saturday," said the former Cobh Ramblers player. "I've had a few injuries that kept me out of a few squads but now I'm fit and ready to go if I'm called upon in Cyprus.
“I was unable to link-up with the lads for the Chile and Holland games because my body had just broken down towards the end of last season."
"The proudest moment in my career so far came when I pulled on the Irish jersey to play against Sweden.
“We have a big game this week and I'd like to think I can give my best if I'm needed in the midfield."
The withdrawal from the squad of Graham Kavanagh through injury presents Staunton with fewer options in midfield than he anticipated. Stephen Ireland believes that he is best deployed by occupying the central midfield role.
"When I came on as a sub against Sweden, I played sort of up front on the right in a 4-3-3 formation. I like playing an attacking role but my preference is to play in the middle.
“I can get on the ball more in that area and I like to get in the thick of things there. It's great being a box to box player; I get more action in that position."
Ireland is convinced that the squad can engineer a positive result against Cyprus.
"The players know that we need to achieve. There is no fear amongst the squad going into the match, only a lot of confidence.
“We've had to deal with some injury set-backs in the run-up to the game but we'll bounce back from that and get on with our job of winning the match on Saturday."
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| | | Posted 05/10/2006 10:43:07 | |
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| | | Posted 05/10/2006 10:51:23 | |
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| NoddytheBoltonBlue (05/10/2006)
Stephen Staunton? Wtf?
Yes, Stephen Staunton. The former Walsall reserve coach is now the ROI manager! Anything is an improvement on Brian Kerr.
The ROI squad is now so depleted that I'm thinking of bringing my boots to Lansdowne Road next Wednesday.
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| | | Posted 05/10/2006 10:51:47 | |
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| Would be nice to see Ireland get a run out, although don't Cyprus have a bit of a reputation for being rough? Wouldn't want to see him injured just as he is getting starts for the first team
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| | | Posted 05/10/2006 10:59:25 | |
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| NoddytheBoltonBlue (05/10/2006)
Would be nice to see Ireland get a run out, although don't Cyprus have a bit of a reputation for being rough? Wouldn't want to see him injured just as he is getting starts for the first team
I didn't realise Cyprus had that reputation. The only thing I know about them is that we used to defeat them heavily all the time. I fear it may be the other way around these days. Still, with Richard Dunne on the top of his game along with Duff and the Real Keane we might do ok.
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