McAteer & Barnes serve up a treat in Dublin pub

As League of Ireland fans know all too well, the Irish appetite for Premier League football is probably one of the strongest outside of England and it was in Dublin City centre on Tuesday that Carlsberg came to surprise those fans with a lunchtime treat.

Bar 37 on Dawson Street was transformed into a fan’s 'Ultimate Football Bar' with customers being greeted by doorman and former Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer, barman and Liverpool legend John Barnes and pub Quiz Host and Sky Sports presenter Rachel Wyse.

Carlsberg, announcing the fact they are now the official beer of the Premier League, will be running money-can't-buy experiences for Premier League fans as part of their new "Be there next weekend" campaign which will include prizes such as VIP trips to Premier League games, presenting Man of the Match awards to players and much more. 

Both John Barnes and Jason McAteer took timeout to chat about the upcoming Premier League season, transfers, potential winners & relegation candidates and some current Irish Premier League players.

On the topic of favourites for the League title this season, both John and Jason were very much in agreement that Chelsea would win out on top, followed by Manchester City, then Manchester United. Their reasons behind this prediction – The Mourinho Factor!

With Jose Mourinho back in the hot seat at Stamford Bridge, they see the balance of power shifting away from Manchester. Barnes pointing to a “younger squad, with players that will play for him & the club,” as the key to their success.

Both former Internationals agreed that David Moyes may well struggle to get players to play for him in the same way Alex Ferguson did, and that he may be made the scapegoat, in a similar fashion to Roberto Mancini, should results not go their way.

Barnes went on to say that the dynamic of the league will be “completely different” this season. There’ll be no Mourinho v Benitez rivalry, no Sir Alex and potentially no Bale, Suarez or Rooney at their current clubs.

“I want Suarez to want to stay, but if he doesn’t want to stay, then I think he should go.  Is Wayne Rooney worth £25m at his age, at a snip! Is Gareth Bale four times as good as Wayne Rooney, no, but you are only worth what someone is prepared to pay.”

McAteer was clear that Suarez staying at Liverpool would be a big boost but if they had to sell then they should get the right price.

“Liverpool should hold out for what is worth, and that’s £50m+."   

Cardiff, Crystal Palace and Hull along with West Ham and Aston Villa seem to be the main contenders for relegation according to Barnes & McAteer. Neither can see a surprise package from the three Premier League newcomers, holding out little hope for their top flight survival.

On the subject of Drinks Companies sponsoring sporting events and the message it sends out to our young people, Barnes was quick to defend the involvement of these companies.

"It’s the parent’s responsibility to educate their children about the dangers of alcohol. Carlsberg have a corporate social responsibility and invest vast amounts in grassroots football and schools projects, but this goes largely unheard of.

"We have to stop looking to footballers as role-models, parents are their kid’s biggest role-models, not Lionel Messi or Paul Gascoigne.”

McAteer mentioned the likes of McGrath, Gascoigne and Kenny Samson who have all hit the headlines recently and said that “its vitally important that drinks companies push the importance of responsibility and awareness.”

On the topic of Irish players plying their trade in England, Barnes was concerned about the current Irish, English and Scotland national teams ability to compete at the top.

“As long as our international players aren’t playing for Manchester United, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs & Liverpool, then the national team is going to suffer.” 

Asked if any current Irish player could make the step up to play for a top team?

“Not even James McCarthy or former Derry City midfielder James McClean would cut it at a top club,” replied Barnes. 

Jason McAteer focused on a different set of Irish players when asked the same question.

"Seamus Coleman and Shane Long are up there with the best but one young man stands out though -  Robbie Brady!

"He had a fantastic season last year with Hull, he is such an exciting talent and if he progresses the way he is, we can expect big things from him”.

McAteer finished with complements for national team manager Giovanni Trapattoni and how “he has, slowly, brought about many positive changes which can only be a good thing for Ireland.”

More details of what to expect during the season from Carlsberg visit www.facebook.com/carlsbergfootball

Below John Barnes gives his view on the Luis Suarez transfer debacle and Jason McAteer speaks about the Premier League season ahead at the ' Ultimate Carlsberg Football Bar'.