The Irish team that won’t be going to Poland

At a press conference on the 13^th of January, Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni gave a clear indication that there would be little chance of surprise inclusions in his Euro 2012 squad.

“I am paying attention to others, but they are for the future, they are for the next squad,” he said. “This squad got us good results, they achieved the qualifying, and I think they deserve to go. They know our system and our attitude,”

So, it is apt we that we take a look at some of the players that won’t be on the plane to Poland. Whether you agree with the top eleven picked from the players outside Trap’s plans or nor, it’s clear that a group of talented players will be watching the “Boys in Green” from the comfort of their local pub.

Goalkeeper – Paddy Kenny

Paddy Kenny is a regular with QPR in the Premier League, who has impressed throughout his career. However, he previously asked not to be considered for Ireland due to personal issues after only seven caps. He has also served a nine month ban from football for failing a drugs test. He has expressed his desire play for Ireland again but given his baggage it’s unlikely Trap would consider him.

Right Back – Marc Wilson

I have picked Marc Wilson at right back but the Antrim man has shown how versatile he is at Stoke City. He has played in central midfield, right back, left back and even in central defence at his previous club Portsmouth. This adaptability is surely a quality required for a tournament, which due to the number of competitive games played in close proximity, will lead to injuries. However, a recent comment from Trapattoni in which he sought an apology from Wilson, for a withdrawal from an Irish squad he was picked for, suggests that Wilson may become the new Andy Reid.

Central Defence – Shane Duffy

Shane Duffy has represented Ireland at the U21’s level after switching his allegiance from Northern Ireland. In May 2010 he attended a training camp squad for the senior squad and suffered a freak injury in a training game, which meant he had to undergo life saving surgery on his liver. His recovery was amazingly swift and after a loan spell at Scunthorpe this season he has now broken into the Everton first team. Injuries gave him his chance but after a number of Man of the Match performances he certainly does not look out of his depth in the Premier League. Despite this, his emergence is sure to have come too late for this summer.

Central Defence – Paddy McCarthy

The Crystal Palace captain has established a reputation as a solid central defender. He has been capped at U21 and B level for Ireland. His consistent performances in the Championship would suggest that he could handle the step up to full international.

Left Back – Greg Cunningham

The Man City defender has been picked by Trap before in friendly games prior to the Euro 2012 campaign. His position on the fringes of the Irish squad was threatened when he broke his leg in January 2011, while on loan with Leicester City. He has now recovered and is on loan again, this time with Nottingham Forrest. He has made comments in the media stating that his sights are firmly set on the plane to Poland but he is running out of time to make a breakthrough.

Midfield Right Side – Stephen Ireland

Stephen Ireland’s return to form in the Premier League for Aston Villa is welcome, as no one wants to see a player of undoubted talent throw away his career. Does Stephen Ireland want to play for his country? Does Trappatoni want to welcome a player back that walked away from his country? He is a player that divides opinion but what cannot be denied is that he is the most creative Irish player in the Premier League, when on top form.

Central Midfield – Stephen Reid

I know Stephen Reid retired from international football, but he has said in a recent interview that that he would make himself available if Ireland suffered an injury crisis. He is a player that has been plagued by injury, but he has impressed with West Brom in recent times. Also before injury and retirement he was a player that Trap rated, so maybe he might be in the Italian’s plans if injury forces him to draft in a replacement.

Central Midfield – Wes Hoolahan

The former Shelbourne player, who starred in Shel’s historic Champions League run in 2004, has since gone to enjoy a successful career in the UK. Spells at Livingston and Blackpool and now his current club Norwich City, have seen his reputation grow. He plays in the hole behind the two strikers and has a reputation as a dead ball specialist.

Midfield Left Side – James McClean

Another former League of Ireland player, who moved from Derry City for what now looks a snip at €350,000 in August. The arrival of Martin O’Neill as Sunderland manager has kick started his career. He is contributing goals and assists and his performances are increasing the clamour for his inclusion in the Euro 2012 squad. Trap has admitted he has been watching the player, but suggested he is a player for the future rather than this upcoming tournament. All the Derry man can do is to continue to put in dazzling Premier League performances and hope that this overrides Trap’s conservative nature.

Striker – Leon Best

Despite scoring goals in a high flying Newcastle team in the Premier League this year, it was only due to injuries that Best got a call up to the Irish squad. He then had to pull out as his wife was due to give birth to their first child. With Keane, Doyle, Long, Walters and Cox ahead of him in the pecking order and the recent injury he has picked up, he is unlikely to get another chance.

Striker – Anthony Stokes

The Celtic striker has scored goals wherever he has played (except Sunderland). His recent form at Celtic has been excellent as has his goal per game ratio. The question mark over Stokes is attitude. His withdrawal from the Carling Nations Cup due to “tiredness” is likely to scupper any chances of him forcing his way into Trap’s plans.

What are your views on the Irish team that will travel to this summer’s European Championships? Should any of the above be included in the final squad or are there other players Trap has overlooked?