Carling Nations Cup

Original Post: Friday, 11 February 2011

Let’s be honest, the inaugural Carling Nations Cup probably ranks lower in prestige than the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy; no matter how much Sky Sports hype it up. This was borne out by the fact that just under 20,000 punters turned up at the Aviva to witness Ireland’s 3-0 victory over Wales. However, considering that many see international friendly matches as meaningless exercises, if the incentive of lifting a trophy adds a more competitive edge to the games then where is the harm?

Giovanni Trapattoni praised the performances of his two debutants Seamus Coleman and Ciaran Clark. The Aston Villa man, in particular, had an impressive debut at left back. He looked solid and assured all night and came close to scoring with a header in the first half. Trapattoni now has a viable option to the veteran Kevin Kilbane in the full back slot. Although, the Italian has hinted that come the game against Macedonia in March, the Huddersfield man may well be back in the side. As for Coleman, the Killybegs man made a solid start to his international career. Coming into the game, expectations were high that the Everton man would be terrorising the Welsh defence; akin to his performances in the Premier League this season. Whilst, he did threaten on a couple of occasions to get in behind the Welsh full back, most of his best work was done around midfield, linking up with Whelan and Gibson. Coleman played more infield than he does with his club thus negating his opportunities to attack the wide positions and it will take time for him to adjust to Trapattoni’s more rigid system.

Donegal man is a rising star

While Coleman and Clark got their first caps, there was another first, for Darren Gibson. The Manchester United man got his first international goal and what a strike from the Derry man. His majestic strike into the top corner from 25 yards illustrates just what he can bring to the side. However, Gibson continues to frustrate. There were too many stray passes and he failed to stamp his authority in midfield. This was a golden opportunity for Gibson to stake a claim for a starting berth in the upcoming qualifiers. Against weak opposition, Trapattoni would have expected the midfielder to get on the ball and dictate Ireland’s play but, all too often, he failed to find a team-mate and question marks remain as to whether the 24 year old can be trusted to deliver in the big games ahead. Certainly, it appears that the manager has his doubts.

All in all, the game against Wales provided some positives but, the one negative of the week is the James McCarthy situation. And, for my money, the blame lies squarely at the feet of the FAI and Trapattoni. What is it with him and Irish midfielders? Granted, Stephen Ireland had already been in self-imposed exile before the Italian took charge, with subsequent efforts to coax the Cork man back into the fold proving unsuccessful. But then, the manager cast Andy Reid into the international wilderness for playing his guitar and not going to bed! Now there appears to be some confusion as to why Wigan youngster McCarthy pulled out of the squad after been named in the original list. Trapattoni has intimated that McCarthy may not be fully dedicated to the Irish cause due to this latest withdrawal and his previous non-appearance at last summer’s training camp. While it is understandable for the manager to be frustrated at not having all of the players at his disposal, the FAI would be well advised to have a word in his ear before effectively issuing ultimatum’s to players to ‘show up or else’.

McCarthy is reported to be perplexed by the whole situation. He has been out for three months with a serious ankle injury and has only returned to first team action for Wigan in the last two weeks. Wigan manager, Roberto Martinez, has come out and said that he spoke with officials from the Irish camp to inform them that the club thought the best thing for McCarthy was to stay in Lancashire and allow his ankle time to recover following such a long time out. That should have been end of story. Yet, confusion has reigned and accusations have flown. Why? Because, Trapattoni refuses to pick up the phone and speak to the player directly, saying the last time he done so was to Stephen Ireland and that ended in disaster. This is where the FAI should step in and take control of the situation. Surely, there is someone within the association who is capable of making a quick phone call to a player to find out his availability or otherwise.

McCarthy’s only appearance in an Ireland shirt was in a friendly against Brazil last year. Until he appears in a competitive game he can still switch allegiance to Scotland. Now, don’t get me wrong, if he is not fully committed to playing for Ireland, then calling him up is a pointless act. However, having represented Ireland at youth and under 21 levels, questioning where his allegiance lies is a non-starter.

Trapattoni has said that the 20 year old will be selected (if fit) for the Macedonia game next month. The sooner he makes his competitive debut the better, for McCarthy has illustrated in his short time in the Premier League that he has the potential to be an accomplished midfield performer at the highest level. Ireland cannot risk losing him. Let’s hope for our sakes, he has no issues with his hair and hates playing the guitar!

Trapattoni has abrasive management style

The 71 year old Italian will be at the Irish helm for the duration of this qualifying campaign whether, he secures qualification or not. The likelihood then is that he will step down from the role. Looking to the future, the next manager should have the nucleus of a good young side to work with; Westwood, Clark, Coleman, Cunningham, Foley, McCarthy, McGeady, Fahey, Gibson, Doyle, Long. Providing, Trapattoni has not alienated anymore players with his stubbornness in the meantime.