Ireland

[m27]

He was anonymous for 20 minutes, then got on the ball a bit more for the last 10 and looked like our only midfielder actually comfortable on the ball and who could pick a pass. I think playing against a Birmingham type team he needs to play now, De Jong and Barry are solid, but there's not enough creativity there to break down a packed, hard-working defence. When they are getting closed down constantly, you need that little bit of composure and skill that Ireland (or Johnson) can provide, to break away and get at the back 4.

The thing is though, with Barry and De Jong in the middle we are not even that difficult to play against. Birmingham were playing through us a hell of a lot yesterday so not only were we lacking creativity we lacked solidity. It's not as if Ireland is a 'luxury' player anyway, he puts his foot in and when he's really on his game cuts out countless passes.

The last three games Barry's looked dead on his feet to me.

 

[Anonymous]

Fucking shit thread!

We need to build the team around Stephen Ireland.

It's as simple as that if we want to be successful.