Which Cats Have Made it into Trap's Bag?

So we’ve qualified for Euro 2012, who are the likely lads who will make the plane to Poland & Ukraine. A 23 man squad, it’s a simple breakdown really,

3 Goalkeepers

8 Defenders

8 Midfielders

4 Strikers

Let’s start with the keepers

Goalkeepers

Shay Given

One of the easier picks, 120 caps and rising, a vital part of this Irish side and one of the most respected keepers in the game. Deserves a big tournament following heroic service and some stunning displays.

Kieran Westwood

A quality keeper, in inspired form for Sunderland as of late, let’s hope he continues to get game time between now and next summer. A great understudy to Shay and a more than ample deputy if called upon.

Darren Randolph

Experiencing a tournament will be beneficial for his development. Whenever Shay Given decides to retire, you would imagine that Westwood will take over and Randolph will be ready to deputise. Clearly though, as is the same with all third choice keepers, he will struggle for minutes on the pitch.

Defenders

John O’ Shea

One of the first names on the team sheet, great experience but more importantly big game experience from his time at Manchester United. On several occasions has stifled some of Europe’s most feared attackers, Thierry Henry in the 2009 Champions League Final springs to mind. Calm and collected on the ball.

Kevin Foley

Enjoying his football at Wolves and has never disappointed when called upon for his country. Reliable.

Sean St. Ledger

Has formed a more than solid defensive partnership with Richard Dunne and you get the feeling that he enjoys playing alongside him. Can be erratic at times but his bravery is one of the hallmarks of this Irish side. Dangerous in the opposition’s box at set pieces.

Richard Dunne

Our most important player, simple as that, I shudder to think what would happen if the big man was to get injured. Deserves more than anyone to play in a major finals having more or less missed out at the World Cup in 2002.

Paul McShane

Comes into the same category as St Ledger, actually don’t think there’s that much between them. Brave and can do a job.

Darren O’ Dea

Some might question his inclusion but the fact of the matter is that Trappatoni likes him. Fabulous performance out in Macedonia where he did very well against Goran Pandev. A traditional centre-half who loves defending.

Stephen Ward

Has made the left back slot his own, consistent form at Wolves has translated well into the international set up. His positioning is sometimes a little suspect but overall he’s a lot better than other left fulls out there.

Stephen Kelly

Has a decent amount of experience on the international scene at this stage and is comfortable in either full back slot. Vital to have flexibility in tournament situations.

Midfielders

Damien Duff

Never lets his country down, always, always turns in a good display, in a side with not too much emphasis on creativity, a heavy burden rests on Duffer’s shoulders. Not a bother to him.

Seamus Coleman

Many people would argue for his inclusion, but I don’t see him playing at right back because John O’ Shea is there and I don’t see him playing wide on the left or on the right because Duff & McGeady have to play and will play in my view. Make no mistake, Coleman will be effective in this tournament, just imagine a full back after spending sixty or seventy minutes defending against Duff or maybe McGeady and on comes Coleman with fresh legs rearing to go, running at defenders. Must be utilised.

Glenn Whelan

Some aren’t his biggest fan, particularly the RTE Panel; the thing is though, if fit, he will play. Whelan has played in almost every competitive international since Trappatoni took over. Trap likes him so he will play. Looks to be a bit heavy legged come the 70 minute mark in games and doesn’t use the ball well enough on occasions. Can pop up with a goal though as was emphasised against Georgia (away) and Italy (home) during the last qualification campaign.

Keith Andrews

Finished the campaign very strongly, particularly in the first leg of the play off in Tallinn where he opened the scoring. Also amongst the goals at his loan club Ipswich. Not a whole pile of craft with the ball but has a good engine. Will start.

Keith Fahy

Many people feel, (myself included) that Fahy warrants a starting berth in this team. Extremely comfortable on the ball, and fantastic delivery from set pieces. Should get a decent amount of time on the pitch this summer.

James McCarthy

A fantastic talent with great potential, I’m just not sure whether or not Trappatoni trusts him entirely. We’ve had the issue with him reporting or not reporting for International duty so you might wonder where exactly he stands with the manager. Within this Irish side ball playing midfielders are not indulged and up to this point McCarthy hasn’t played much so he will need to play in the friendlies leading up to the tournament to stake his claim.

Aiden McGeady

McGeady is our most dangerous attacking option, opposition teams double up on him every time he takes to the field, versatile on either flank, loves cutting in and firing off his right boot but can just as easily take a full back down the line and get his cross in. Vital he stays fit.

Stephen Hunt

It’s exactly the same as Seamus Coleman, Hunt has fantastic energy and a great delivery either from set pieces or from open play.

Strikers

Robbie Keane

Record International goal scorer and has got us out of several tricky situations in the past. As is true of several of the elder statesmen of this team, deserves to grace a big tournament and will have a big part to play. Despite his move stateside, he is a proven and respected goalscorer. Will be interesting to see if he goes out on loan to a European side to maintain sharpness ahead of next summer.

Kevin Doyle

Goals have dried up at International level for the Wexford man. He is aware that Jonathan Walters is on his shoulder but I feel his place in the side is safe. Trappatoni is loyal and unless Doyle suffers an awfully dramatic loss of form, he will start. What he brings to the party? Great focal point for the team, loves competing and making things difficult for centre halves and will run those channels all day. Vital for this Irish side to have an outlet as chances are we’re going be under the cosh quite a bit given the quality of our group opponents.

Jonathan Walters

Fantastic addition to this Irish Squad, great performance in Tallinn in the first leg of the play-off against Estonia. Phenomenal engine and loves chasing lost causes and unnerving defenders, very similar to Doyle and certainly has an important role to play in the Euro’s.

Shane Long

Fantastic consistency for Reading in the Championship last year earned him a big money move to West Brom where he has started well despite his recent injury set back. Explosive pace, and good option to have approaching the closing stages of games.