Ireland. Has there ever been a less committed player?

[The Left Side]

1. How much is Ireland on, is it true it is around 60k a week?

2. Is it true that we have not won a game that he has played in and he did not win a game with citeh in his last 10 appearances too?

[Clampy]

I'm still optimistic Ireland can come good. Ok, it has'nt worked for him as yet and yesterday he did'nt do himself any favours but the majority of us were chuffed to bits when he signed so that for me points towards the fact that we have a bloody good player there.

I think we need to forget about him being Milner's replacement (who incidentally has'nt pulled up any trees at Man City yet either) and let him settle into his own game. He's good enough to, it's just up to him if he wants it or not.

[Holte L2]

I was severley angry with Ireland's performance yesterday. I don't think he's got the attitude to put his head down and graft. Possibly the perfect example of the modern player. He was out In Manchester with Young and Emile after the United game FFS.

As for less committed players.....Fashanu and Paul Mortimer anybody?

[DeKuip]

Just read on the Sky News website that a Mr Osborne (Isaiah I'm presuming) said today:
"Ireland is a friend in need and it is in our national interest that we should be prepared to help at this difficult time."
Now that's what I call team spirit.

[jimmygreen]

I'd say he deserves time but it's not quite like Downing's problem (fitness, settling down) it's metal and it doesn't seem rectifiable.

He's certainly not worth his weight in gold at the moment, he needs to show a lot more steel or he'll zinc like a stone.

Or a lead balloon.

Haha!

Is "yampy" a real word by the way?  I rather like it.  I remember Troy's theory too, I just thought it was a bit poncey but now it's clear that he's the second coming of Freud.  Who'd have thought it.

yampy  (ˈjæmpɪ) 
 
— n   
 dialect  ( Midland English ) a foolish person 

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition

Though I've always used it as 'he's a bit yampy him...', which is obviously incorrect - but with sufficient usage that Victoria Coren will be knocking on the door.

[joe_c]

I remarked after the Blackpool game that it was as if we'd signed Sasa Curcic again. Dave Woodhall pointed out that at least Curcic had a good debut.

[Big Dick Edwards]

Ireland has all the ability required to be a top player for us.

It's the manager's job to work out if Ireland needs the kick up the arse or the arm round the shoulder method of motivation.

As for players who didn't give a toss, there was nobody in living memory more guilty than Nigel Callaghan.

[bob]

Get rid of the ******. Dunne can fuck off too.

[ROBBO]

He is a totally different player to Milner, he has better skills as shown in the first couple of minutes on Sunday but he doesn't have Milners aggression or motor. I think he's getting tired of running to a good position and being totally ignored. Reputation is everything and when Pires came on there would have been Villa players frightened not to pass to him when he called.

[curiousorange]

It strikes me that I've never seen Ireland run more than six yards with the ball at his feet. All I recall from his City days were incisive, darting runs and barnstorming finishes. He just doesn't seem to enjoy being near the football right now.

[hawkeye]

He is probably the most talented footballer we have and that is according to the guys who have played with him and like Collymore sadly that isnt enough, because to achieve greatness you have got to have your head screwed on the right way, by the way it would not be a suprise that Ireland is aware of this thread.

[villa1]

Won't do him any harm to read it.

[Jimbo]

Stevie, if you're reading, I didn't mean it about the puffin.

[Reality]

Obviously doesn't want to be here. Is he still living in the north west or did he move to Brum?

Which is a shame as I was very exciting about him coming here and proving himself. As for Dunne, he is starting to show his old age now.

[PaulTheVillan]

Something isn't quite right with the lad, which is a shame as we know he's a quality player.

I hope he does turn it around, like how Downing has done.