Ireland ditch Villa stars

[Nastylee]

You may have seen the latest Irish squad doesn't include Given or Dunne. Whilst this is understandable as they seek a more youthful squad, why is Ciaran Clark not in? I mean, he plays regularly in the PL and the Irish squad contains some right donkeys.

Edited for the twits amongst us

[Matt Collins]

I wondered about this too. Perhaps because he's not been playing centre back for villa

I also wonder why people still can't spell the guy's name properly!

[Ger Regan]

Ireland Rest Villa Stars would have made a more accurate headline.

[Chipsticks]

I'm not sure I'd go as far to say that Clark 'plays regularly in the Premier League', and as for Given and Dunne I imagine they're trying to ease the old guard out after the pair had a shocking time at the Euro's.

I do hope Clarkey gets his chance though, and I'm sure he will.

[Dante Lavelli]

I spoke to a friend about that before the euros.  He said that Clarke pulled out of a few squads (for friendlies) a year or so back and Trap has never forgiven him.

[PeterWithesShin]

Who is this Clarke fella everyone is on about? I've not seen him in the first team.

[Chris Jameson]

Who is this Clarke fella everyone is on about? I've not seen him in the first team.

Think Macleish signed him.

[TheTimVilla]

Who is this Clarke fella everyone is on about? I've not seen him in the first team.

Think Macleish signed him.

Let's hope he's off Houghton's radar.

[Matt Collins]

I really hope Lamberd gives him a chance

[Pete3206]

Villa ditch Ireland is the headline I'm waiting for.

[Mister E]

Villa ditch Ireland is the headline I'm waiting for.

LOL.
Clark should be in the Irish squad - blimey, they need a little class in there.

[darren woolley]

I really hope Lamberd gives him a chance

This.

[brontebilly]

Clark was hopeless at left back in a friendly a year or so ago. Also didnt show up for another squad that he was supposed to or at least his excuse was unconvincing.

should definitely be in this squad though. given and dunne are only being rested and will be back. without dunne we are relying on jokers like darren o'dea and mcshane as cover at centre half.

Stephen Ireland was supposed to be coming back or at least his missus said he was anyway after the Euros. Evidently that isnt the case either.

[peter w]

That'll serve Clark for choosing the wrong country.

[Irish villain]

Trap has his favourites and generally will pick players who have been/are likely to be loyal to him and his system.

The current Irish football regime isn't really a meritocracy.