Alex Pearce call-up

[sputnik]

With the call-up that he's been hoping for, albeit being drafted in to replace O'Shea & O'Dea in the squad for the game against mighty Oman, where do folk think he stands quality-wise in the Irish centre-back pecking order ?

[GSY-Royal]

With the call-up that he's been hoping for, albeit being drafted in to replace O'Shea & O'Dea in the squad for the game against mighty Oman, where do folk think he stands quality-wise in the Irish centre-back pecking order ?

Easily better than St Ledger and O'Dea, and Richard Dunne has been on a rapid decline for years. He's probably a better keeper than Shay Given at the moment too.

[RockheadRumple]

Looking at the others I'd go as far to say he's one of, if not, the best centreback in the Irish team. Who's he got for competition, St. Ledger? O'Dea? Give me a break, he's head and sholdours above those players. I was astonished when he didn't get a call up to the Euro's squad actually, especially after such a brilliant season.

[_royal]

Trappatoni hardly has history with making good squad decisions - He was starting Cox ahead of both Doyle and Long at the Euros

[Blakey's Right Peg]

Very surprised that he is not in contention to start for Ireland during qualifying, given his main competition.

Hopefully he'll get a game against Oman and Trapattoni will see his credentials.

[Davezk]

About time. He's far better than the majority of their previous defenders, St Ledger, O'dea et al.

[Royal Ginger]

Put's up his value for us if we eventually sell. (Which i sincerely hope we don't for a long time)

[Rax]

Far better than St Ledger and well as for "No Oi'dea" - I can only assume Trappitoni has lost his marbles!

Was it Brian or Bodgers that rightfully showed O'Dea the door?

[peterroyal76]

So he doesn't want to be Scottish anymore then?

[blueroyals]

Hopefully Pearce will remind old Trap that Harte is actually Irish.

"I didn't realise he was Irish"

If an England manager pulled that shit there would be a national outcry.

[cmonurz]

So he doesn't want to be Scottish anymore then?

[Pseud O'Nym]

Was it Brian or Bodgers that rightfully showed O'Dea the door?

Rodgers both brought him in and stopped playing him IIRC.

[From Despair To Where?]

I think there was an option to extend his loan which Brian didn't take up. After bigging him up as having Champions League credentials, Rogers never really played him.

Still good news that Pearce is being recognised for his excellent form over the past couple of seasons.

[facaldaqui]

I think there was an option to extend his loan which Brian didn't take up. After bigging him up as having Champions League credentials, Rogers never really played him.

Still good news that Pearce is being recognised for his excellent form over the past couple of seasons.

Glad he's been called up; it will give him a bit of purpose for now (I'm slightly worried about the effect of this long aimless layoff on the stay-home part of our squad).

[sputnik]

Pretty much agree with everything said here.
I've never rated O'Shea, Dunne's best years are definitely behind him though he may stay in the squad a little longer, and with McShane and St Ledger only playing championship football and O'Dea now in Canada I reckon the place is up for grabs. Villa's Clarke may get another call up, though he's still fairly inexperienced, and the Irish under 21 squad don't have anyone who looks ready to step up, though there may well be someone playing for England or Scotland who is yet to swap allegiance!
If he keeps performing and improving for Reading like he has, I reckon Alex will soon enough be one of the first names on the sheet and could even be captaining Ireland by the time Euro 2016 comes round, and hopefully he will still be wearing the Reading shirt.
Anyone know his contract status?

[E. Andrew]

So he doesn't want to be Scottish anymore then?

Playing for Scottland is also his dream come true, depending on the day.

[USA_Loyal_Royal]

Trap's starting decisions have always made me question him. Starting Doyle or cox over long is bullshit. Doyle is absolutely worthless now and cox doesnt have as much quality as long on shane's worst day. But I agree with everyday else pearcey deserves a shout he is better than the other cb's in Ireland.

[sandman]

Doyle was worth quite a lot to them the other day.

[cmonurz]

So he doesn't want to be Scottish anymore then?

Playing for Scottland is also his dream come true, depending on the day.

[marcusopp]

Personally, i'd rather be selfish and not have too many of our guys playing regularly at international level, in case they get injured/ knackered etc. Although we've at least got some cover in his position now with Maps (also an international!).