Wes Hoolahan still can't find his way into the Ireland squad.

Still no place for Norwich City’s Wes Hoolahan in Ireland squad

Monday, July 23, 2012
8:43 AM

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has dispensed with the services of his old guard for next month’s friendly clash with Serbia – but still couldn’t find a place for Norwich City’s Wes Hoolahan.

Despite the 30-year-old’s impressive form in the Premier League last season with the Canaries, Trappatoni has decided against giving Hoolahan the chance to add to the one cap he won for Ireland in 2009 against Colombia.

Trappatoni has left thirty-somethings Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Damien Duff, Keith Andrews, Stephen Hunt and skipper Robbie Keane out of the 23-man party for the game in Belgrade on August 15.

However, their absence does not mean their international careers are over with Trapattoni keen to call upon some, if not all, of them once the World Cup qualifying campaign gets under way in Kazakhstan in September.

In the meantime, he will give some of his younger players – in particular Stoke’s Marc Wilson, Everton’s Seamus Coleman and Wigan midfielder James McCarthy, who asked not to be considered for the Euro 2012 finals as his father underwent cancer treatment – a chance to prove themselves at senior international level.

Trapattoni said: “This friendly offers us a great opportunity to try out younger players ahead of our World Cup qualifying campaign. As a result, I have decided to leave some of our senior players out of the squad for this fixture.

“Serbia are a very good team with a great football heritage, and will provide us with a great test before our game against Kazakhstan in September.”

Trapattoni had informed his senior men in advance that they would not be involved.

He also revealed that Wolves defender Kevin Foley, who accused the manager of betrayal after he was deselected from the squad for the Euros during the pre-tournament training camp in Montecatini, had rejected an offer to return, although not necessarily permanently.

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13 comments

Where`s Road Warrior gone?? Perhaps he`s taken the bike over to Italy for a visit to Trapattoni? Make him make Wessi and offer he can`t refuse?

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Mad Brewer

Thursday, July 26, 2012
On Irish news articles about squad announcement there's lots of comments about Wes, with the vast majority annoyed he's not in the squad. Interesting to see it's not just Norwich fans thinking that way!

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Tartan Canary

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
I`ve always had a "soft spot" for the ROI National Team and will them to do well. But watching them in the Euros was embarrassing. No sign of leadership, tactics or quality in the team. Certainly NOT international quality; somewhere between a moderate L1 team and a struggling Champ one, say 1p5wich. This is a crying shame, there must be sufficient quality players available to do better than that, Wes included. What about Pilks, too? Or even Mrs Doyle.... I wonder if our old pal Road Warrior has been struck dumb by the awfulness of it all?

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Mad Brewer

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Why not send a free ticket [and a road map] to Mr Trappatoni then he can watch a player with the class and style his team needs.Maybe also provide a free eye test

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wivenhoebudgie

Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Watched the last Irish WC game in an Irish bar in Manchester. There were only about 15 of us in there. I'm about 12th generation as well. Awful performance. Lacked Wes's ability to raid the flank + cut inside. No wonder no-one turned up to watch. The landlady had made several huge trays of butties anticipating a crowded bar + ended up carrying them round the pub like Mrs. Doyle in Father Ted..."Would ya lokie a little sandwich lads? Arr go on, go on, go on, go on. go on......"..

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Timbo

Monday, July 23, 2012
There's a fairly obvious reason why he doesn't get in the squad....he simply isn't good enough. He gives the ball away far to often to play in the Premier league, let alone international football. When I was speaking to him recently he knew he had to up his game, but was more concerned with trying to avoid relegation with City than getting into the Irish squad. Ged - Model, legend, leader.

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Ged Steroo

Monday, July 23, 2012
Yes, he`s Italian. Local pub; Nag`s Head. Sleeps with part of a dead horse.

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Mad Brewer

Monday, July 23, 2012
Is Traps Italian? His favourite pub is the Nag`s Head, but he`s never made Hoolahoop an offer he can`t refuse.

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Mad Brewer

Monday, July 23, 2012
Is Trap italian?? Dont want WH playing for Ireland - great for him but what if he is injured? And why would the Irish want a great midfielder when they have so many mediocre ones to choose from?

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Geffy1

Monday, July 23, 2012
Perhaps they have checked Hooligan out and found that he is Welsh after all!!!!!!!!

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blackdog2

Monday, July 23, 2012
CovCan, I dread to imagine what Road Warrior is thinking just now! Trapps is a busted flush. An aged Don who`s lost his tomatoes. As you say, it may be good for Naaridge, but Wessi warrants so much more. SCANDALOUS.

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Mad Brewer

Monday, July 23, 2012
Traps is clearly starting to lose the plot. What has WH guy got to do after all his efforts for the team over the last 3 years and Ireland's performance at the euro's? Good news for the team as it means there is a better chance of him being fit for the start of the new season but he deserves his chance.

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CovCanary

Monday, July 23, 2012
Sadness. Madness. Badness.

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Mad Brewer

Monday, July 23, 2012

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