Caoimhin Kelleher: Was far less busy compared to Saturday. Did the basics well and could do little about either goal. 6
Andrew Omombamidele: Considering he was playing in the unfamiliar position of right back, Omobamidele did okay, showing good composure on the ball. However, he was clearly more comfortable on the defensive rather than the attacking side of the game. 6
Nathan Collins: Decent on the ball, but will disappointed at not being able to stop Tzolis for the killer second goal. 5
Dara O’Shea: His pinpoint crossfield balls caused the Greeks some problems but was part of an Irish backline that stood off and afforded Ioannidis far too much space for the opener. 6
Robbie Brady: Slightly improved compared to Saturday but didn’t offer enough in attack, with his set-piece prowess not having the desired effect. 5
Chiedozie Ogbene: Linked up well with Will Smallbone on a couple of occasions and was desperately close to scoring a first-half goal but faded after half-time as the Greeks effectively combated his threat. 6
Jayson Molumby: No shortage of commitment to the cause as ever, but didn’t stamp his influence on the game often enough with the visitors winning the midfield battle. 5
Alan Browne: Blazed over a good chance in the first half and didn’t really do enough to justify his starting spot. 5
Jason Knight: His work-rate was part of the reason why the midfield looked a bit more secure compared to Saturday but like many Irish players, faded in the second half and gave away some silly free kicks. 5
Will Smallbone: Looked much more comfortable in an advanced role and was heavily involved in some of Ireland’s best attacking moves but couldn’t quite provide that killer instinct, unfortunately. 6
Sammie Szmodics: Looked lively at times and offered something different to Adam Idah but didn’t have many chances as he still awaits his first international goal. 5
Substitutes: The likes of Evan Ferguson and Kasey McAteer just couldn’t influence a tight game and didn’t have enough of the ball in the right areas. 5
I don’t know how City keep selling these players for that type money. I’m beginning to think it’s just a figure released to press rather than actual price paid.(8 goals in Championship for 20mil)
He’s rebuffed Ireland a few times as far as I know.
The price tag is abhorrent given the amount of goals he has scored on loan in the championship. He hasn’t looked a player worth a third of that in his overall play. Given what AZ payed for Parrott, a similar fee would possibly be justified, given the two players are about the same level at the moment.
@John Clifford: It’s all due to FFP, they won’t get half that but they can write the total
off. They’re all at it. Villa & Everton just “sold” academy players no one ever heard of for similar money, to each other! Legal loopholes to allow big clubs cheat the rulebook, absolute BS
@John Clifford: 15 million plus a potential 5 million in add ons, he’s 21 with loads of potential, it’s the market unfortunately.
We don’t really need a striker we mainly need midfielders. But I wouldn’t mind if he chose to represent Ireland.
@ashton oriordan: does he have a long throw, our new manager is fond of the long throw tactic
Ask him once and once only if he says no never again
Hopefully some smooth talking Icelandic charm can woo him to play for us. But if he gets to England level, then he’ll choose them due to much greater financial rewards/sponsorship. Evan Ferguson is not guaranteed starting roles in the PL, so ireland need all extra options.
@John Pembroke: right, not because he thinks he’s good enough to be English, or the fact that he was born and raised there, no, he’ll only play for ‘financial’ reasons.
COYBs
Never play for us. He would have long ago if he was interested
@Simon Dwyer: Can’t see him playing for England with his track record in the championship. Maybe next, P. Bramford? Maybe he can get some goals and get capped by England once.
so fed ye y