Ireland 1 Bolivia 1 (Long) US Cup.

26 May 07
Better opposition this time. Better result so. At the back we looked suspect, but going forward the young lads have been exciting. The crossing from the wings has struck me as really good. Alan O'Brien particularly. Someone tell the Liverpool team about how to cross a ball... you have to curl it so it curves out for the on-coming striker....sounds simple but Liverpool NEVER do it. They float the cross up and then down, so the striker gets no power on it....

I read some criticism today of US based Joe Lapira getting a chance ahead of Eircom League players in the Equador game. My initial reaction was quite positive in my last post so I better defend myself...

If the player is good enough then it doesnt matter where they are from...IT REALLY DOESNT MATTER. If they are not good enough, then it also doesnt matter where they are from... To be honest I dont think Staunton will pick anyone for key games who isnt atleast Championship standard in England. If Lapira proves to be that level then he deserves a chance, but if he isnt, then we probably wont see him again.

Americans generally are honest, determined and athletic in their sport. They have pride. They get a bit gooey about Ireland, and that could be quite attractive if the player is good enough.

Ireland 1 Equador 1 (Doyle) US Cup.

23 May 07
Stayed up late for this one, but what a game! Such a great effort from the young lads. Potter did well in the middle. Hunt and Doyletake great credit for coming along on the trip after such a big season with Reading. Staunton again has shown his commitment to bringing new young players through. The American lad, Joe Lapira from Notre Dame Uni (?!) made an interesting introduction. Surely there are players from the US who would qualify and would no doubt burst a gut for Ireland...