GreenScene » Ireland Euro 2012 Squad Preview: Goalkeepers

Ireland Euro 2012 Squad Preview: Goalkeepers

30 April 2012 2,325 views 9 Comments Written by Ronan

All this week, GreenScene will be looking at the possible candidates for Giovanni Trapattoni’s 23 man Republic of Ireland Euro 2012 squad. Part One looks at Ireland’s goalkeeping options.

DEFINITES

Shay Given
Age: 36
Club: Aston Villa
Caps: 121
Debut: 1996 v Russia

Barring injury, the most capped Irish international is a guaranteed starter in all of Ireland’s games at Euro 2012. He has been first choice since Giovanni Trapattoni took over back in 2008, and played 11 qualifying games, keeping six clean sheets. Was also Ireland’s number one at the 2002 World Cup.

Keiren Westwood
Age: 27
Club: Sunderland
Caps: 8
Debut: 2009 v Nigeria

Made his senior Irish debut under Trapattoni just three years ago, but is already considered by many to be the successor to Shay Given. Stood in for Given when the Ireland #1 was injured last March, pulling off some impressive saves against FYR Macedonia in qualifying. Injury this season saw him dropped to the bench by Sunderland, but had an impressive spell before he was displaced by Simon Mignolet.

PROBABLES

David Forde
Age: 32
Club: Millwall
Caps: 2
Debut: 2011 v Northern Ireland

Made his Irish debut just last year, coming on for Given in the Carling Nations Cup, before going on to play the full 90 minutes against Italy in June. Has yet to concede a goal in the Irish net, and has been a regular in Trapattoni’s squads since last summer. Was Millwall’s first choice for the majority of the season until they signed Maik Taylor in March.

POSSIBLES

Darren Randolph
Age: 24
Club: Motherwell
Caps: 0
Debut: N/A

Surprisingly, Wicklowman Darren Randolph has still not made his Ireland debut. Was included in the squad for the first time last year when Given was injured, and was on the bench for Ireland’s Carling Nations Cup games. Having an impressive season with Motherwell, keeping 13 clean sheets in 35 games so far, and could play in the Champions League next season. Could be a possible call-up as he has the most first team experience of any Irish goalkeeper this season.

Stephen Henderson
Age: 23
Club: West Ham United
Caps: 0
Debut: N/A

The nephew of former Ireland international goalkeeper Wayne Henderson, Stephen has yet to appear for the senior side, having only received his first international call-up in February for the Czech Republic friendly. He was Portsmouth’s first choice this season until they were forced to loan him out to West Ham in order to save money. One for the future, but unlikely to be on the plane to Poland.

Brian Murphy
Age: 28
Club: Queens Park Rangers
Caps: 0
Debut: N/A

Brian Murphy’s first Irish call-up was for the World Cup 2010 Qualifying Playoff with France, but he has still not made his debut. Murphy has been in a few Irish squads since, but not since the Macedonia qualifier last June. As he is also a backup at QPR, he’s unlikely to be called up.

Joe Murphy
Age: 30
Club: Coventry City
Caps: 2
Debut: 2003 v Turkey

With a seven year gap between his two appearances for Ireland, Joe Murphy might have to wait until 2017 for his next Irish cap. He made his debut in 2003 under Brian Kerr, coming on for Nick Colgan against Turkey, and in 2010 he returned to the Ireland fold under Trap, replacing Westwood against Algeria.

Paddy Kenny
Age: 33
Club: QPR
Caps: 7
Debut: 2004 v Jamaica

Overlooked by Giovanni Trapattoni, Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has insisted he is not retired from international football despite not appearing since 2006. It’s highly unlikely Kenny will want to return to be second or third choice behind Given and Westwood.

Colin Doyle
Age: 26
Club: Birmingham City
Caps: 1
Debut: 2007 v Ecuador

One of the many players awarded a first cap during Steve Staunton’s USA Tour, many fans have been calling for Doyle’s recall to the Ireland set-up thanks to his impressive finish to the season with Chris Hughton’s promotion-chasing Birmingham City. A big outsider.

9 Comments »

Rupert said:

Paddy Kenny should be going instead of David Forde who is only a sub for Millwall behind Maik Taylor. If not Kenny then Colin Doyle should go. He is starting regularly for Birmingham. Third choice keepers hardly matter but I prefer if all our best players were picked by Trapattoni.

# 30 April 2012 at 10:46 pm

Jacko said:

add ryan meara to this list now. more choices than the english!

# 1 May 2012 at 2:13 pm

IrishRI said:

What’s the point in bringing three goalkeepers? I know UEFA made it a rule but it’s stupid.

# 1 May 2012 at 4:02 pm

Paul said:

Kind comments for Westwood. He was ok for Sunderland, but Simon Mignolet is a much, much better goalie. Westwood will need to get back to the Championship in order to start again.

# 1 May 2012 at 6:24 pm

Pat said:

Doyle or Henderson should be the third choice keeper. Both have played very well this season for their respective clubs. Doyle seems to be in great for over the last few weeks and will feature in the playoffs.

# 2 May 2012 at 11:36 am

GreenScene » Ireland Euro 2012 Squad Preview: Defenders said:

[...] Part One: Goalkeepers [...]

# 2 May 2012 at 2:06 pm

GreenScene » Ireland Euro 2012 Squad Preview: Midfielders said:

[...] Part One: Goalkeepers Part Two: Defenders [...]

# 5 May 2012 at 9:21 am

GreenScene » Ireland Euro 2012 Squad Preview: Forwards said:

[...] Part One: Goalkeepers Part Two: Defenders Part Three: Midfielders [...]

# 7 May 2012 at 8:42 am

GreenScene » Live: Republic of Ireland Euro 2012 Squad Announcement said:

[...] list. During the past week, we have looked at the possible squad members, check them all out here: Part One: Goalkeepers Part Two: Defenders Part Three: Midfielders Part Four: [...]

# 7 May 2012 at 2:02 pm