Seasons  »  2015-16  »  Everton News

Blues in Euro2016 qualifying action

04/09/2015  15 Comments  [Jump to last]
Steven Naismith was a starter for Scotland as they lost to Georgia in Tbilisi while James McCarthy was named in the Republic of Ireland's starting XI.

The Everton man was named in a forward line that included Sunderland's Steven Fletcher but the Scots fell behind seven minutes before the break when they failed to deal with a ball into the box and Valeri Qazaishvili fired home.

Naismith had a goal ruled out for a foul in the second half before being withdrawn by Gordon Strachan with an hour played.

In the same group, Gibraltar hosted Ireland and McCarthy was the only one of three Toffeeman to start. Seamus Coleman, who isn't risked due to a tight hamstring, and Aiden McGeady were named among the substitutes.  

Reader Comments (15)

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Christy Ring
1 Posted 04/09/2015 at 19:20:42
Coleman has a tight hamstring, hope he's ok for Chelsea game.
Dave Abrahams
2 Posted 04/09/2015 at 20:53:58
In an U19 England game, Jonjoe Kenny was given a straight red card for saving a certain goal with his hands. Could be an alternative for Howard if he grows a few inches.
Paul Kossoff
3 Posted 04/09/2015 at 21:01:25
International injury jinx strikes again. Please, God, no more, and all our players come back fit, even McGeady.
David Watson
6 Posted 05/09/2015 at 01:40:04
I know we have no Everton players on the Northern Ireland team but we are top of our group with three games to go. Just thought I would say that as it may not happen again in my lifetime.
Ciaran Duff
7 Posted 05/09/2015 at 05:02:34
Fair play to Norn Iron David.
Liam Reilly
8 Posted 05/09/2015 at 09:40:52
See Mori started for the Argies against Bolivia. He's got to have something about him if he can start in that side.

Could turn out to be a good bit of business this.

Dave Abrahams
9 Posted 05/09/2015 at 10:34:41
Liam, he nearly scored with a header from a Messi free kick. He must learn from playing with the great players Argentina have.
Kieran Kinsella
11 Posted 05/09/2015 at 12:47:12
David Watson, it's great to see Northern Ireland doing well.

The likes of Gibson and Shane Duffy will feel a bit foolish for switching allegiance if NI qualify and Eire don't.

Jim Jennings
12 Posted 05/09/2015 at 13:31:24
Hardly, Kieran; their decision to play for ROI rather than Norn Iron wasn't based on having a greater chance of success.
Nick Entwistle
13 Posted 06/09/2015 at 18:55:20
What's the reason, Jim? I was thinking the same as Kieran.
Jim Jennings
14 Posted 06/09/2015 at 21:37:13
Nick,

There's a spot of history to Northern Ireland's existence and many Northern Irish Catholics feel more of an affinity to the RoI team rather than the NI team and unfortunately, Windsor Park hasn't always been the most welcoming environment to Northern Irish Catholics. Similar reasons for Wilson and McClean playing for RoI.

Philip Bunting
15 Posted 06/09/2015 at 22:03:52
Just like to add... the Northern Ireland fans have received and rightly so plaudits for the way they conduct themselves. A lot has changed over the years and if Northern Ireland make it, they will be the first from a pot 5 team.
Nick Entwistle
16 Posted 07/09/2015 at 16:25:01
Cheers, Jim. Though I'm sure if N.I. were dominant over ROI as in the 80s then this may not have happened. There's a chance all UK teams and Ireland will qualify and that would be superb!

Jim Jennings
17 Posted 07/09/2015 at 19:43:31
I doubt that would have been the case Nick but you never know - it runs more deep rooted than that for some.

NI and Wales qualifying is fantastic, hopefully the financial windfall their FAs get will be invested wisely in developing the game. Unfortunately it looks like one of ROI or Scotland for a play off spot

Steve Jenkins
18 Posted 08/09/2015 at 04:34:38
Well done, Northern Ireland!

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