It would appear to me that Richie Lawlor has been unfairly treated. He really has been shunted all over the place since he first came on the scene a few years ago. To the best of my knowledge he has played midfield, corner forward, half forward, centre forward, half back and centre back. It must be hard on the lad to be moved around so much. Personally I think he's better as a half forward but that's only my opinion. Most on here would say he is not a centre back, struggles even against weaker teams like Antrim and Down. I would say it would do his confidence no harm if he was given a longer spell in the half forward position. I know full well that with the absence of players due to injury the selectors hands are tied somewhat so they are forced to play lads in positions they are not overly familiar with or are not comfortable in. I think it was Doyler who said recently that Richie is a forward and is much better facing the ball. I agree with that 100%.
Replying To Viking66: "Agree about Jack Redmond. He scored 3 from play both the last 2 days. Hopefully he gets his chance in Ennis. Im not sure how matchfit Whelan is, Id maybe start him wingback if hes fully fit and up to speed. Not sure how match ready Kehoe is either. Cillian Byrne would be another Id be wanting to look at in a game before the championship, but not sure how ready he is after his layoff either. Assuming the 3 of them arent ready - Fanning ______ Donohue C Foley Lawlor Reck _______ ______ Hearne Darren Codd Chin Redmond K Foley Roche Cian Byrne
Bring on Rory Higgins and Tucker last 20 minutes when the game opens up. But definitely give them both at least 20 minutes, like a rugby pre arranged substitution, maybe leave them in the dressing room after half time for a proper warm up, bit of contact, bit of fast stickers etc along with the usual stretching, finish off their warm up on the line for a couple minutes running, with 10 seconds sprinting intervals mixed in. Try have them as game ready as possible before they come on. The 2 free slots in the backs between Dempsey, Carley, Wickham, O'Leary. Not sure which 2 without seeing them in training during the week before. Its not critical as regards position these days as that will depend on match ups anyway. Rowley, David Codd, James Byrne, Banville or Wickham in the empty midfield slot. Again, whoever looks best in training next week. Its very encouraging that its getting hard as a supporter to name a best team right now. Competition for places must be savage, and must be driving up the intensity during training. Some of the new coaching practices adopted this year seem to be helping that way too. The lads didnt seem to lack for fight up in Croke Park the last day. All great things for Keith to have going on in the camp in the run up to Championship."
Wouldn't be against Cian Byrne starting but would probably stick with Tucker. He's scored 12 points in 4 league games . Wasn't his best against Dublin but I think he deserves another chance starting
Replying To Magpie2: "It would appear to me that Richie Lawlor has been unfairly treated. He really has been shunted all over the place since he first came on the scene a few years ago. To the best of my knowledge he has played midfield, corner forward, half forward, centre forward, half back and centre back. It must be hard on the lad to be moved around so much. Personally I think he's better as a half forward but that's only my opinion. Most on here would say he is not a centre back, struggles even against weaker teams like Antrim and Down. I would say it would do his confidence no harm if he was given a longer spell in the half forward position. I know full well that with the absence of players due to injury the selectors hands are tied somewhat so they are forced to play lads in positions they are not overly familiar with or are not comfortable in. I think it was Doyler who said recently that Richie is a forward and is much better facing the ball. I agree with that 100%."
Thanks be fair to Richie I'd say he'd start in the goal in Ennis if he was asked, but for me I think if we want to see the best of him that's further up the field
Replying To Afinestick96: "Wouldn't be against Cian Byrne starting but would probably stick with Tucker. He's scored 12 points in 4 league games . Wasn't his best against Dublin but I think he deserves another chance starting"
I rate Tucker highly, but Cian is averaging 3.5 points from play in Championship games he started over the last 2 years. Probably the highest average from play out of all our forwards in those games. And I think with him being late back into the panel he needs the gametime more. I think we will need Cians scoring come Championship. Also Tucker has always been a lad who can come on and play well nearly straight away, all the way up from underage. Would always get a couple points. Thats a rare gift in itself, some lads just arent as good unless they start.
Replying To Afinestick96: "Wouldn't be against Cian Byrne starting but would probably stick with Tucker. He's scored 12 points in 4 league games . Wasn't his best against Dublin but I think he deserves another chance starting"
Definitely but bar injury Byrne will be starting v Kildare. Was always bound to be a bit of a reality check for Kinsella v Dublin after everything he hit v Carlow went over. Learning from the tougher days is all part of it.