Noddy

The last few games we've watched I think he's connected to every free-kick and corner into the box so it's only a matter of time. And you can't forget that he's sometimes deployed as an extra striker towards the end of games. The most recent being the Ireland U21 game away to Turkey where in ten minutes, he'd had more chances than the team had in the entire game. I'd say you'd get decent odds.

Why do you think that? I would never rule it out personally. If the right club came in for him and he was sure to be playing competitive first team football, I don't see why not.

Scunthorpe it is. Another Irish U21 international plays centre back for them too. Interesting stuff.

I've seen myself quoted around the interweb so I must be! I'd agree with this, although I'd argue that form should be penalised and rewarded. Barkley for example slotted straight into the first team without having "proved himself" at the highest level. Now Barkley is undoubtedly an amazing talent but there is plenty of talent at Everton worthy of a chance.

I feel like a celebrity.

I'd love to see Shane get a chance in this game. Heard he was solid against Bohs alongside Heitinga and I can say he was absolutely outstanding in Ireland's last U21 game with Austria. It would do his confidence wonders if Moyes gave him the nod for a competitive game.

Great player with a brilliant attitude.

I can tell you, as an Irishman from Derry, that the statement is truthful. There is a significant minority who want nothing to do with being British/Northern Irish. The Northern Ireland team was never the natural national team for me or my family, because well, it's not my national team. My national identity is represented by the Irish national team, that is, the FAI team. I would have maybe kept an eye out for a result or two, but I would never have travelled to Belfast to watch the IFA team play, rather I travelled to Dublin to watch my national team. The quotes from Shane Duffy, Darron Gibson, Marc Wilson and almost every other kid who's made the switch indicate the same feeling - and it's not just a feeling - it is a legal and cultural fact. They are Irish in every sense. People from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are technically British, whether one likes it or not. The difference is that in Northern Ireland, there are people who do not wish to represent what is an overtly British entity, because they'd rather play for a a team which, well, is representative of their identity and they are rightly allowed to do so.

It's a long read, but I think it's worth it. I find the whole thing fascinating.

Right full back, left winger and striker are the priority positions. Beyond that, the youth players need to be blended into the squad. Gueye, Barkley etc.

Hi guys, I just thought I'd share this essay done by a friend of mine on the eligibility issue. I am sure there are quite a few Irish Evertonians with an interest in the matter and it is an excellent resource for those less than versed in the whole affair. Let me know what you think of it. Link: http://playereligibilityinireland.blogspot.com/2011/06/fifa-player-eligibility-in-context-of.html

The dangers of a typo on the world wide web!

Finished 4-0 - their heaviest league defeat of the season. Maybe he shouldn't have dropped Shane!

I can't really comment on Shane's performance last week since I didn't see it, but it's odd that he's been dropped after walking straight into the team and acquitting himself well enough, drawing praise from Howe himself.

I missed the highlights on the Football League Show, but I hope to catch them Sunday. It always amazes me how two people can watch the same game and see two competely different performances. I suppose that's part of the fun of watching the game. According to some, Shane had a tremendous debut and showed great composure, awareness and passing range for an untried youngster, while others saw a raw, nervous player who made mistakes. I tend to think that some people might not know what they're talking about, sometimes. Don't the best defenders in the world make mistakes or have bad days at the office? Time will tell whether Shane will be a star. He might not have blown away the spectators on his first game at Burnley, but I think it's obvious that he has the potential to mix it with the pros at the highest level.

Shane made his debut for Burnley today in the 2-1 defeat to Ipswich. Played the full 90 and had a decent game by all accounts, considering it was only his third senior appearance and first since his injury. Here's a bit on Burnley's website about it: http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/page/LatestHeadlines/0,,10413~2329680,00.html Hopefully he can build on this experience.

Do you think Moyes would want to let Shane go if Burnley came in with an offer? I suspect Moyes sees this move as the next step in Shane's development. @Louis - Barton's reason for declaring for the FAI over the IFA is different to Shane's situation; Shane declared for the FAI because that is his national team, whereas Barton seems to be acting a bit of a mercenary. Apparently Barton wasn't sure who to play for between England, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Not sure Matt. I think Howe is keen on him though, he likes what he sees. Shane played fairly well for the U21s yesterday. He won all his headers and was very composed in possession (even found time to nutmeg a striker!). Ireland were unlucky to lose 2-0, because they were the better team for most of the game - they scored a cracker from 25 yard in the last minute, then our 'keeper lost his mind shortly after, trying to take on the striker instead of putting his foot through the ball. Joao Silva played, as did Bebe. Didn't do much at all as Ireland controlled the midfield and the defence mopped up everything.

Just came on at half time.

The IFA lost emphatically in the Summer of 2010. Shane's right to play for Ireland wasn't contested by the IFA, even though they used the publicity from his switch to launch their case. Shane's change was put on hold until after the CAS case for whatever reason. He played for the U19s a few months back. He's started on the bench today, but he played the whole game against Cyprus U21s a few weeks back. Hopefully he gets some time on the pitch.

...and girls will be trouble!

That baffles me to be honest. Where did you come across that?!

I'm not too sure, but those two lads seem to be playing more for the U18 side, while Shane partners Mustafi and sometimes Nsiala in the reserve defence (I think Mustafi must be injured, because he hasn't played recently).

What two newbies are those?

Pretty much. A lot, but certainly not all, of Northern Ireland fans also happen to support Rangers. If Shane went to Celtic, he would probably get twice the abuse from those guys. To be honest, it might not be the best of ideas, especially in light of the recent bullet nonsense with Neil Lennon, Paddy McCourt and Niall McGinn - and those guys actually played and play for Northern Ireland! Regarding the call-up - fantastic news and it's a very strong squad that includes Conor Clifford, James McCarthy and Robbie Brady. Shane needs all the football he can get, especially seeing as no loan deal seems to be forthcoming anymore.