Talking Points

With the return of English Premier League football, how many of the 32 Irish players registered with English clubs will play in the EPL this season?
Noe Baba has signed for Championship side Birmingham City after his release by Fulham, can he progress to their first team?
It's less than a month to the Euro 2016 qualifiers, will there be any new call ups for those games?
After missing Aston Villa's opener against Bournemouth through injury, will Jack Grealish get a chance to impress the management side before the squad is announced?
Josh Cullen has already appeared three times this season for West Ham in the Europa League, should he be called into the squad to avoid a future tug of war with England for his services?
Similarly, Cillian Sheridan has found the back of the net three times already for new club Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League, is this enough to give the Cavan-born striker his first call up by the manager?
After impressing for Orlando City, Sean St Ledger has signed for Colorado Rapids. Despite playing in the MLS, should he be brought back into the senior setup?
Promising youth midfielder Jack Byrne is on loan in Holland with SC Cambuur, with the U21 campaign yet to complete, should he be promoted to the senior side?
Of the sides promoted to the Championship, who is a prospect for a senior cap? Greg Cunningham is the obvious choice, as a natural left full, but has he spent enough time at a high enough standard to be ready to return to international football?
Several players have been released by sides in England, and Scotland, over the summer. What can be done to entice them to return to play in the League of Ireland, alongside Damien Duff, Keith Fahey, Paddy Madden and Ian Morris?

Talking Points

Darron Gibson has come off the bench for Everton in their last two league games, after almost three months out with an injury, is he going to appear for Ireland in a month's time?
Sean St Ledger is reportedly going to sign for Orlando City SC very soon, will he return to the national side, will Martin O'Neill or Roy Keane be flying to the Citrus Bowl to watch him?
Will Shane Long's return to Southampton, albeit as an unused substitute, what strikers will be looking to impress the management ahead of the squad announcement?
Robbie Brady has been impressing for Hull City in recent weeks in a left wing-back berth, should he be playing there for Ireland, or as an out and out winger?
Stephen Ireland has started three games in a row for Stoke for the first time this season. Let's just leave that one alone....
Kevin Doyle appeared for Wolves for the first time in over a year with a second half substitute appearance, should he look to push in the starting XI, or pursue a rumoured move to the MLS?
With Everton facing a striker shortage, can U21 striker Sam Byrne force his way into the first team at Goodison Park?
Conor Clifford scored for on Barnet at the weekend, can he make a return to league football?
Kevin Walker made his debut for Djurgårdens in their Swedish Cup game, can he make it to the senior Irish side?
The U19s are playing two friendlies against Azerbaijan in Tallaght Stadium this week ahead of the elite round qualifiers in Germany in a month's time. What players from the side will look to appear for the senior side?

Talking Points

Lamar Neagle of Seattle Sounders has expressed an interest in playing for the Republic of Ireland, but does he have the ability to replace one of the current squad's wingers - McClean, McGeady, Brady, or Pilkington?
Sean St Ledger is currently on trial at new MLS franchise Orlando City SC, after failing to get a contract at DC United, what would playing in Florida do for his international prospects?
Staying the MLS, with Kevin Doyle linked to Colorado Rapids, will a move to Denver affect his position in the Ireland squad?
Another recent exile is Kevin Foley, after moving to FC Kobenhavn of Denmark. Currently lying second in the Superliga, can playing on the continent get the full back into the senior side?
Kevin Walker scored a superb free kick for his new club Djurgårdens IF of Sweden, should the management team be booking a flight to Stockholm to watch the midfielder?
Following Rob Kiernan's loan move to Birmingham, and ironically moving up the Championship table, can he solidify their backline and make a late push for the play offs?
19 year old former Shelbourne winger Dylan Connolly was named on the bench for Ipswich this weekend, after a protracted transfer was finally completed. With the Tractor Boys challenging for a promotion this season, will we see him in the Premier League next season?
Seamus Coleman was linked with a move to German giants Bayern Munich in the weekend's papers, but can he replace Philip Lahm?
With a change in management at Aston Villa, how will this affect the careers of the Irish contingent at Villa Park?
Stephen Henderson returned in goals for Charlton at the weekend, with the keepers in the squad aging, can he make a case for inclusion?

Talking Points

Zak Gilsenan has been linked with a move from Barcelona to Liverpool. Should there be a ban on transferring players who are only 11 years old?
Joey O'Brien made his first appearance for West Ham this weekend since the end of August. With his history of injury problems, is he still a candidate to appear in defence for Ireland?
Stephen Ward's injury is unfortunate for both club and country, what player do you think can fill in at left full?
Chestefield's Eoin Doyle has been linked with a move to the Championship, with Millwall and Reading both reportedly monitoring the striker. How do you think he would fare at a higher level, and would that be a springboard to the international side?
With the transfer window about to reopen in England, Richie Towell has been linked with Millwall and Ipswich. After failing to agree terms with Cardiff, should he bide his time before going across the water?
Darren O'Dea has signed a short term deal with Blackpool FC. Is he ready to return to football, and a relegation battle at Bloomfield Road?
After some extremely promising performances for club and country, Robbie Brady has slipped out of the starting XI at Hull City. Should he look for a move in January?
Mark O'Brien has reportedly been told he has no future at Derby County, should he try to earn a long term contract at Motherwell, or find another club in England?
Congratulations to U21 player Glen Rea on his first appearance as an unused substitute for Brighton
Ciaran Clark's recent run of form culminated in his goal against Leicester, his first in two years, can he become the first choice partner for John O'Shea?
Congratulations to LA Galaxy's Robbie Keane on scoring the winning goal in the MLS Cup final against New England Revolution.
Please vote for Stephanie Roche for the FIFA Puskas Goal of the Year award here: http://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/puskas-award/index.html (remember to use multiple browsers on all devices and delete cookies afterwards to vote again!)

Talking Points

Does James McCarthy's latest injury have any long term repercussions for his career, bearing in mind he's been playing senior football regularly since he was 16?
Following the reveal of John Delaney singing in a bar after the USA game, should a code of conduct be introduced for the CEO?
Roy Keane has stepped down from his role with Aston Villa, how will this affect his role with the Republic of Ireland, and the Irish players at Villa Park?
Following Robbie Keane's victory in the Western Conference, should more Irish players consider a career in the MLS as an alternative to England?
With Sean St Ledger back in football at Ipswich Town, can he return to the international squad?
Alan Judge has the joint second number of assists in the Championship, should he be called into the squad, or does he offer anything that isn't already in the squad with McGeady, Brady, Pilkington and McClean, and possible Grealish?
Glenn Whelan was introduced from the bench, and then substituted with an injury before the end of the game last weekend for Stoke. Will he be recovered from his recent injury niggles before the international games return in the new year?
Eoin Doyle currently leads League One goalscorers with 16 goals. If this continues, can he follow in Paddy Madden's footsteps and progress to the senior international side?
Patrick Hoban and Rory Gaffney have agreed to join Oxford United and Cambridge United, respectively. Does this raise the profile of the league, or is the cost of losing the better players too high?
Chris McCann has continued his comeback from injury with a goal in only his fourth game, should the management be watching him with a view to calling him up?

Talking points

After Christy Fagan's two goals in the FAI Cup Final, should he be looked at by the management team as a striker?
Only two Irish players scored in England and Scotland on Saturday, with Cillian Sheridan adding a brace in Cyprus, is this a cause for concern or merely a blip?
Keith Andrews provided an assist for top of the Championship table Watford at the weekend, but has yet to feature under the current management. Taking into account the missing players in midfield, should be looked at for the upcoming games, ?
Similarly, Keith Fahey asked to not be considered by the management after his return to St Patricks' Athletic, but is it time to ask the creative midfielder to return?
Anthony Stokes was recently abused on twitter, Rio Ferdinand is serving a suspension for comments he posted on the microblogging site. Should a code of conduct, be introduced by clubs for players who use social media?
After Enda Stevens' loan came to an end at Northampton Town, with four losses in four games, and three yellow cards, can the former Shamrock Rovers player bounce back with an ailing Aston Villa side?
Sean Scannell has solidified his position at Huddersfield, and won player of the month for October, but is that enough to force his way into the senior side, given McGeady, McClean, Brady and Pilkington are ahead of him?
Darren Randolph bounced back from conceding eight and being sent off in recent weeks to keep a clean sheet, and was voted man of the match, at the weekend against Wolves. Is this enough to keep him in the international side, or can the likes of Stephen Henderson oust him?
With the amount of Scottish fans not going to the qualifier in Glasgow, as a protest against SFA for recent increases in the ticket prices, and the Irish fans snapping up those made available online, how many Ireland fans will be in Celtic Park in two weeks?

Talking points

Brian Lenihan retained his place in the senior international squad despite still having not made his debut for his new club, should another player have been called up, or is his continuation in the squad a sign of how highly the management rate him?
Jack Grealish was again omitted, but will he be a late call up for the USA friendly?
If their paperwork is completed in time, will David McGoldrick or Cyrus Christie be included in the friendly squad
Following Shane Long's first goal for Southampton, what's a realistic target for the Tipperary striker?
After his loan move to AFC Wimbledon, can Frank Sutherland play his way into the QPR first team?
With Richie Towell's trial at Cardiff City, can other League of Ireland players make their way across the Irish Sea during the close season?
Despite returning to the West Ham bench, Joey O'Brien was omitted from the squad, given the defender's injury history will he retire from international football to prolong his club career?

Talking points

Darren Randolph's return to the Birmingham City starting XI resulted in them conceding eight goals against AFC Bournemouth. Should Colin Doyle be given a chance in nets for the West Midlands side?
David Forde and Kieren Westwood both performed heroically for their respective club sides at the weekend. With Forde the current number 1, what do Westwood, Randolph, Given, etc have to do to unseat him?
O'Neill reportedly watched Sean Kavanagh and Stephen Henderson on Friday night, with Kavanagh's Fulham side emerging 2-0 winners. Is it still too early for the left sided player after only four senior appearances, or does the fact that there are no specialist left full backs available to O'Neill negate that? Is Henderson ready to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Wayne into goals for the senior international side?
Although Shane Long is still to record his first goal for Southampton, most Saints fans are unconcerned with his form, but how long will this last for the £12m striker?
Robbie Brady's performance against Liverpool in an unfamiliar position was praised by Steve Bruce, will he retain his spot at left wing-back for the Tigers? Is he an option there, or at full back, for Martin O'Neill's team?
James McClean came off the bench to score twice for Wigan, and has impressed in recent games for the senior international side, is he now the starting left winger for O'Neill?
James McArthur and Steven Fletcher are reportedly unavailable for Gordon Strachan's squad for the qualifier in three weeks, how important are they to his side? Who do you expect to replace them?With Germany expected to claim three points at home to Gibraltar, what is the most favourable result in the night's other Group D fixture - Poland away to Georgia?
Following Dundalk's victory in the Airtricity League, Richie Towell is being linked with a move to Cardiff, how will the former Celtic and Hibernian player fare in his second term across the water?
Stephen Hunt referred to David McGoldrick as being one of a three man Irish strikeforce at Ipswich, the others being Conor Sammon and Daryl Murphy, should he be called up?

Talking points

How big a loss are Glenn Whelan and Wes Hoolahan for the upcoming Scotland qualifier? Whelan has been a regular starter since 2008, but Hoolahan has been used sparingly, especially away from home - bearing that in mind, would he have started in Glasgow in three weeks?
Darron Gibson and Jeff Hendrick both played against Germany in midfield, David Meyler was at right full but has played his entire career in the centre of the park, and Paul Green was on standby for the game in Gelsenkirchen. Assuming James McCarthy is fit and starts, which of these players, if any, is poised to step up to partner him against Scotland?
Despite a lacklustre cameo against Gibraltar,  Daryl Murphy has continued scoring for Ipswich, will the former Celtic man be an option in Celtic Park?
Brian Lenihan only trained with the senior team, and didn't make the bench for either qualifier in October. With Seamus Coleman's return to fitness, and Cyrus Christie rumoured to be accepting a call up to the Ireland squad, can the former Cork City player retain his position without appearing for Hull City?
Although a regular starter for Celtic, Anthony Stokes only scored his third and fourth goals of the season last weekend, and claimed an assist against FC Astra, is this enough to keep him in the international manager's thoughts?
Following Darren Randolph's red card last weekend, Colin Doyle made his first league start for Birmingham City since 2012 this week. If he can continue in the first team, can he make a return to the senior side?
Chris McCann made his comeback for Wigan in a friendly this week following another long term injury, can he progress to his clubs first XI and from there to the senior side?
Following more crumbs of information, rumours and leaks, there is still no indication from Jack Grealish which international side he will pledge his allegiance to, should he be called into the senior side for the either the qualifier against Scotland or the friendly against the USA?
In a similar vein, Arsenal's Daniel Crowley was ommitted from England's recent U19 qualifiers amid rumours that he is going to appear for the Boys in Green. The U19's will play their qualifiers in Waterford's RSC in November, given that Crowley previously appeared for both England and Ireland's U17 sides, should he be included in the squad?

Talking points

Is there anything more to be read into Jack Grealish's withdrawal from the U21 squad for their friendly on Thursday against Norway, other than his ongoing contract negotiations and a behind closed doors game for his club?
With Everton duo James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman both injured, what impact will their absence from the squad have in the two upcoming qualifiers?
Premier League defender Damien Delaney was omitted from the final squad for the qualifiers in favour of several players from the Championship - should he be involved, despite Crystal Palace's recent form?With Roy Keane's book being leaked, what (if any) repercussions will the revelations contained in it have in the current Ireland and Aston Villa setups?
Alan O'Brien made his first start for Millwall last weekend, can we expect to see the U21 striker progress to the senior international side in the near future?
Congratulations are in order for Hull City's Brian Lenihan on his call up to the senior internaitonal side, but are there other players with more recent playing experience (in England, Scotland and the League of Ireland) who deserved a call up?With his inexperience at this level, should he be given a run out against Gibraltar, to prepare for the following game against Germany?
Following Poland's seven goals against the Gibraltarians, what scoreline should Martin O'Neill's men be looking to get on Saturday?
Will Daryl Murphy's recent form mean his first Irish goal will come in the next two games?
Should key players be rested in what will surely be our easiest qualifier - at home against Gibraltar - so they can be ready for our toughest - away against Germany?

Talking points

If Conor Hourihane continues his scoring streak, should he be considered for the senior international side, despite playing at League One level?
Does the same apply to frequent goalscorer Eoin Doyle?
Alex O'Hanlon, Damien Cleary, Corey Whelan and Jack Byrne are in the Liverpool and Manchester City squads for the UEFA Youth League, starting Tuesday, 16th September. Do you see all of these players appearing for the senior international side in future?
Leon Best's goal for Derby against Nottingham Forest was unfortunately awarded to Ryan Shotton, if he returns to fitness, do you see him getting a call up by Martin O'Neil?
With Millwall in the upper reaches of the Championship, should Shaun Williams' be called up, or are there too many players blocking the path of the central midfielder?
Defenders Tommie Hoban and Matt Doherty have been playing regularly for their respective sides near the top of the Championship, with a dearth of options in defence, should the pair be called upon?
North of Hadrian's Wall, Aaron Doran has a reputation for scoring spectacular goals for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, but is the winger facing a similar problem to Shaun Williams - too many established players in his position?
With Celtic having signed John Guidetti and Jo Inge Berget on loan for the season, and Leigh Griffiths already there, should weekend unused substitute Anthony Stokes look for a move to ensure first team football?
Cillian Sheridan will be the only Irish player involved in the Champions League this season, and will make his first appearance at that level this week in the Camp Nou against Barcelona, will we see a return to international football for the Cavan man?

Talking Points

It looks like Cillian Sheridan will be the only Irish player in the Champions League this season, what can be done to improve this in future seasons?
Unless Ian Lawlor makes a step up to the Manchester City squad, it looks like Sheridan will be the sole Irish representative in the Champions League this season, should he be recalled to the senior international side?
Sean Long and Kyle McFadden made their debuts for Reading and Norwich respectively in the League Cup, will they progress to the senior international side?
Shane Griffin was an unused substitute for Reading in the same game, will he follow his compatriot this season?
Aiden O'Brien made his first senior appearance for Millwall after making loan appearances for Torquay and Crawley over the last two seasons. Can the striker make an impact in the Championship?
With Jonathan Walters notching twice on his first start of the season, will he make a return to Stoke's starting XI this weekend against Manchester City?
Similarly, Robbie Brady scored a brace for Hull City in the Europa League qualifier against FC Lokeren, will this be enough to cement his place in their regular starting XI?
Colin Doyle made his traditional appearance in the League Cup for Birmingham City, with his route to the regular starting XI now blocked by compatriot Darren Randolph, should he look for a move (either temporary or permanent) before the transfer window closes this coming Monday night?

Talking points

With Martin O'Neill naming a squad of 36, who will be left out before the qualifier against Georgia?
With Ciaran Clark missing out for Aston Villa and Shane Duffy for Everton, and the injuries to James McClean, Darron Gibson and Andy Reid, should they have been included at all?
Of the omissions, who deserves a call up?
With the U21 squad also named this week for their qualifier against Germany, what players do you see stepping up to the senior squad in the future? Should any of them have been involved against Oman?
Robbie Brady is left out entirely of Hull City's squad in anticipation of their second leg Europa League game this week, how important is he to their, and Ireland's upcoming games?
Seamus Coleman scores on his return against Arsenal, with James McCarthy also impressing. Could he move before the transfer window closes?
Jon Walters is rumoured to be leaving Stoke City, what club would you like to see him move to?

Talking points

Aiden McGeady scored his first Premier League goal - will this be his breakthrough season at this level?
Seamus Coleman is not yet 100%, will he be risked in the Oman friendly or should he be rested for the qualifiers? Who would you playt right full in his absence?
Dan Cleary, Alex O'Hanlon and Liam Bossin featured in the prestigious Otten Cup in Holland, with Cleary scoring against Anderlecht in the semi finals. How long before we see these players at senior level with their clubs, bearing in mind O'Hanlon has trained with the senior team at Anfield
With Robert Snodgrass reportedly out injured for up to four months, what implications does this have for the qualifier against Scotland, and for Stephen Quinn's position at club level?
Matin O'Neill was reportedly at the Sheffield Wednesday - Milwall game on Tuesday night, is Keiren Westwood going to earn a return to the senior squad? What about Shaun Williams, should his penalty miss count against him?
After scoring mutiple braces for DPMM FC, Roy O'Donovan is reportedly on the brink of  move to Birmingham City. Can the former Cork City striker make a mark at Championship level?

Talking points from Irish football

With the season coming to an end, it means a host of players, both youth and senior, are being released from their respective clubs. So far, Sam Byrne (Manchester United), John Egan (Sunderland), Gary Dicker, Mark Connolly and Billy Clarke (all Crawley Town), Keith Treacy (Burnley) and Leon McSweeney (Northampton Town) have all been told they will need to find new clubs in the summer. Is a return to the League of Ireland a viable option for these players?
In better news, former West Ham, and Ireland U19 defender Eoin Wearen has signed for Bohemians and made his debut recently for the Gypsies.
Jack Grealish has returned to Aston Villa after his season on loan at Notts County and could feature in their last two games against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. Is he deserving of a call up to the senior side for the end of season friendlies?
Noe Baba and Dean O'Halloran both featured for Fulham against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup, losing 7-6 over two legs to the Blues. With Fulham preparing to return to the Championship, and Magath's history of promoting youth, will either player appear for Fulham next season?
The line up for the Football League Play Offs has been decided, with Derby County, Brighton and Hove Albion, QPR and Wigan playing off for a place in next season's Premier League
In League One, Leyton Orient, Peterborough, Rotherham and Preston North End will contest a place in the Championship for 2014-15
Finally, one of League Two's Fleetwood Town, York City, Southend United, and Burton Albion will be playing in League One next season.
Bearing in mind the Irish contingent at each club, who do you want to see promoted in each play off?
After David Meyler's moment of madness against Manchester United, should he be excluded from the FA Cup Final for his stamp on Adnan Januzaj?

Talking points from Irish football

Anthony Stokes continues his scoring streak, taking him to eight goals in six games with his second hat trick of the season. This is the first time the Celtic striker has managed the feat more than once in a season since 2006/07 with Falkirk
Jeff Hendrick scored twice for Derby County as they look to assure their place in the play offs. Will he be playing in the Premier League next season, with or without the Rams?
Roy O'Donovan continued his remarkable record of scoring twice in games with another brace for DPMM FC in the Singapore S League. Is the former Cork City striker too far out of sight, and out of mind?
Seamus Coleman joins his compatriots Gary Kelly, Denis Irwin, Stephen Carr and Steve Finnan by appearing in the Premier League team of the year at right back. After an outstanding season for the Donegal man, how good can he get?
Eunan O'Kane, Harry Arter and Stephen McLaughlin were watched by Roy Keane on Saturday. Who of these can look forward to a call up in the near future?
Paddy Madden will return to League One with Scunthorpe to face his relegated former team Yeovil, at only 24 do you think he will earn another cap?
FC Den Bosch are making a late run into the play offs in the Dutch Eerste Divisie, will Barry Maguire be playing in the Eredivisie next season?
LA Galaxy are playing Colorado Rapids on Saturday, should Robbie Keane speak to Middleton born defender Shane O'Neill about declaring for the Republic of Ireland?

Talking points from Irish football

David Forde was awarded Player of the Year at Millwall, but is he the long term solution between the posts for Ireland? As it is,Robert Elliot and Keiren Westwood are the only Irish goalkeepers in the Premier League, with only a handful of appearances between them this season.
On that note, Manchester City's EDS keeper Ian Lawlor faced his compatriots Sean Long, Shane Griffin, Pierce Sweeney and Liam Kelly of Reading FC in the U21 Premier League Cup, with the Royal contingent coming winners over the two legs. Who of these do you see playing for the senior team in the years to come?
Shane Long had to come off against Arsenal with a calf problem, if this persists who should start up front in the May/June friendlies?
Anthony Stokes scored his fifth goal in five games against Motherwell, to take him to 16 for the season, is it enough to bring him into the squad?
Kevin Kilbane is reportedly in talks to join the coaching staff at the FAI, should more be done to encourage former players to take similar roles?
Joey O'Brien made his first appearance in a matchday squad for West Ham since January as an unused substitute against Crystal Palace. Should he be considered for the troublesome left back position, or is he another square peg in that round hole?
Despite Norwich City's troubles, FA Youth Cup winning captain Kyle McFadden has been awarded a one year extension on his contract, do you think he'll make an appearance for the first team next season?
With more promotions secured over the weekend, Brentford FC will be in the Championship next season and Burnley will be playing Premier League football next season. Which Irish players from their respective squads can make the step up to the next level?
Stephen McLaughlin made his debut for Nottingham Forest in central midfield and marked his debut with an assist. Can he progress to the international side, or are the established players too much of a barrier for the former Derry City player?

Talking points from the weekend

We're getting closer to the end of the season now, Norwich are looking like getting dragged into the relegation dogfight - will Hoolahan and Pilkington pass Leicester City's Logan and St Ledger as they get promoted?
Following Hull City's FA Cup semi final win yesterday, it's possible that their sizeable Irish contingent could be playing in Europe next season.
Kevin Doyle is back at QPR after recovering faster than expected from his injury, is he able for another season in the top flight?
U19 cap and former Cork City player Alan Browne marked his first start for Preston with a goal on Saturday, what do we expect from him in the future?
Hull City player Conor Henderson made his first start since August 2012 on loan at Stevenage, he was marked out as one to watch for a long time, and had a reputation for some fantastic strikes, can he be part of the Ireland set up under the new manager?
Martin O'Neill was at the Stoke - Newcastle game on Saturday, are we finally going to see Stephen Ireland back in a green jersey?
Aiden O'Brien was awarded a new contract at Millwall, despite not playing for the first team after a productive spell on loan at Torquay. Can the U21 striker progress to the senior ranks?