Conor McCarthy

Been brilliant since he’s come into the team.
Looks composed on the ball and read the game really well in that centre of the back 3 until Pines came on.

Have to admit I was fearing the worst based on those pizza trophy performances.

I guess playing with the better players around him has brought the best out of him instead of babysitting the back line in those pizza games.

Well Done Conor. Keep it up!!!

 

Started the season as 6th or 7th choice and done really well since getting a start.

It was telling that it was Pines not him dropped for Earl returning.

 

Think I prefer Mccarthy to Pines. He is much more composed. Keeps his place until Roberts is back for me.

 

Bit harsh on Pines. Been excellent up to today. (Most I talked to were a little surprised he didn't start and could only assume Clarke left him out for tactical or game fatigue after coming back from injury). But today when he came on the defence in general were put in difficult positions by an inept midfield and he got in a couple of last ditch tackles/put the striker off his stride. And the benefit of his height.

 

We have a plethora of centre backs, it will be a difficult decision for Clarke when they are all fit and available.

 

Pines up front....easy.

 

If it was my P45 on the line my back three would be what started today. (Given injury to Roberts) Although we win more when he doesn't play...

 

I hope this thread doesn't have the same effect on his next game as the Ben Killip one did!

Both him and Killip were immense today, mind.

 

Pines. Cracking striker. Poor defender

 

Is he really a poor defender? I think he's been quite good mate, was dominant against Peterborough especially. I think he's quite good at the old-school type defending. Dominates in the air, threat from corners, physical, decent tackler. He's a throw back. Very occasionally loses where the ball is, a little clumsy, not a great passer and loses concentration every now and again but if he had those attributes as well he certainly wouldn't be here!

 

I just really don't rate him defensively at all except for his heading ability, other than that he seems very last second. By that I mean everything has a bit of "just stick a leg out" about him so he can pull off a last second deflection or tackle but there's zero composure there. I genuinely reckon he'd be a good striker though In a Jon parkin way and even though I don't rate him there's no denying that his attitude is right so I can't criticise too much because a player who tries is better than one who doesn't

 

Summed up quite well really, a lot of my pals slate the team but I remind them that if they weren’t making such mistakes they’d be further up the pyramid…

 

I agree with your comment about the "inept midfield" in the second half, which makes it even more mystifying that our highly talented Ballon d'Or winner was left sitting on the bench all match.

 

Tactical reasons Paul.
As pointed out in the post match comments from Clarkey

 

Probably a better option than Cosgrove...

 

I think he looks like a really good footballer - has a calmness about things. Wins his fair share of headers, quicker than he looks and gets on to the end of attacking corners pretty regularly too.

Reminds me a bit of Stephen Foster.

 

Just had a look, and McCarthy’s also finished a Degree in Economics last year. Looks like he finished it when he was out injured for 9 months.

Looking at his stats, he played:

60+ games in Irish Prem.
60+ games in Scottish Prem.
18 games on loan to Swindon last season.
13 games for us.

Out of contract with us in June.

The fact he went to Swindon end of last season, slotted straight in and played 18 games and received decent reviews, shows he’s got something about him.

If he continues his form, I’d be tempted to give him another year. From what I’ve heard, despite not playing, he’s been a good pro at the club, and worked hard still.

Lopata is the one to release, and I’d probably send Shepherd out on loan again.

 

Only ever heard very good things about McCarthy from the point of view of his attitude and work in the Barnsley community. He's looked very classy and assured so far. Possibly not as all-action as Lopata, but certainly a more cultured footballer. I certainly see something in Lopata, but it's hard to see where he fits in with Earl and Roberts playing so well when fit, Pines and McCarthy deputising ably, and the obviously talented Shepherd to come back.

 

I was impressed with him yesterday, well done that lad.

 

I’d give him another twelve months but he may want to look elsewhere for game time.

He’s looked very assured in the games he’s played, he was excellent in the middle yesterday and seamlessly switched to the left again too.