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Scotland squad: Burley recalls Maloney and O'Connor



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Published Date: 27 August 2008
SHAUN Maloney and Gary O'Connor have been recalled to the Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Iceland.
Maloney, the 25-year-old midfielder who rejoined Celtic last week after an unhappy spell at Aston Villa, has been rewarded for his display in Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League victory over Falkirk.

Maloney was left out of the squad for last Wednesday's friendly against Northern Ireland but started manager George Burley's first game in charge against Croatia in March.

Also back in the squad is Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor, who was named in Burley's first squad but did not play and has been out of the frame since.

O'Connor's most recent Scotland appearance came in the 3-1 European Championship victory over Ukraine last October.

As expected, Tottenham full-back Alan Hutton has been excluded due to injury, while there is no place for Rangers defender Christian Dailly.

But veteran team-mate David Weir retains his place after being picked as a late replacement ahead of the Northern Ireland game.

There is also a second chance for Preston's Calum Davidson to earn his first cap for six years after injury forced him to pull out of the squad for last Wednesday's match.

Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley was another high-profile absentee from that game but he recovered to play for his club on Saturday and is included in Burley's 25-man squad.

Burley revealed he had no hesitation in drafting Maloney back into the squad – despite seeing him in action for just 70 minutes.

Burley said: "Shaun is a terrific player, who has great ability. At Aston Villa, it was difficult when he wasn't playing.

"I saw him on Saturday when he played for 70 minutes and I thought he was outstanding. He looked lively and bright.

"I spoke to Shaun and he felt with a couple of games under his belt that he would be back to 100% so I had no hesitation in calling him up."

Burley also sought the advice of his predecessor Alex McLeish before taking the decision to include O'Connor in his plans for the World Cup double-header.

"I spoke to Alex about him," said Burley.

"He has started the season well and he gives us a different dimension and he is in good goalscoring form."

The major disappointment for Burley ahead of the games against Macedonia and Iceland was the absence of Hutton, who is still struggling with injury.

He said: "Alan has progressed in the last few years into a top-class international full-back, some people would say one of the best full-backs in Britain.

"It's very disappointing but we were aware of his injury pre-season. We kept our fingers crossed that he would be available for the start of the campaign.

"Unfortunately, that isn't to be."

Scotland squad for World Cup Group qualifiers in Macedonia on September 6 and Iceland on September 10:

Gordon (Sunderland)
Marshall (Norwich)
McGregor (Rangers)
Alexander (Burnley)
Barr (Falkirk)
Berra (Hearts)
Caldwell (Celtic)
Davidson (Preston)
McManus (Celtic)
McNaughton (Cardiff)
Naysmith (Sheffield United)
Weir (Rangers)
Brown (Celtic)
Commons (Derby)
Fletcher (Manchester United)
Hartley (Celtic)
Maloney (Celtic)
Morrison (West Brom)
Robson (Celtic)
Thomson (Rangers)
Boyd (Rangers)
Clarkson (Motherwell)
McFadden (Birmingham)
Miller (Rangers)
O'Connor (Birmingham)

The full article contains 547 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 27 August 2008 12:06 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Scotland's football team
 
1

Jam Tarts 1874,

On the Rebound 27/08/2008 11:41:00
Maloney back in after one game! No favouring of old firm players there then!
2

The Future's Maroon,

Edinburgh 27/08/2008 11:44:14
Can't believe they have just brought in Maloney....can't believe I am saying this but Fletcher should have been left in and Maloney left out?
3

Skiver,

27/08/2008 11:57:50
Bad reporting - Croatia was Burley's first game in charge.

From experience I reckon the final squad that he actually has to pick from will look different from this once the usual injuries and call-offs kick in. The bitter two's joust on Sunday will probably throw up a few.

Looks like Weir's a definite starter in these games though if he's been called up after that deal he made with Burley.
4

Stars in your eyes,

Abroad 27/08/2008 12:02:08
It's good to see O'Connor back. A player that can actually 'header the baw'. Maloney's pace is always valuable. Burley makes the right decision.
5

Jamboy,,

Edinburgh 27/08/2008 12:02:47
I think this is a bit harsh on Stewart personaly. he played well when he came on and has been excellent for Hearts this season so far.
6

Sir Saltire,

27/08/2008 12:17:34
Maloney was only left out because he wasn't playing at Villa, and thus Burley hadn't seen him play. Watch the BBC website highlights of the Falkirk game - his two assists for Samoras were sublime, and the link up play of the wee man could prove invaluable for Scotland in these qualifiers.
7

Lion-O "Lord Of The ThunderCats,

27/08/2008 12:18:02
Back to the good old days eh?

Move to the OF and a Scotland place is guaranteed. Not happy.
8

Arabest,

27/08/2008 12:35:33
Well, knock me down with a feather.............never seen that one coming!!!
9

G,

dundy 27/08/2008 12:38:04
Good - we need as much goal threat as possible - the fact that he has returned to playing is more important than who he plays for!!!
If he or BigAss Boyd or OOpsClarkson contribute goals in the next few games I won't carp about where they come from......
10

Talk o' the Toun,

27/08/2008 12:44:54
Hearts & hibs fans unite on this one.... Maloney(inconsistant IMO) performs well against Falkirk(for 70 mins) and comes in. Stewart & Fletcher go out .Cannot comment on Fletchers current form(for Hibs or Scotland as did not get on re NI!) but Stewart should be in based on early season form.

Pampering to the majority.....

11

Albawolf,

St Andrews 27/08/2008 12:55:51
The West of Scotland Football Association AGAIN

They replace games in Aberdeen with a venue in ....
in ....
in ....
Glasgow

Now a player returns to a Glasgow club and after 70mins worth is back in...
Meanwhile two non-glasgow players are OUT

How about the rest of Scotland saying enough is enough and declare UDI

How much more of this must there be ....
It happens in Sport, in transport, in health expenditure in...

There is no end to this.....

Just don't support them
It not nice and it shouldn't be necessary but
cheer for the other team
Let these twisted fools become a laughting stock AGAIN

It's the only way

These people wouldn't behave in a rational manner....

They just keep pulling these cheap shots......




12

Who?,

27/08/2008 13:11:57
I've got nothing against Maloney returning if the scotland game were to refereed by Eddie Smith, Charlie Richmond or Ian Brines.

However its Maloneys attitude that worries me as he is a cheat pure and simple. When he first went to villa he like petrov kept on getting booked for diving in the box. The english refs never had the glasgow bias so he found it difficult to adjust. He like petrov couldn't understand why the would get decisions in their favour in the spl but in the epl they were either booked or told to get up and play on like a man.

Against georgia away he spent his whole time on the pitch diving around the 18 yard box. He took most of the free kicks which sailed past the goal without troubling a keeper who was making his first ever professional appearance. If Maloney had stayed on his feet and ran at goal he probably would have scored in that game- probably a few times.

His skill isn't in doubt, however until he stops that common chavy cheating mentality he will always be gutteral!
13

kennyy,

frustration 27/08/2008 13:16:20
surely miller should be out and someone promising like fletcher in. Miller is more likely to miss the ball compelety than to get it on target. how many chances does the man get??
14

Bigwull,

edinburgh 27/08/2008 13:33:16
I can't support that lot
15

Braesbear,

27/08/2008 13:43:12
With Barry Ferguson missing from the squad we will sadly see how important he is to the Scotland cause.
Burley must find a place for Hartley in the team.
I can understand Stewarts omission as he didn't contibute against NI and young Fletchers time will come.
The strike options will be interesting.
16

Rosscobhoy,

27/08/2008 13:53:28
Maloney is decent with the ball at his feet, can spot a pass and is dangerous when runnign at people. For the 2 games coming up, when we need a win and a draw at least, its an obvious inclusion. Would like to have seen Fletcher from Hibs in there too. We'll miss Hutton driving at right back.

Ferguson will not be a big miss. Has only done it for Scotland in a handful of games. Doesn't have the same drive and passion he shows when playing for Rearangers.
17

ExpatNI,

27/08/2008 14:33:24
#17

I could NEVER support THAT lot!!
18

Will1875,

27/08/2008 14:59:11
What a surprise

Kenny Miller and Shaun Maloney in the squad. Two totally useless players.

They are there just in time to pull out at the last minute.
19

Survivor Of Riots,

27/08/2008 15:00:37
17 - why not just support England?

It will all be English players anyhoo and the English people don't have to receive Scotlands Shame of Raging Ranger Syndrome sufferers as part of the package.
20

Malc.F,

france 27/08/2008 15:56:45
Only 3 players from Scottish clubs other than the old firm,surely Aberdeen,Hibs,Dundee utd,Inverness c.t.,Kilmarnoch, Hamilton or St. Mirren have ONE player who is good enough to be included.If it is true about Real Madrid interest in Fletcher then surely he should be in the squad. As for the usual Rangers inclusions only Mc Gregor should be there and that as a reserve to the vastly superior Gordon.Yes, Boyd scores but he is slow and fat and as such does not show that he is a professional.Thompson is dirty and slow and as for Weir I would never pick him after he "retired" in a huff from the National team. Miller I won't even bother with but at least he tries.
I was pleased with Burley's appointment but it looks like he is just another old firm panderer.
21

Stars in your eyes,

27/08/2008 16:11:39
I agree with the comments that more SPL players outside of the OF should be included, but in the last game he looked at Stewart and Berra from Hearts and Barr from Falkirk, which is a good sign. He does need some wide players and Maloney is a contender for that slot in the team, which is why he has been brought back. Looking at that squad, there are plenty of opportunities for new faces, which I hope to see over the next year.
22

Skiver,

27/08/2008 16:56:04
Maloney is a good, positive choice and offers more trickery going forward than Stewart. Fletcher is an excellent young player but there's no way he would have featured in either game.

Historically Scotland managers have tended to choose from the bitter two.

It's not always been the best policy but you could argue that their players have more of a winning mentality than players of the smaller clubs, and also play at a higher level i.e. Celtic in the Champions League and Rangers in the UEFA Cup last season (though nowhere this season mind you...)

Definitely think playing in Europe will help a player when it comes to playing internationals.
23

Boyne Bhoy,

27/08/2008 17:40:42
Can't argue with Maloney as he was a regular before he dropped out the picture at Villa. Players are told often enough to move so they get regular football so they can be considered for selection. He has been selected for the squad not the team as yet.

I agree it is wrong that Robson (for example)only appears to have been selected after moving to Celtic but then again, you can't penalise him for that-if you think he was good enough at DUFC why is he not good enough now?
24

Rufus T. Firefly,

27/08/2008 18:12:04
Maloney is a good positive choice if if is match fit which it sounds he is.

But Gary O'Connor? Apart from the fact he is not good enough he should never pull on the dark blue of Scotland ever again after his previous shenanigans.
25

Alan B,

27/08/2008 18:33:52
Cannot understand anyone being against Maloney being recalled. While we have alot of central midfielders we have few who can play wide.

Would like either Robson or Maloney to play wide left.

Abit surprised Fletcher has been dropped and would have expected Clarkston to drop out.

Think if O'Connor can put all his stupidity behind him, he is a good option for scotland. Good shot with good physical presence.

26

Richardinho,

27/08/2008 18:34:57
Seem to recall Maloney was in the team last season too. He's only missed a couple of Scotland games-it's hardly a 'recall', and the idea that he's only in because he's a Celtic player is laughable.
Sadly there are many people who would prefer if Scotland didn't have any Celtic players at all and their bias is visible for all to see.
27

Alan B,

27/08/2008 18:40:34
#Richardinho

I think you would have to agree it is daft that Robson get picked for scotland squad now he is with celtic but was ignored when he was playing well with united.

To an extent brown is the same. Brown was largely ignored when he was playing well with hibs, but is a first pick even when playing badly for celtic.

I would have both in the squad and probably the team.
28

Richardinho,

27/08/2008 18:51:05
#30 Robson is a late developer. If he was as good a few years ago as he is now then he wouldn't have been playing for Dundee United. it's no suprise that players make the step up to Scotland at the same time as they join Celtic because they have proven in the preceding months that they are ready for the next level.
29

Keyboard supporter,

27/08/2008 18:56:57
#29 - "Sadly there are many people who would prefer if Scotland didn't have any Celtic players at all and their bias is visible for all to see."

Indeed - its all part of the nefarious anti peasant conspiracy. If in any doubt blame it all on the former - not heard that for a while - one can only hope you're trotting it out on Sunday evening!
30

,

27/08/2008 19:36:25
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31

Rufus T. Firefly,

27/08/2008 19:46:30
AlanB.

I think it was the Ukraine game when O'Connor came on for the last 2 minutes and got himself the most ridiculous booking.,

He knew that meant that he would not have to travel to Georgia midweek to sit on the bench.

That to my mind is unforgivable.
32

Alan B,

27/08/2008 21:03:38
#Richardinho

Come on Robson was good enough a few years ago. While he is a late developer he has been playing well for the last few years.

Given that McCullough was so poor I personally cannot understand why Robson was not atleast in the squad long before this.

The fact remains he was playing better for united than Celtic as he was getting a regular start.
33

Alan B,

27/08/2008 21:15:05
#34 Rufus

I agree. Was at hampden and was quite close the incident. I am not arguing the guy is an idiot. His behaviour deplorable, with the incident under Smith.

Do think the guy has something to offer Scotland if he can get his act together. I do understand that to pick someone that behaves in that way is to give someone that honour that does not deserve it.

But looking at our striking resources, an O'Connor playing well, can offer something to Scotland.

So far only McFadden (now that he is playing regularly) is the only striker that becomes almost an automoatic pick. And even with him it is arguable that he could be deployed wide, as we are limited there.

Miller, has some pace, and has produced the goods for Scotland particularly under Smith, but we all know he is limited. Boyd is not guaranteed a game for Rangers and has yet to show he can do it at a higher level. Fletcher, we will have to see how he progresses this season and from what i have seen of him is not playing as a striker that would lead the line. As such O'Connor coming on for Miller for the last 1/2hr or for a McFadden pushed wide for the last 1/2hr does give us an option.

If he can turn himself around, then i do think he is better than most of the others and could seriously replace Miller or allow the manger to consider McFadden playing wide.
34

Waspy100,

27/08/2008 21:39:53
#1
Maloney is a good player even though he plays for the dark side.
Only joking let Burley pick the team and then if we dont get results criticize.
Time will tell and you and the rest of the sceptics should wait and see.
35

Waspy100,

27/08/2008 21:46:40
O'Conner, Riordan???? Words escape me
Should never be mentioned re a Scotland team.
Disgrace to Scotland , Disgrace to football and though the Hibs have always been my greatest rivals a disgrace to them as well
36

,

27/08/2008 21:51:16
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37

Keyboard supporter,

27/08/2008 21:58:18
#40 - "Losers Rangers" - you'd think a "first class honours degree" would entail some more imaginative descriptions.
38

Ribbonman,

Glasgow 27/08/2008 22:00:48
Yes! Maloney and Aiden, the hammer of the Beasties on Sunday!
39

,

27/08/2008 22:01:40
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40

Ribbonman,

Glasgow 27/08/2008 22:02:10
#41 Sadly thats what they are known as ,in Manchester for one!
41

BEMUSED EXILE,

27/08/2008 22:03:18
Come on KS,

Let Tim air his opinion.

Mine is that Rangers can come away from CP with at least a draw, and maybe even sneak a win, but only if we get a fair crack of the whip from the referee, which is a very big IF.

We certainly didn't get it last time we visited CP, and NO team has received it against Celtic so far this season, but maybe Mr MacDonald can buck the trend.
42

,

27/08/2008 22:04:16
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43

,

27/08/2008 22:06:54
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44

,

27/08/2008 22:08:43
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45

,

27/08/2008 22:09:12
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46

BEMUSED EXILE,

27/08/2008 22:10:00
Two questions spring to mind, Tim, based on post 47.

Firstly why are you talking to yourself, and secondly, why are you calling yourself "BS"?
47

Richardinho,

27/08/2008 22:10:22
Poor show from Bemused. There seems to be an epidemic of folk blaming referees rather than their own teams shortcomings. It's frankly becoming embarassing.
The officials will have to be strong on Sunday and call things as they see them and not give into media pressure.
48

,

27/08/2008 22:10:42
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49

,

27/08/2008 22:12:13
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50

BEMUSED EXILE,

27/08/2008 22:13:53
#51

I should know better than to engage you and invite your biased ramblings, but how do the three big decisions in Celtic's three SPL matches so far this season in any way relate to Rangers "shortcomings"?
51

,

27/08/2008 22:14:16
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52

,

27/08/2008 22:17:07
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53

,

27/08/2008 22:17:07
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54

BEMUSED EXILE,

27/08/2008 22:19:02
Can you run that by me one more time, Tim?
55

,

27/08/2008 22:19:59
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56

,

27/08/2008 22:21:45
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57

BEMUSED EXILE,

27/08/2008 22:22:10
56 and 57.

I don't think that only two appearances really do such a fine post justice.
58

BEMUSED EXILE,

27/08/2008 22:24:02
Tim

Football is no longer on the list of things that make me sweat, so I'm relaxed.

I'll be disappointed if Rangers lose on Sunday. I don't believe that they will, though.
59

,

27/08/2008 22:26:09
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60

,

27/08/2008 22:27:55
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61

BEMUSED EXILE,

27/08/2008 22:31:45
Tim

I was here after both CP defeats, after the UEFA Final, after the last night of the SPL, and after Kaunas.

So don't aim your "take it like a man" horsecrap at me.
62

Richardinho,

27/08/2008 22:37:13
'I should know better than to engage you and invite your biased ramblings, but how do the three big decisions in Celtic's three SPL matches so far this season in any way relate to Rangers "shortcomings"?'

I think you'll find that the referees in those matches made more than 3 decisions, but if you want to take a completely blinkered view and only count those that went in Celtic's favour then you will get your typically skewed view of the world.
63

,

27/08/2008 22:38:44
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64

Keyboard supporter,

27/08/2008 22:39:36
TM (1st class honours you know!) - "They are renowned the world over for being a bunch of losers followed by evil scumbag losers. They have yet to win a trophy fairly"

Very rational viewpoint evidently - do you still predict McCourt will rip us a new one as you so confidently predicted earlier or have you come to the realisation that he's gone AWOL to star in the remake of stig of the dump - though he'll need to smarten up first
65

BEMUSED EXILE,

27/08/2008 22:40:01
Aye, nobody is better qualified to speak of "blinkered views" than you, so I'll decline to waste my energy debating with such an authority.
66

Keyboard supporter,

27/08/2008 22:43:01
#66 - Its classic reading the hypocritical ranting of yourself and other taleban on here - all you did last season when it looked as if we'd win the league was harp on incessantly about bent refs etc .
67

Richardinho,

27/08/2008 22:43:11
#69
That's fine if you're not up to it.
68

,

27/08/2008 22:43:32
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69

Richardinho,

27/08/2008 22:44:30
#70 That was Craig Levein who was doing that-he's hardly a Celtic fan.
70

BEMUSED EXILE,

27/08/2008 22:45:17
#71

You're somebody I prefer not to engage with, full stop.
71

Richardinho,

27/08/2008 22:46:19
#74 running scared.
72

Keyboard supporter,

27/08/2008 22:48:41
#72 - you'll have to help a mere mortal out - we're not all intellectual titans such as yourself.

Explain the context of Mario Kempes, Luque & Best to the bench dweller of Darkheid. Could it possibly be length of hair and its correlation with footballing ability? - surely not!

"Clean cut boys" - i'm surprised you want to open up that particular can of worms
73

Keyboard supporter,

27/08/2008 22:50:26
#73 - As usual you're correct and complaints about the good brother Mike were mere figments of my imagination.
74

,

27/08/2008 22:50:29
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75

Richardinho,

27/08/2008 22:52:34
#77 I've got far more important things to worry about than the CIS diddy cup. You're welcome to it as far as I'm, concerned.
76

,

27/08/2008 22:53:43
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77

,

27/08/2008 22:54:25
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78

Pattie O'Dores,

27/08/2008 22:55:26
46

BE, blaming the referee BEFORE the match? Who will you blame after you have been stuffed- SFA?, SPL? UEFA? Fixture congestion?
79

Keyboard supporter,

27/08/2008 22:55:48
#78 - that really put me in my place didn't it
80

,

27/08/2008 22:55:53
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81

,

27/08/2008 22:56:21
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82

Keyboard supporter,

27/08/2008 22:57:22
#81 - indeed i am

Dianmo Tblisi (in the midst of a Russian invasion) for the peasants if there's a god
83

Richardinho,

27/08/2008 22:58:22
#80 I am indeed. The Champions League is where it's at. For the third year running Celtic will once again be Scotland's foremost representative in Europe.
84

Keyboard supporter,

27/08/2008 22:59:14
#84 - And his relevance to McCourt is - are you some sort of cryptic ?

The craicsters don't throw coins or anything of the sort do they - obviously good old Juan Ghuy excluded.
85

,

27/08/2008 23:00:53
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86

,

27/08/2008 23:03:38
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87

,

27/08/2008 23:05:16
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88

Keyboard supporter,

27/08/2008 23:08:34
#90 - Talk about off on a tangent McCourt.........Kempes!!!!

As i said Celtic fans don't throw coins or hurl sectarian abuse do they.

Worst fans in the world - hmmm Legia Warsaw, Most of the Turk teams, Cardiff city, Stoke, PSG anarchists, Feyernoord, Spanish Ultras, Italian murderers - yes you're probably right as ever

Stereotypical dhim statement
89

Keyboard supporter,

27/08/2008 23:08:57
#91 - Brothel!!
90

Wee Pal Joe,

28/08/2008 00:04:22
"World Cup winner and football legend Mario Kempes takes to the field at Ibrox. Turns on a fabulous display and rips losers rangers to shreds.

Losers Rangers fans hurl sectarian abuse at him, spit on him and coin him." (#90)

I was at that game. Nothing like that happened.
91

Daillyman,

28/08/2008 00:04:47
Four days to go and the fun begins.

65 Bemused

I can agree with you that most Gers supporters were online after matches win, lose or draw.

I seem to remember a lot of tic supporters having cyber flu after poor results on behalf of the tic.

So WGS is now the "golden one" for winning 3iar, MON is a saint.

I wonder what that makes WS for his leadership in the Gers title runs.
92

Daillyman,

28/08/2008 00:06:26
94 WPJ

If Tim of the tic said it, it must be so!
93

Malc.F,

france 28/08/2008 09:32:25
After 2 legs Aalborg 4 Kaunas 0.

 

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