Drumcondra 69er
09/01/2009, 11:54 AM
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-20-best-players-outside-the-premier-league-1234196.html
Article in the English Indo today for anyone interested, in the paper version of the Irish Indo as well. A number of Irish players mentioned, Stephen Hunt at 2, Kevin Doyle at 4, Kevin Foley at 17 and Owen Garvan at 19.
2. Stephen Hunt (Reading)
Age: 27 Position: Winger Nationality: Irish (full international) Cost: £5m
A high-octane scorer and provider who, having swallowed his disappointment at not getting a summer move, is now proving he is too good for this level. Released by Palace, he rebuilt his career at Brentford. Contracted to 2011, but with an escape clause, so he could leave this month. Brother Noel, also at Reading, picked up votes too
4. Kevin Doyle (Reading)
Age: 25 Position: Striker Nationality: Irish (full) Cost: £7m
During the first of Reading's two-season sojourn in the top flight Doyle was being linked with Manchester United. He remains a class act and will be in the Premier League next season, with or without Reading. "I can see him going to Villa, or Everton," said talkSPORT's Jason Cundy
17. Kevin Foley (Wolves)
Age: 24 Position: Right-back Nationality: Irish (B, U21) Cost: £1.5m
Looked a good player on the ball as soon as he emerged at Luton, now improving defensively and becoming more consistent. Likely to be capped by Giovanni Trapattoni this year
19. Owen Garvan (Ipswich)
Age: 20 Position: Midfield Nationality: Irish (U21) Cost: £2m
Appeared in the first poll, when just 17 but injuries interrupted his progress. Lacks pace but a lovely passer who reads the game well. Contracted to 2011. Nephew of former Manchester United midfielder Mick Martin
Article in the English Indo today for anyone interested, in the paper version of the Irish Indo as well. A number of Irish players mentioned, Stephen Hunt at 2, Kevin Doyle at 4, Kevin Foley at 17 and Owen Garvan at 19.
2. Stephen Hunt (Reading)
Age: 27 Position: Winger Nationality: Irish (full international) Cost: £5m
A high-octane scorer and provider who, having swallowed his disappointment at not getting a summer move, is now proving he is too good for this level. Released by Palace, he rebuilt his career at Brentford. Contracted to 2011, but with an escape clause, so he could leave this month. Brother Noel, also at Reading, picked up votes too
4. Kevin Doyle (Reading)
Age: 25 Position: Striker Nationality: Irish (full) Cost: £7m
During the first of Reading's two-season sojourn in the top flight Doyle was being linked with Manchester United. He remains a class act and will be in the Premier League next season, with or without Reading. "I can see him going to Villa, or Everton," said talkSPORT's Jason Cundy
17. Kevin Foley (Wolves)
Age: 24 Position: Right-back Nationality: Irish (B, U21) Cost: £1.5m
Looked a good player on the ball as soon as he emerged at Luton, now improving defensively and becoming more consistent. Likely to be capped by Giovanni Trapattoni this year
19. Owen Garvan (Ipswich)
Age: 20 Position: Midfield Nationality: Irish (U21) Cost: £2m
Appeared in the first poll, when just 17 but injuries interrupted his progress. Lacks pace but a lovely passer who reads the game well. Contracted to 2011. Nephew of former Manchester United midfielder Mick Martin