Potentially eligible players thread

[samhaydenjr]

might be a future recruit in the academy at LA Galaxy: https://twitter.com/LAGalaxyAcademy/status/820358552426418176
@LAGalaxyAcademy (https://twitter.com/LAGalaxyAcademy) 18s beat @SoundersAcademy (https://twitter.com/SoundersAcademy) 5-1. Two goals by Alex Mendez, Uly Llanez, Patrick Murphy and Aristotle Zarris. U16s up next.

Is that Aristotle Zarris of the Skibbereen Zarrises?

[tetsujin1979]

Is that Aristotle Zarris of the Skibbereen Zarrises?i believe so. His brother was a decent corner forward

[Charlie Darwin]

i believe so. His brother was a decent corner forward
Toyota Zarris, I know him well.

[Eminence Grise]

He has a great engine.

[Wangball]

Someone just posted an old Ireland U21 team pic on FB and front & centre was Kwame Ampadu & that brought his son to mind. We've had high profile player "tug-o-wars" with England, Scotland & Northern Ireland in the past...will this be our first one with Wales should Ampadu consider a switch?!

[SkStu]

He has a great engine.

Don't be such a dipstick.

[Olé Olé]

Someone just posted an old Ireland U21 team pic on FB and front & centre was Kwame Ampadu & that brought his son to mind. We've had high profile player "tug-o-wars" with England, Scotland & Northern Ireland in the past...will this be our first one with Wales should Ampadu consider a switch?!

Was there any tug of war over Kevin Sheedy? Only player I can think of.

[Diggs246]

I see Bamford is on his way to Boro for 10 mill, I don't understand why this guy hasn't jumped at playing for Ireland

[DeLorean]

Well England is his first choice and it's only a couple of years since he was the player of the season in the Championship, so at that point he would have felt good about making the grade some day. His lack of football over the past couple of seasons will surely have dented those aspirations, but it possibly means that O'Neill and co. haven't exactly been banging down his door either?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I see Bamford is on his way to Boro for 10 mill, I don't understand why this guy hasn't jumped at playing for Ireland

Have you ever considered the possibility thAt some eligible players just don't want to play for a country they don't identify with?

Dave Kitson explained it succinctly.

[DeLorean]

Have you ever considered the possibility thAt some eligible players just don't want to play for a country they don't identify with?

Bamford has already played for Ireland though and has said he wouldn't rule it out again in the future.

[Olé Olé]

Have you ever considered the possibility thAt some eligible players just don't want to play for a country they don't identify with?

Dave Kitson explained it succinctly.

Have you ever considered the possibility that Dave Kitson doesn't speak for everyone on the point of national identity?

[Olé Olé]

Bamford has already played for Ireland though and has said he wouldn't rule it out again in the future.

Wasn't he quite open to the idea and referenced his mother's side being very Irish and his uncles keen for him to play for us as they are all Ireland supporters?

Edit: http://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/patrick-bamford-i-wont-rule-out-playing-for-ireland-31159774.html

Might be a different article but he doesn't rule out playing for Ireland. Even though it's his dream to play for England.

[Charlie Darwin]

Have you ever considered the possibility that Dave Kitson doesn't speak for everyone on the point of national identity?
Now you're just being ridiculous.

[DeLorean]

Wasn't he quite open to the idea and referenced his mother's side being very Irish and his uncles keen for him to play for us as they are all Ireland supporters?

Edit: http://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/patrick-bamford-i-wont-rule-out-playing-for-ireland-31159774.html

Might be a different article but he doesn't rule out playing for Ireland. Even though it's his dream to play for England.

Yeah, that Talksport interview is the one I remembered too.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I was simply trying to help him understand why not every young man would jump at the chance to play for Ireland.

Some don't want to regardless of their ability. Some want to play for their own country.

It's admirable to want to do that rather than settle for another option at the first sign of adversity.

And I was clearly referring to players like Kitson, Hogan and Wickham rather than Bamford.

[DeLorean]

And I was clearly referring to players like Kitson, Hogan and Wickham rather than Bamford.

How could that be clear when you quoted a post that was exclusively about Bamford?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I thought Bamford said England was his first preference.

Why would/should he then be jumping at the chance of playing for Ireland.

[Diggs246]

I think he said he does identify with Ireland and for example if I wasn't good enough for Ireland .... I would play for Scotland !

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Some people seem convinced that if someone has some Irish blood they will want to play for Ireland.

Some (Kitson, Wickham, Naughton, Noble) are completely uninterested. Some (Jutkiewicz, Hogan) are blase.

Bamford said he wouldn't rule it out. Not doom and gloom but hardly a glowing endorsement of our prospects of attracting him either.

[DeLorean]

Some people seem convinced that if someone has some Irish blood they will want to play for Ireland.

Really, like who?

We all know Ireland is Bamford's second choice. We also know that he identifies with his Irish roots, which you blatantly questioned before shamelessly backtracking.

[SkStu]

Again, TOWK, youre fighting a fight that just isnt there - certainly not on this board.

I think most of us know that our chances of attracting 2g or 3g foreign born potential players decrease as their respective ability/success increases. This is a lesson we have learnt going back to the 80's under Jack. No one is under any illusion in that regard. It shouldnt stop us asking the question until we receive a definitive indication or answer. I am fine to pursue indecision or ambiguity to a reasonable extent - having a diverse background creates, by its nature, ambiguity or indecision in these situations and for these players. It is perfectly ok for players to feel more Irish, more English or 50/50 and to still not be sure.

Regarding the quote that Delorean picked out - I am convinced that if someone has Irish blood they may want to consider playing for Ireland and we should make that option open to them, make our pitch and ask the question.

These players will have earned the luxury of choice.

[TrapAPony]

Might be a different article but he doesn't rule out playing for Ireland. Even though it's his dream to play for England.

In Bamford and Hogan's cases England isn't going to happen. You have to wonder when these lads finally give up on this English dream. You got Kane, Rooney, Sturridge, Welbeck, Vardy, Walcott, Carroll, Rashford who will all be called up ahead of them for instance no matter what they do...then there are solid players like Rodriguez, Austin, Deeney, Gray, Wilson who won't be getting called up yet are Premiership regulars. Then there is the likes of Gayle who is running away with the Championship scoring charts and he hasn't a hope of a call-up and Abraham will be coming through very soon too. If these lads consider themselves any way shape or form Irish then I just don't get their hesitancy at all. We are not exactly a poor footballing nation ourselves so you have to wonder what these lads are waiting for.

[CraftyToePoke]

We are not exactly a poor footballing nation ourselves so you have to wonder what these lads are waiting for.

This is it, we just delivered a major finals performance that England were left casting envious glances at and are strolling our group looking at qualifying again, for a three out of four recent qualification record. There should be guys digging out green grannies left right and center.

[SkStu]

I think a large part of that specific issue is that international football just isnt that appealing any more to a lot of players. Especially if you wont be dining at the top table.

[KrisLetang]

Why, because of the injury risk?

[Polster]

I think a large part of that specific issue is that international football just isnt that appealing any more to a lot of players. Especially if you wont be dining at the top table.

I agree with this, Messi clearly would prefer out, the lad Matip at Liverpool has decided he'd prefer not to bother now. Even Ribery and Lahm have retired at and early age.

Anyway, I have no problem with a lad looking at Ireland as a second best option. It can be a genuine case of him feeling more English but having a real connection through family to Ireland as well. Who's to say lads like Townsend/Aldo/McCarthy/Hughton would not have played for England if they had been called up there first, and didn't Houghton turn to us after being snubbed by Scotland.

Anyway, without going back over dozens of pages here, could anyone give me a brief on the prospects of these lads?

Hogan
Bamford
Redmond

Anyone else that is performing well now we are or should be trying to enlist?

[Olé Olé]

Anyway, without going back over dozens of pages here, could anyone give me a brief on the prospects of these lads?

Hogan
Bamford
Redmond

Anyone else that is performing well now we are or should be trying to enlist?

You've got them in the right order there in terms of likelihood to play for us. I think we have a good shout with all but I'm afraid that's very dependent on the England prospects for the latter pair who have played for England at numerous grades, unlike the late-bloomer Hogan.

All 3 actually have very strong Irish links, in fairness. 3 of Hogan's grandparents are Irish and Redmond and Bamford's mothers identify as Irish (per Redmond's mother's twitter and per Bamford), born to Irish parents I suspect.

All 3 have strong links, may identify as English first and foremost (as well as Irish) and may have England as their first choice. But there's every possibility the point will come where they throw their lot in with us. It's a waiting game.

[Diggs246]

Unfortunately I don't think we will get any of the players on "polsters" list, the only one we might get in Bamford
Hogan has had half a year to declare and has not
Bamford is a long shot
Redmond has said he is waiting for England full stop

[DeLorean]

I'd have Bamford top in terms of being the most likely also. He's played with us already, he's in tune with his Irish roots and his career has stagnated compared to the other two. Redmond has every chance of playing for England at some stage, seems to be playing to a high level and improving all the time.

[Polster]

Unfortunately I don't think we will get any of the players on "polsters" list, the only one we might get in Bamford
Hogan has had half a year to declare and has not
Bamford is a long shot
Redmond has said he is waiting for England full stop

I wasn't aware we had approached Hogan, I would have guessed some comms must have happened though. Seen the twitter stuff with Redmonds mother aye, proud Irish woman no doubt. All three would be great, but up to them. Realistically do not see any future for any of them with England, ok, any could earn a few caps perhaps, but no long term careers there for them unless things change drastically.

[CraftyToePoke]

I wasn't aware we had approached Hogan

Did you have a nice time away on Mars ? :)

[Polster]

Did you have a nice time away on Mars ? :)

don't claim to be a super fan of any kind, just dip in and out really

[paul_oshea]

I remember when you did.

[Polster]

I remember when you did.

Busier these days :-)

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Really, like who?

We all know Ireland is Bamford's second choice. We also know that he identifies with his Irish roots, which you blatantly questioned before shamelessly backtracking.

He does? Someone else is after saying it's his mother/extended family that identifies with his roots. Either way it's irrelevant. The player has shown no interest in declaring and nothing he has accomplished over the last two years makes him worth pursuing.

There are probably people more in tune with their roots than him who have shown little to no interest in declaring for us.

Scott Hogan currently. Jamie O'Hara spoke positively of his roots but (paraphrasing) said he felt English and didn't want to take an opportunity from someone who feels Irish.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I've said this before but there is no point pining for Hogan, Bamford, Crowley, Davies, Noble etc, etc.

History shows that eligible players who end up declaring for us do so under the radar (Christie) or without a need to chase their signature.

[DeLorean]

He does? Someone else is after saying it's his mother/extended family that identifies with his roots.

Why would he play for our U-18's if he doesn't identify with his Irish roots?


The player has shown no interest in declaring and nothing he has accomplished over the last two years makes him worth pursuing.

He was interested enough to play for our U-18's and interested enough to state that he wouldn't rule out the option of declaring in the future. Other than actually declare and say goodbye to his first preference, what more evidence are you looking for to show he could be interested? He also said it was a tough decision to switch to England, why bother even saying that if he doesn't identify with Ireland at all?

[samhaydenjr]

I agree with this, Messi clearly would prefer out, the lad Matip at Liverpool has decided he'd prefer not to bother now. Even Ribery and Lahm have retired at and early age.

Anyway, I have no problem with a lad looking at Ireland as a second best option. It can be a genuine case of him feeling more English but having a real connection through family to Ireland as well. Who's to say lads like Townsend/Aldo/McCarthy/Hughton would not have played for England if they had been called up there first, and didn't Houghton turn to us after being snubbed by Scotland.

Anyway, without going back over dozens of pages here, could anyone give me a brief on the prospects of these lads?

Hogan
Bamford
Redmond

Anyone else that is performing well now we are or should be trying to enlist?

- Hogan has had "The Chat" with Martin O'Neill and we're waiting for an answer. TOWK believes that the delay in willingness to commit since he became a serious prospect last Spring/Summer is an indication of lack of interest and may well be right. On the other hand Hogan has said that he wanted time to think it over as he was returning from a serious injury so I guess it would be reasonable to give him a bit more time and we can hold out hope up to the next international break. Beyond that, I think we can move on.
- What Bamford actually has said was that he has Irish relatives who are encouraging him to switch but added "I feel English, or at least I think so"
- No real sign of Redmond coming on board

As regards other potential players, Lukas Jutkiewiecz has started to score regularly this season for Birmingham, in his late 20s. Martin O'Neill has mentioned him as a potential recruit.
Former Manchester United and England youth striker Will Keane, after a few underwhelming loans, made a permanent move to Hull, went straight into their first team, issued a come and get me plea to Martin O'Neill, and promptly picked up a season-ending injury. He's just turned 24 so it might be worth following his progress next season

Actually one of the most important things for the management team to do is pay close attention to a number of youth players who are breaking through but could yet jump ship - the likes of Connor Ronan, Olamide Shodipo, Corey O'Keeffe, Tom Field , Josh Cullen and Josh Barrett

[CraftyToePoke]

Don't know if this is verified but Callum Robinson was mentioned on YBIG tonight as eligible, the lad on the end of Horgans assist at the weekend. Ex Villa player, now surrounded by Irish at Preston.

[Olé Olé]

Don't know if this is verified but Callum Robinson was mentioned on YBIG tonight as eligible, the lad on the end of Horgans assist at the weekend. Ex Villa player, now surrounded by Irish at Preston.

I wonder if that's the case. Looked to have serious potential against Arsenal.

Only thing is, the time there was the original fuss about Grealish, there was another young Villa player that had a couple of caps with us, Jordan Graham. They'd both have been in the same youth squad and have played similar positions as Robinson and I remember mixing Robinson up for Graham before. Slight possibility that's the case.

Graham is at Wolves now and has done little at Wolves since he went there from Villa, by the way.

[Olé Olé]

Actually one of the most important things for the management team to do is pay close attention to a number of youth players who are breaking through but could yet jump ship - the likes of Connor Ronan, Olamide Shodipo, Corey O'Keeffe, Tom Field , Josh Cullen and Josh Barrett

No harm to keep an eye but in the case of the majority of those players, I don't think there's much to worry about. Ronan chose us. Shodipo re-affirmed how much it means to him playing for us. Cullen switched from England. Barrett has always been with us and his parents are Irish-born.

I agree with your point though. Can never be too safe since the Grealish incident but the names I've mentioned don't provide me with any doubts.

[TrapAPony]

Graham is at Wolves now and has done little at Wolves since he went there from Villa, by the way.

I think he is injured..he seems injury prone..but he was performing quite well off the wing before that

[Stuttgart88]

No harm to keep an eye but in the case of the majority of those players, I don't think there's much to worry about. Ronan chose us. Shodipo re-affirmed how much it means to him playing for us. Cullen switched from England. Barrett has always been with us and his parents are Irish-born.

I agree with your point though. Can never be too safe since the Grealish incident but the names I've mentioned don't provide me with any doubts.And what do you do with them anyway? What does "pay close attention to" mean? I think we all agree that underage selection has been baffling down the years but other than picking the right players on merit and communicating well with them there's nothing else to do, is there?

[Polster]

- Hogan has had "The Chat" with Martin O'Neill and we're waiting for an answer. TOWK believes that the delay in willingness to commit since he became a serious prospect last Spring/Summer is an indication of lack of interest and may well be right. On the other hand Hogan has said that he wanted time to think it over as he was returning from a serious injury so I guess it would be reasonable to give him a bit more time and we can hold out hope up to the next international break. Beyond that, I think we can move on.
- What Bamford actually has said was that he has Irish relatives who are encouraging him to switch but added "I feel English, or at least I think so"
- No real sign of Redmond coming on board

As regards other potential players, Lukas Jutkiewiecz has started to score regularly this season for Birmingham, in his late 20s. Martin O'Neill has mentioned him as a potential recruit.
Former Manchester United and England youth striker Will Keane, after a few underwhelming loans, made a permanent move to Hull, went straight into their first team, issued a come and get me plea to Martin O'Neill, and promptly picked up a season-ending injury. He's just turned 24 so it might be worth following his progress next season

Actually one of the most important things for the management team to do is pay close attention to a number of youth players who are breaking through but could yet jump ship - the likes of Connor Ronan, Olamide Shodipo, Corey O'Keeffe, Tom Field , Josh Cullen and Josh Barrett

cheers for that, appreciated, and agree, Will Keane is an interesting one especially with the prospect of his twin ending up with England

[seanfhear]

And what do you do with them anyway? What does "pay close attention to" mean? I think we all agree that underage selection has been baffling down the years but other than picking the right players on merit and communicating well with them there's nothing else to do, is there?Could send Roy Keane around and give their door a Knock.....I don't know whether that would be an encouragement or not.

[CraftyToePoke]

Only thing is, the time there was the original fuss about Grealish, there was another young Villa player that had a couple of caps with us, Jordan Graham. They'd both have been in the same youth squad and have played similar positions as Robinson and I remember mixing Robinson up for Graham before. Slight possibility that's the case.

Info was based on someone having spoken to his cousin, Irish on his mothers side so probably not mistaken identity however far from conclusive eligibility also.

[Olé Olé]

Info was based on someone having spoken to his cousin, Irish on his mothers side so probably not mistaken identity however far from conclusive eligibility also.

Interesting. Just have confused Graham and Robinson a few times myself. Hence my guess. He looks a good player if he finds consistency. Wouldn't complain if he wanted to play for us.

[samhaydenjr]

And what do you do with them anyway? What does "pay close attention to" mean? I think we all agree that underage selection has been baffling down the years but other than picking the right players on merit and communicating well with them there's nothing else to do, is there?

Just as you said - if they are making a breakthrough, just have management go and watch them, have a chat and let them know that there is a clear path to the National Squad if they continue to progress and then use friendlies to blood players in. And communication is important - Cyrus Christie has said that having Martin O'Neill show the respect of speaking to him personally (as opposed to the English FA sending him a letter) was a major factor in his decision to represent us. Now as Ole Ole noted, the chances of them switching may be low, but giving some younger players game-time early in their senior career serves a second purpose (even if there are other players currently ahead of them on merit): by the time the next qualifying campaign rolls around, a youngster with only a dozen senior games under his belt currently, might be a fully fledged Championship star - so it'd be good if he had a couple of caps under his belt in advance of that. So I reckon MON and Keano should be looking at giving a few uncapped players a run-out against Iceland and looking at summer friendlies to give the opportunity to more. Luckily it seems like they are thinking along those lines - picking Callum O'Dowda for the games against Belarus and Oman would have given Martin O'Neill the confidence to put him on for his competitive debut against Moldova, where he played a role in the build-up to one of our goals.

Now by my reckoning, there are currently well over twenty uncapped players or players with only a few caps who could justifiably be included in the squad for Iceland. Of course, if you put too many of them in the team, it may become a pointless exercise, as you do want to see how they fit in with the current squad. So closer to the date I plan to put a list up of those with a potential claim to a place, so everybody can debate who should get a place when compared to the others (rather than promoting their favourite LOI/SPL/League One player without consideration to three or four Championship players who could stake a claim for the same position)

[osarusan]

I think most of us know that our chances of attracting 2g or 3g foreign born potential players decrease as their respective ability/success increases.
Except if they are Northern Irish.

Oh yeah, I went there!