10 Best Irish Prospects 21 & Under

[Predator]

McAleny made his debut for Everton today, I don't know if he's eligible for Ireland though.Solid young player with a great attitude. Asked him via twitter a while back and he said he's a generation out or something to that effect. Shame.

[Olé Olé]

Tommy Amos thread here:
http://foot.ie/forums/showthread.php?t=125221

Any news on him anyone?

http://www.firstpointusa.com/news/tommy-amos-commits-to-manhattan-college/

[DannyInvincible]

Solid young player with a great attitude. Asked him via twitter a while back and he said he's a generation out or something to that effect. Shame.

Aye, Irish great-grandfather, according to TrapAPony (http://foot.ie/threads/153401-Irish-Abroad-2011-2012?p=1559214&viewfull=1#post1559214).

[greendeiseboy]

Dont know if this lad has been mentioned before or has got a call up yet but might be worth keeping an eye on him.

http://www.evertonfc.com/player-profile/ben-heneghan

[Murfinator]

Mark O'Brien and Rhys Murphy are my picks. A known quantity but Darren Randolph is also a very good young keeper. A lot of unfortunately overrated young Irish players out there at present, I'm not too optimistic about any Keanes or Duffs emerging from the crop currently in the public domain.

[drummerboy]

Not sure about Randolph, saw him playing against England at u21 level and he had a nightmare game.

[Scooby Doo]

Mark O'Brien and Rhys Murphy are my picks. A known quantity but Darren Randolph is also a very good young keeper. A lot of unfortunately overrated young Irish players out there at present, I'm not too optimistic about any Keanes or Duffs emerging from the crop currently in the public domain.
If he continues his current progress, then Jack Grealish!? Conor Henderson could be a great player if he regains fitness and stays injury free.

[tetsujin1979]

Mark O'Brien and Rhys Murphy are my picks. A known quantity but Darren Randolph is also a very good young keeper. A lot of unfortunately overrated young Irish players out there at present, I'm not too optimistic about any Keanes or Duffs emerging from the crop currently in the public domain.Surely Brady and Long?

[Supreme feet]

Matt Doherty - Wolves (19)
Mark O'Brien - Derby (19)
Shane Duffy - Everton (19)
Greg Cunningham - Man City (20)
Enda Stevens - Shamrock Rovers/Aston Villa (21)
Robbie Brady - Man Utd (19)
Conor Clifford - Chelsea (20)
Jeff Hendrick - Derby (19)
Conor Henderson - Arsenal (20)
Rhys Murphy - Arsenal (21)

They would be my current ten, with James McCarthy (21) omitted on grounds that he's already 'established'. We seem to have prospects in most positions, but a few extra goalkeepers and strikers wouldn't go amiss.

Tets, Long will be 25 in February, I wouldn't count him as a young prospect anymore. I agree with Brady though, he looks just as promising as Duff did when he was the same age. It should be remembered that Keane, Duff and Dunne also spent seasons in the second tier (whatever it was called back then) before really establishing themselves at club level. Duff was actually on the bench quite a lot at Blackburn until he was around 20-21, when he really kicked on.

[Dunners]

Joe Mason - Cardiff (20)

[drummerboy]

Stephen Henderson, 23, playing regularly for Portsmouth in Championship and getting good reviews.

[tetsujin1979]

Keep forgetting what age Long is, even though he's been around for ages.

[pateen]

What about James McClean (22)
David Meyler (22)

[Sullivinho]

I agree with Brady though, he looks just as promising as Duff did when he was the same age. It should be remembered that Keane, Duff and Dunne also spent seasons in the second tier (whatever it was called back then) before really establishing themselves at club level. Duff was actually on the bench quite a lot at Blackburn until he was around 20-21, when he really kicked on.

Another member of the Brady fanclub here, very exciting prospect and one I'd heard about for quite a while before actually seeing him in action. Speaking of 20-21 Duff, sometimes I wondered if he'd last the game he was playing in, nevermind go on to become one of our greats! He's go on a run and immediately look absolutely wrecked, panting like a labrador. Turned out to have fairly impressive stamina in the end - fair play to him, still doing it.

[Olé Olé]

Keep forgetting what age Long is, even though he's been around for ages.

In spite of the luck Robbie Keane had at Liverpool, I hope Long grasps his chance to play with one of the top sides in England. Speculation always surrounded Doyle and the big sides but it never seemed material and I remember him being linked with Chelsea and even more recently Arsenal and Liverpool; whether they were material links or just rumours, I don't know. But on the basis of Long's season so far I'd be optimistic of a bigger club coming in for him next summer or the one after if his development keeps up. He has scored goals against Man United and Chelsea already this season.

[tommy_c12000]

The players I see as having the most potential at the present time are:

Mark O'Brien - just turned 19, a real exciting talent. But needs to put in a serious pre-season in the gym before he will be considered for a call up. He has been out of favour in recent weeks, but hopefully he will break back into the Derby first team again soon. A small break from the rough and tumbles of the Championship might do him no harm at all considering his tender age.

Shane Duffy - Scunthorpe fans have been raving about him this season with their manager describing him as "a proper centre half." It is hard to believe that he is still only 19, but this lad definitely has it all to make it as a top notch centre half. His loan spell has been extended until the end of January, but expect him to get a look in with the Everton first team by the end of the present season.

Robbie Brady - He has really impressed during his loan spell with Hull City this season, scoring one memorable league goal. However, his development has faultered somewhat since the departure of Pearson culminating in a 3 match ban for a red card. He is due to return next saturday V Millwall so hopefully he'll be back into the starting eleven. Fingers crossed he will secure a loan move to a Premiership outfit in January.

David Meyler - Sunderland have been crying out for a commander-in-chief in the centre of midfield all season. They started with Colback (5ft 9) and Vaughan (5ft 7) yesterday. If it was any other team other than Blackburn, their midfield would have been steam rolled. They got very lucky yesterday. Gardner is 5ft 10, Cattermole 5ft 10 and Richardson 5ft 9. It is only a matter of time before Meyler will get his chance in midfield. He has a strong physical presence, is a very good passer of the ball, is strong in the tackle and has an abundance of energy. Potential to be a top, top player. Let's hope he stays injury free.

Jack Grealish - From the small bit that I've seen of him and from what I've read, he has the potential to be the superstar. I'm not convinced that he will stay with Ireland though.

These are the 5 that I have most hope for at the present time.

Others:
Conor Henderson - Can't see him making it in the premiership after a cruciate in either knee before the age of 20. Hope he proves me wrong though.
Conor Clifford - needs a loan move to a good championship club. Not setting the world alight with Yeovil at the moment. Has been subbed at the 60 minute mark every game. Clock is ticking.
Greg Cunningham - doing ok for Forest. Hopefully, he will continue to develop.
Jeff Hendrick - fine passer of the ball. Whether he will make it at the top level, I'm not convinced.
Matt Doherty - Has made a couple of impressive cameos for Wolves. Could be a top right back.
Johnny Egan - Has been receiving rave reviews for the Sunderland Reserves this season collecting a number of MOTM awards. Hopefully he'll break into the first team soon.
James McClean - Impressive yesterday, hopefully he will continue to develop.
Rhys Murphy - Don't think will make it at Premiership level
Joe Mason - Don't think will make it at Premiership level

[tommy_c12000]

Sorry about the length of the last post. Got exams this week so bouncing off the walls with the coffee!

[Serb]

I was thinking about the comparison about about Long possibly being another "Keane" in our current batch of young players. At first, I figured that there's no comparison really as, by Long's age, Keane already had 57 caps and had scored more international goals than any other Irish footballer in history (24).

Looking at it relative to Long's experience however, he has 23 caps and 6 goals. By cap 23, Robbie only had 7 goals to his name internationally, so you never know. He certainly has been given limited opportunities as a direct result of Keane's presence and Trap's reluctance to play Long and Keane together. I'd have Long ahead of Doyle in our first 11 at the moment anyway, as I think he has all the try-hard of Doyle but scores more goals.

In terms of other young prospects, I like the look of Conor Clifford, Robbie Brady, David Meyler, James McCarthy, Ciaran Clark and Mark O'Brien. I'm particularly hopeful about Clifford, but you never know where these guys will end up.

[TrapAPony]

Others :
Anthony Forde - Wolves
Aidy White - Leeds
Daniel Kearns - Peterborough
Kane Ferdinand - Southend

[Predator]

Aidy White and Robbie Brady have impressed me in the last few home under 21 games in Sligo. One guy who I rarely hear mentioned is Rob Kiernan, who captains the under 21 side at centre half. English born, but has played for from u17 upwards I believe. Coming 21 in January and recently signed for Wigan from Watford. He has really impressed me alongside Shane Duffy in recent games.

I think Mark O'Brien would ideally need to grow an inch and put on a few pounds in the next few years if he is to challenge the physicality of the current under 21 defence. (Connolly is 6'1, Kiernan is 6'2, Duffy 6'4, Canavan 6'3, Gunning 6'2, Cunningham 6'0.). Saying that, height isn't necessarily a pre-requisite for a good defender, I'm just pointing out that King has favoured tall, strong defenders during his time in charge of the under 21s. In fact I'd argue that this is part of the reason Lanre Oyebanjo has been included in all squads - he is quite fast, tall and strong.

Barton has been hit and miss. When playing advanced, he looks very dangerous, but he struggled playing deeper in the last game and King gave him a bollocking before throwing on Hendrick.

[Predator]

In terms of 21 and under, I don't think there are any standout goalkeepers. McCarey did well during the U19 championships, but he has struggled to shift McLoughlin since moving up to u21 level. Richie Branagan and Michael Quirke were both used by King but we won't be seeing them any time soon.

[cornflakes]

In terms of 21 and under, I don't think there are any standout goalkeepers. McCarey did well during the U19 championships, but he has struggled to shift McLoughlin since moving up to u21 level. Richie Branagan and Michael Quirke were both used by King but we won't be seeing them any time soon.

Does Quirke even have a club these days?

[AlaskaFox]

In terms of 21 and under, I don't think there are any standout goalkeepers. McCarey did well during the U19 championships, but he has struggled to shift McLoughlin since moving up to u21 level. Richie Branagan and Michael Quirke were both used by King but we won't be seeing them any time soon.

Niall Burdon? :D

[CraftyToePoke]

Sean Murray (http://www.watfordfc.com/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10400~54727,00.html), of Watford, I think he has been mentioned on here before, has already made his first team debut, a bit more here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Murray_(footballer)), The Watford academy has been featured in this months Four Four Two magazine as well (I think)

[gastric]

Quirke is, as they say, a free agent. In terms of goalkeepers does anyone know if Sean McDermott or Joe Coll are any good? Also Ciaran Clarke could possibly join the list of good prospects.

[Deckydee]

The players I see as having the most potential at the present time are:

Mark O'Brien - just turned 19, a real exciting talent. But needs to put in a serious pre-season in the gym before he will be considered for a call up. He has been out of favour in recent weeks, but hopefully he will break back into the Derby first team again soon. A small break from the rough and tumbles of the Championship might do him no harm at all considering his tender age.

Shane Duffy - Scunthorpe fans have been raving about him this season with their manager describing him as "a proper centre half." It is hard to believe that he is still only 19, but this lad definitely has it all to make it as a top notch centre half. His loan spell has been extended until the end of January, but expect him to get a look in with the Everton first team by the end of the present season.

Robbie Brady - He has really impressed during his loan spell with Hull City this season, scoring one memorable league goal. However, his development has faultered somewhat since the departure of Pearson culminating in a 3 match ban for a red card. He is due to return next saturday V Millwall so hopefully he'll be back into the starting eleven. Fingers crossed he will secure a loan move to a Premiership outfit in January.

David Meyler - Sunderland have been crying out for a commander-in-chief in the centre of midfield all season. They started with Colback (5ft 9) and Vaughan (5ft 7) yesterday. If it was any other team other than Blackburn, their midfield would have been steam rolled. They got very lucky yesterday. Gardner is 5ft 10, Cattermole 5ft 10 and Richardson 5ft 9. It is only a matter of time before Meyler will get his chance in midfield. He has a strong physical presence, is a very good passer of the ball, is strong in the tackle and has an abundance of energy. Potential to be a top, top player. Let's hope he stays injury free.

Jack Grealish - From the small bit that I've seen of him and from what I've read, he has the potential to be the superstar. I'm not convinced that he will stay with Ireland though.

These are the 5 that I have most hope for at the present time.

Others:
Conor Henderson - Can't see him making it in the premiership after a cruciate in either knee before the age of 20. Hope he proves me wrong though.
Conor Clifford - needs a loan move to a good championship club. Not setting the world alight with Yeovil at the moment. Has been subbed at the 60 minute mark every game. Clock is ticking.
Greg Cunningham - doing ok for Forest. Hopefully, he will continue to develop.
Jeff Hendrick - fine passer of the ball. Whether he will make it at the top level, I'm not convinced.
Matt Doherty - Has made a couple of impressive cameos for Wolves. Could be a top right back.
Johnny Egan - Has been receiving rave reviews for the Sunderland Reserves this season collecting a number of MOTM awards. Hopefully he'll break into the first team soon.
James McClean - Impressive yesterday, hopefully he will continue to develop.
Rhys Murphy - Don't think will make it at Premiership level
Joe Mason - Don't think will make it at Premiership level

http://www.englandfootballblog.com/2011/08/18/jack-grealish-of-england-or-jack-grealish-of-ireland/

Despite all his paperwork being in order, Jack Grealish pulled out of England‘s most recent U17 squad…no reason given…the biggest indicator yet that he’s looking to stick with Ireland

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Saw this lad, Graham Burke, was named on the subs bench yesterday for Villa with McLeish saying that he was very close to putting him on at the end. Must be a good prospect if he's involved so young - definitely one to watch.

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2381553,00.html

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/AcademyProfile/0,,10265~2091150,00.html

Also, with regards to young prospects, Anthony Forde is really highly rated at Wolves, along with Doherty. There is also a young lad called McAllinden who is highly touted (hopefully Mick will try to convert him also) -http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~2550179,00.html

[Sullivinho]

Bit in today's Examiner about Aidan White. (http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/from-elland-back-white-causing-a-stir-177655.html) Noel King tipping him for senior caps.

[Mark Breen]

Quirke is, as they say, a free agent. In terms of goalkeepers does anyone know if Sean McDermott or Joe Coll are any good? Also Ciaran Clarke could possibly join the list of good prospects.

Joe Coll is decent enough, but he is only 17 (i think) playing with Man Utd.... Man City also have an 17 year old keeper by the name of Ian Lawlor.... Ian is ex Home Farm, and although he was decent and very tall he loses him temper very easy (Easy to wind up)

[Joe Dixon]

Aaron Doran, Gavin Gunning, Conor Clifford, Robbie Brady, Conor Henderson, Sean McGinty, Eoin Wearen, Jeff Kendrick, Mark O'Brien, Conor Hourihane and Richie Towell.

Hope this doesn't go too against the grain as far as resurrecting old threads, but it's intriguing to see how far our some of the predictions were and of course how accurate others were. The one quoted above was one of the better ones.

Much in the hope that i'll still be in a position to look back on my own selection in 10 years time i'm going to have a go at a current 10 prospects. Not including Parrott, Connolly or O'Connor only because they have been capped already.

Gavin Bazuno, Nathan Collins, Andrew Omobamidele, Anselmo Garcia McNulty, Nico Jones, Jason Molumby, Conor Coventry, Jamie Bowden, Tom Cannon, Evan Ferguson

[Fizzer]

Jeff Kendrick! Have to read this thread in full.

[pineapple stu]

Posts like that are exactly why I don't be getting excited about our latest great batch of U19s or even 21s. There's a long way to go yet to really make it, even for Parrott, Connolly and others starting to get a look in at senior level

[elatedscum]

The players I see as having the most potential at the present time are:

Mark O'Brien - just turned 19, a real exciting talent. But needs to put in a serious pre-season in the gym before he will be considered for a call up. He has been out of favour in recent weeks, but hopefully he will break back into the Derby first team again soon. A small break from the rough and tumbles of the Championship might do him no harm at all considering his tender age.

Shane Duffy - Scunthorpe fans have been raving about him this season with their manager describing him as "a proper centre half." It is hard to believe that he is still only 19, but this lad definitely has it all to make it as a top notch centre half. His loan spell has been extended until the end of January, but expect him to get a look in with the Everton first team by the end of the present season.

Robbie Brady - He has really impressed during his loan spell with Hull City this season, scoring one memorable league goal. However, his development has faultered somewhat since the departure of Pearson culminating in a 3 match ban for a red card. He is due to return next saturday V Millwall so hopefully he'll be back into the starting eleven. Fingers crossed he will secure a loan move to a Premiership outfit in January.

David Meyler - Sunderland have been crying out for a commander-in-chief in the centre of midfield all season. They started with Colback (5ft 9) and Vaughan (5ft 7) yesterday. If it was any other team other than Blackburn, their midfield would have been steam rolled. They got very lucky yesterday. Gardner is 5ft 10, Cattermole 5ft 10 and Richardson 5ft 9. It is only a matter of time before Meyler will get his chance in midfield. He has a strong physical presence, is a very good passer of the ball, is strong in the tackle and has an abundance of energy. Potential to be a top, top player. Let's hope he stays injury free.

Jack Grealish - From the small bit that I've seen of him and from what I've read, he has the potential to be the superstar. I'm not convinced that he will stay with Ireland though.

These are the 5 that I have most hope for at the present time.

Others:
Conor Henderson - Can't see him making it in the premiership after a cruciate in either knee before the age of 20. Hope he proves me wrong though.
Conor Clifford - needs a loan move to a good championship club. Not setting the world alight with Yeovil at the moment. Has been subbed at the 60 minute mark every game. Clock is ticking.
Greg Cunningham - doing ok for Forest. Hopefully, he will continue to develop.
Jeff Hendrick - fine passer of the ball. Whether he will make it at the top level, I'm not convinced.
Matt Doherty - Has made a couple of impressive cameos for Wolves. Could be a top right back.
Johnny Egan - Has been receiving rave reviews for the Sunderland Reserves this season collecting a number of MOTM awards. Hopefully he'll break into the first team soon.
James McClean - Impressive yesterday, hopefully he will continue to develop.
Rhys Murphy - Don't think will make it at Premiership level
Joe Mason - Don't think will make it at Premiership level

This is a pretty impressive take...

[tommy_c12000]

I don’t even remember that post! O’Brien lacked the bit of luck needed!

[tommy_c12000]

http://www.englandfootballblog.com/2011/08/18/jack-grealish-of-england-or-jack-grealish-of-ireland/

Despite all his paperwork being in order, Jack Grealish pulled out of England‘s most recent U17 squad…no reason given…the biggest indicator yet that he’s looking to stick with Ireland

Should have listened to Tommy, Decky...

[Eirambler]

Interesting thread to read back through and to be fair the predictions were better than I thought they would be. O'Brien and Clifford probably the biggest disappointments relative to expectations but the likes of Brady, Hendrick, Stevens, Coleman, Egan, Doherty, Duffy and Hourihane were all predicted to do well by posters.

For what it's worth here are my top 10 current under 21s, most likely some will fall away but hopefully a few will go on to play at a high level.

1. Troy Parrott
2. Aaron Connolly
3. Michael Obafemi
4. Jayson Molumby
5. Nathan Collins
6. Jason Knight
7. Dara O'Shea
8. Mark Travers
9. Adam Idah
10. Lee O'Connor

And since five of those have already been capped here are five more uncapped players who might have a shot.

Gavin Kilkenny
Caoimhin Kelleher
Jonathan Afolabi
Conor Coventry
Thomas O'Connor

[Razors left peg]

This is a pretty impressive take...

Ridiculously good predictions. I do think that the group we have coming through are a few levels above that group so I would expect that we will get a better success rate with.

[samhaydenjr]

Matt Doherty - Wolves (19)
Mark O'Brien - Derby (19)
Shane Duffy - Everton (19)
Greg Cunningham - Man City (20)
Enda Stevens - Shamrock Rovers/Aston Villa (21)
Robbie Brady - Man Utd (19)
Conor Clifford - Chelsea (20)
Jeff Hendrick - Derby (19)
Conor Henderson - Arsenal (20)
Rhys Murphy - Arsenal (21)

They would be my current ten, with James McCarthy (21) omitted on grounds that he's already 'established'. We seem to have prospects in most positions, but a few extra goalkeepers and strikers wouldn't go amiss.

Tets, Long will be 25 in February, I wouldn't count him as a young prospect anymore. I agree with Brady though, he looks just as promising as Duff did when he was the same age. It should be remembered that Keane, Duff and Dunne also spent seasons in the second tier (whatever it was called back then) before really establishing themselves at club level. Duff was actually on the bench quite a lot at Blackburn until he was around 20-21, when he really kicked on.

Six future internationals out of ten picked... also very impressive

[DeLorean]

Tommy deservedly taking all the plaudits but without Crosby there'd have been no discussion. Ahead of his time as always.

[DeLorean]

Posts like that are exactly why I don't be getting excited about our latest great batch of U19s or even 21s. There's a long way to go yet to really make it, even for Parrott, Connolly and others starting to get a look in at senior level

Even a lot of those that do 'make it', end up getting maligned, like McClean and Hendrick recently. Still, where's the joy if you can't get enthusiastic about these things.

[tommy_c12000]

Ridiculously good predictions.
I do think that the group we have coming through are a few levels above that group so I would expect that we will get a better success rate with.

Ive been following ireland closely since the mid 1990s, and I definitely agree that this is the best group of youngsters we’ve ever had coming through. I remember a poster recently saying on here that this batch may produce up to 10 internationals, which was quickly dampened down by others given the historical examples littered throughout this thread.

The current batch are different for a number of reasons:

1. They are older, more advanced in their development and playing at a higher level. Kerrs kids were under 16 and under 18, so much can change in those years of development so little surprise so few made it to a reasonable level. We never did anything at under 21 level before and only had 3 to 4 very good to excellent prospects at a time. Many of our current crop: Connolly, Obafemi, Molumby, T O’Connor, Ronan, Elbouzedi, Scales, McNamara, are already playing regular first team football, a few more are dipping their toes and should get more exposure be it on loan or with their parent club in the coming months: Parrott, Kelleher, Travers, N Collins, O’Shea, Idah. And there are many more who need some luck to kick start their senior careers in the near future but I expect a few of them to do so: the Celtic 5, Coventry, Masterson, etc. In addition, several of our talented under 19s and 17s are in the tender stages of development, and some should mature nicely over the next few years.

2. Emerging Talent Program and Ruud Dokter: Difficult to prove causation as always, but the timing certainly fits. And all irish underage teams have a common identity and play the same style fostering development and seamless transition of players as they progress through the age groups depending on their ability.

3. Diverse genetics pool: Never before has Ireland been so diverse with the myriad of immigration that has occurred since the 1990s. We now have a number of players from with African roots (Obafemi, Idah, Afolabi, Armstrong Okoflex, Omobamidele to name but a few) who bring pace and skill not seen before in such abundance in Ireland.

4. Scouting network: It is clear some excellent work is being done recruiting irish eligible players into the underage set up. While we may lose the odd Rice/Grealish with this strategy, we will also gain the odd McGeady/McCarthy as well. It’s certainly making a difference when you look at the players like Joe Hodge.

I do understand the caution however, and I am not someone to get carried away with things. I haven’t factored in here the amount of coverage underage players get these days even in the youth and reserves, something you’d hear very little of back 20 years ago. This may lead us to being bias towards the ability and potential of the new generation, but the arguments above still outweigh this on balance.

I do believe we are heading into a golden generation for irish football, and that I would not be surprised if 10 from the current bunch play at a high level and are regular senior internationals.

[tetsujin1979]

I'm a bit concerned about Masterson. He's 21, and seems to have been talked about for ages on here, but still hasn't made his first team debut.
By contrast O'Shea and Scales, the other centre halves in the current U21 squad, have had a season out on loan, and four full seasons of football, respectively.
Right now it looks like his next chance for his debut will be the third round of the FA Cup in January. Is he in danger of being left behind?

[tommy_c12000]

I'm a bit concerned about Masterson. He's 21, and seems to have been talked about for ages on here, but still hasn't made his first team debut.
By contrast O'Shea and Scales, the other centre halves in the current U21 squad, have had a season out on loan, and four full seasons of football, respectively.
Right now it looks like his next chance for his debut will be the third round of the FA Cup in January. Is he in danger of being left behind?

Im actually quite pessimistic about him at the moment. Conor has been open saying that they signed him as a “development player” and that he’s one for the future. https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/10/10/do-conor-masterson-explains-why-he-hasnt-played-for-qpr-after-li/ (https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/10/10/do-conor-masterson-explains-why-he-hasnt-played-for-qpr-after-li/)
How can you leave being captain of the Liverpool u23s and go to QPR at 21 years of age in the knowledge a lower level of developmental football awaits you?! I’m sure he expected a chance with first team by now, but Warburton concerned with his physicality I’d imagine. QPR have not kept a clean sheet all season, have mostly played with 3 centre backs, so for Masterson to only make the bench in one or two league games is very concerning. His 10 games with the irish under 21s have been his saving grace. You never know what opportunities may present themselves over Christmas.

[tetsujin1979]

Masterson going to QPR reminds me of Daniel Cleary leaving Liverpool to go to Birmingham, where he didn't play. Cleary eventually signed for Dundalk, where he's doing really well, is this going to be Masterson's future?

[Eirambler]

I think Masterson knew he needed a change of club (or was he even a free agent?), and he wasn't exactly overloaded with offers, so QPR made sense. However I would agree with the pessimism in terms of his prospects - he's a year older than most of that under 21 squad, three years older than the likes of Parrott, Knight, and Nathan Collins who plays his position, but well behind all of them in terms of his development.

To be honest I don't think he's going to make it. Even in terms of the current under 21 team I'd say Collins and O'Shea are our two best centre backs, he may well lose his place in that team before too long.

[Stuttgart88]

I agree on Collins & O'Shea.

I think I read earlier in the year that Masterson was bought as WIP and has time on his side. I haven't seen him much so haven't formed my own view other than he looked perfectly competent, as did Liam Scales who, if anything, looked better in Toulon.

I'm still not sold on Kelleher btw!

[DeLorean]

I think I read earlier in the year that Masterson was bought as WIP and has time on his side.

Yeah, Warburton confirmed this recently - https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/warburton-frustrated-by-suggestion-qpr-youngster-is-unlucky-not-to-be-selected
Maybe he'd be better off dropping another division or two though where he can develop properly.

[Eirambler]

Masterson is a bit like Connor Ronan in that I'm not sure he'd be suited to the lower leagues, he's much more of a footballing centre back than the more physical types that do well in League 1 or League 2. Possibly Scotland or continental Europe might suit him better, but I could definitely see him playing for the likes of Rovers within a year or two, in fact a short stint in the LOI might be his best bet in terms of rebuilding an overseas career in a few years time.

[DeLorean]

Good point actually, especially in light of Warburton's comments.

[liamoo11]

I think Masterson knew he needed a change of club (or was he even a free agent?), and he wasn't exactly overloaded with offers, so QPR made sense. However I would agree with the pessimism in terms of his prospects - he's a year older than most of that under 21 squad, three years older than the likes of Parrott, Knight, and Nathan Collins who plays his position, but well behind all of them in terms of his development.

To be honest I don't think he's going to make it. Even in terms of the current under 21 team I'd say Collins and O'Shea are our two best centre backs, he may well lose his place in that team before too long.

Masterson is an excellent footballer great passer and makes midfielder s actually get on the ball cause he has the ability and desire to pass into tight midfield areas. He has to develop his physique but he must be at leas 6foot 4 so he will be a beast as he develops. He has been ex ellent for the 21s. He has been injured for the last 6 or 7 weeks and came back to play injured against Sweden just like molumby which really was poor management. He is the type of centre half we need if we are going to want to for e our midfield to actually play and take responsibility