Eunan O'Kane (M Leeds Utd (loaned to Luton Town) b.1990)

[TrapAPony]

Any word on what kind of season O'Kane has had this year? Arter has been fairly crucial for Bournemouth so will surely enjoy plenty game-time next season if Bournemouth do manage to get promoted, which is quite likely at present.

The only thing I found about O'Kane is that he had an ankle injury in February: http://www.bournemouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=387206

Been injured or not in the squad for most of it. Arter and Surman are/were the midfield partnership for the majority of the season.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I predict a drop to League One this summer for O'Kane.

[Charlie Darwin]

I predict a drop to League One this summer for O'Kane.
Why? .

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I can feel it in my waters.

Sometimes you have to go backwards to move forwards.

I don't think he would make their squad of 23 in the PL. I think the writing is on the wall for him - even if they remain in the Championship.

Plenty of players who have looked decent in the Championship for a while before regressing and falling off the radar a little bit have had to move down. Guys like Judge, Dicker, Stephen Dawson and Treacy. It's all about the character he shows now.

[Charlie Darwin]

Squad of 25. And why do you think his current injury is so bad it'll knock him down two leagues when he was playing consistently at the top of the Championship?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Knock him down one league ATM. He's had a couple of injuries this season now, and before that there were question marks over his form. They've pushed on a bit without him and he's got left behind a bit.

It's a gut feeling but not an indictment of his ability. I could be wrong but I'd say he'll replicate Judge and go to a leading League One team, as I'm not sure a Championship team will come in for him if he does leave.

I don't think there's much between low end Championship teams and high end League One teams in terms and guarantees they can offer a player anyway.

[Charlie Darwin]

Well the scenario we were talking about was promotion. You're pretty openly stating you're guessing based on the fact he's been injured for a few months.

[TrapAPony]

Still think he'll be part of Bournemouth's squad next year whether in the Premiership or not. No reason to think why he won't.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Not just based on the possibility of promotion. Not just based on his injury. He was struggling to make match day squads even when he was fit, and before that, there were question marks over his form.

I certainly hope he would have a future at Bournemouth or another Championship team, but, I think the emphasis at that level is growing even more towards bigger, stronger and more physical players. And I'm not sure if he's good/high profile enough to have a look in at teams/under managers who appreciate a more continental style version of football. He's 5 ft 6 or 5 ft 7 I believe.

That isn't to say he can't hold his own in midfield though. He has played just in front of the defence as well - to mixed reviews.

[tetsujin1979]

Not just based on the possibility of promotion. Not just based on his injury. He was struggling to make match day squads even when he was fit, and before that, there were question marks over his form.

I certainly hope he would have a future at Bournemouth or another Championship team, but, I think the emphasis at that level is growing even more towards bigger, stronger and more physical players. And I'm not sure if he's good/high profile enough to have a look in at teams/under managers who appreciate a more continental style version of football. He's 5 ft 6 or 5 ft 7 I believe.

That isn't to say he can't hold his own in midfield though. He has played just in front of the defence as well - to mixed reviews.

Before he was injured at the end of January, there was only nine games out of the 35 Bournemouth had played up until that point where he didn't make the matchday squad in

[Charlie Darwin]

There was a spell between October and Christmas where O'Kane was struggling to make squads except for cup games, but I was under the impression it was because Howe switched to a 4-4-2 which meant there was one less spot to play for in midfield. He could also have been carrying an injury - I can't remember. Either way, there's no indication he's going to leave Bournemouth, let alone take such a huge risk with his career as dropping to League One.

[DannyInvincible]

'From Coleraine to Premier League, Bournemouth's Eunan O'Kane is on rise': http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/from-coleraine-to-premier-league-bournemouths-eunan-okane-is-on-rise-31180576.html

[Charlie Darwin]

That's a nice set-up for the follow-up article: 'From the Premier League to League One: Bournemouth's Eunan O'Kane on the slide.'

[CraftyToePoke]

While he was at Torquay he made the controversial decision to switch his international allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic.

O'Kane had played at youth levels and won four under-21 caps for Northern Ireland. Criticism came his way.

At the time he stated: "Anybody that knows me or has grown up with me knows that religion has got nothing to do with it.

"I just felt my opportunity wasn't going to come playing for Northern Ireland and the Republic have come and asked me to come and join them, so it's kind of a no-brainer to take the decision to go to the country that wants you.

Hang on, now as welcome as he is, and he made the call while a lower league player too, so fair play. Is it fair of him to say his opportunity to play for NI was not forthcoming, having played underage for them and having 4 U21 caps at that point ?

Or did something go on in O'Kanes case, which triggered the switch ?

[DannyInvincible]

Aye, I find it hard to believe that he wouldn't have had a place in the IFA's set-up had he stayed. I suspect the opportunity to play for Ireland arose and he instinctively jumped at the chance. I'd be stunned if he didn't grow up supporting us. Up round Feeny/Claudy/Dungiven isn't exactly NI-supporting territory. They're all mad into Gaelic culture, football, hurling, the Irish language, the whole shebang up round that neck of the woods. When he said religion had nothing to do with it, he was possibly pre-empting possible accusations that his decision was sectarian or rooted in some particular dislike of NI. The word "religion" can mean a lot of things or nothing in the north. Like when Shane Duffy referenced his Catholic background in relation to his decision being a perfectly natural one for him, he might has well have said he was from an Ireland-supporting nationalist background instead of using the word "Catholic" as no more than a socio-cultural indicator. There was probably an element of diplomacy there too for O'Kane in saying he just went with whoever wanted him; takes the weight off his shoulders slightly. Could it possibly be true that the IFA didn't even bother trying to convince him to stick with them? I'd find that hard to believe. It's surprising how little abuse and vitriol he had directed towards him despite playing for the IFA up to under-21 level, especially considering what his former Maiden City team-mate Darron Gibson, who declared for us at 16, had to put up with.

https://scontent-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10150725_826548130692765_563011617_n.jpg?oh=6214b7 f5d889db965ffca5e4ad728ef8&oe=55D69711

That's O'Kane to the left of Gibson there in the back row when they played at Maiden City.

Video interview with O'Kane here, talking to Maiden City in Derry earlier today about the season and his career to date: https://www.facebook.com/maidencitysoccer/posts/1074966485850927

[tetsujin1979]

Has Gibson always looked 24??

[Charlie Darwin]

Has Gibson always looked 24??
Ha, I was thinking the same thing. Actually by the time he broke into the team at 21 he looked about 30.

O'Kane has always made it clear he switched nationality for career reasons. Whether he's being totally honest is another mattter, but it's surely less likely to draw scrutiny than saying he plain identifies as Irish.

[tricky_colour]

Knock him down one league ATM. He's had a couple of injuries this season now, and before that there were question marks over his form. They've pushed on a bit without him and he's got left behind a bit.

It's a gut feeling but not an indictment of his ability. I could be wrong but I'd say he'll replicate Judge and go to a leading League One team, as I'm not sure a Championship team will come in for him if he does leave.

I don't think there's much between low end Championship teams and high end League One teams in terms and guarantees they can offer a player anyway.

Knocking him down one league would put him in the Championship!!!

He was playing early on but seems to have dropped out of favour, don't think that put him
in league one. A drop from a top of the table club could well see him playing further down the Championship.
OK league One is a possibility too, but I guess it depends on his current form, he could get back into the first team
as well if he plays well.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/12950207.AFC_Bournemouth__O_Kane_keen_to_prove_poi nt_to_former_club_Everton/

O'Kane eager to prove point to Everton.

[Charlie Darwin]

Must be hoping whoever he signs for in League One draws them in the cup.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/okane-retains-topflight-ambitions-after-fringe-role-in-bournemouth-rise-31256853.html

O'Kane retains PL and Irish dream after falling completely out of favor; heart-to-heart with Eddie Howe

[gastric]

O'Kane training well prior to the new season. The 98% statistic on those who do not make it back to the top after been let go by premiership academies is very scary!

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/bournemouths-eunan-okane-grasps-second-chance-346585.html

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

It actually looked like he might get a real chance to show what he could do this weekend, but then they go and sign Lee Tomlin < week before the opening game. He might still get a chance to capitalize on Harry Arter's absence - Tomlin, I think, generally plays further forward - but after signing Tomlin & Max Gradel, they aren't looking as lightweight on that part of the pitch.

[zero]

o'kane gets a few mins for bournemouth who trail 0-1 at home to villa.

[DannyInvincible]

O'Kane starts tonight away in Anfield.

[tricky_colour]

Just been watching him, seems to work hard a cover a lot of ground just been subbed bear the end.

[tricky_colour]

The LIverpool goal should have been offside aparently.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHJ8dPyiI3g

player interfering with play was offside but not the scorer so that is offside under new rules i think

[Olé Olé]

Good shift is right. Liverpool pressed them in the middle so O'Kane often seemed to be playing quite deep on his side of the centre circle but was assured on the ball and Milner and Henderson didn't get much change out of them at all.

First PL appearance too so there's ample opportunity to improve and it's positive that Howe has him back in his plans if he's willing to start him against Liverpool.

[SkStu]

Sorry - I may have missed this but what's the story with Harry Arter? Is he injured or out of favour? I noticed he wasn't even on the bench.

[Charlie Darwin]

He's injured or, to put it in TOWK terms, he's out of favour.

[SkStu]

Cheers dude.

[Charlie Darwin]

He's set to be out of favour for at least Bournemouth's next game, and it's touch and go whether he'll be in favour in time to make the Ireland squad O'Neill anounces on Tuesday: http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/west-ham/bournemouth_unsung_hero_ruled_out_of_liverpool_and _west_ham_clashes_1_4196578

[Stuttgart88]

Just saw extended highlights of Liverpool v Bournemouth. I was impressed by O'Kane. Good crisp passer, good first touch. Uses both feet. Not afraid to seek the ball under pressure. Looks to do something positive with the ball always. Accretive (!). Importantly, he looks quite quick. Seems to have good positional sense. Nearly turned straight into trouble once but got away with it through good technique.

Better player than Meyler. Threat to Whelan.

[Olé Olé]

Just saw extended highlights of Liverpool v Bournemouth. I was impressed by O'Kane. Good crisp passer, good first touch. Uses both feet. Not afraid to seek the ball under pressure. Looks to do something positive with the ball always. Accretive (!). Importantly, he looks quite quick. Seems to have good positional sense. Nearly turned straight into trouble once but got away with it through good technique.

Better player than Meyler. Threat to Whelan.

I definitely understated/neglected the above points in my summary of his performance. I just found his positioning and defending were on the money but his passing definitely looked good.

He is definitely benefiting from the fact that Howe is putting his faith in players with no/minimal PL experience (I can't say I'd heard of any of the back four prior to this season) and his history as a lower league player and bit part last season haven't come against him at all in gaining selection against Liverpool. As a result, his prospects are bright for the next outing.

[Charlie Darwin]

Called up to the Ireland for I think the first time? Other times were as stand-by.

[DannyInvincible]

Aye, first named squad he's been part of.

[Wolfman]

A Derryman in the Ireland squad? Surely not.
What will them in the North say.
:)

[TrapAPony]

A Derryman in the Ireland squad? Surely not.
What will them in the North say.
:)

I'd doubt they would even care as they are going to qualify for the Euros and we aren't.

[tricky_colour]

A Derryman in the Ireland squad? Surely not.
What will them in the North say.
:)

I expect they will be keen to give him a good canning.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

The 24-year-old had a heart-to-heart discussion with manager Eddie Howe at the end of a campaign where he fell completely out of favour with the Championship winners.

O'Kane kicked off Bournemouth's promotion tilt as a first-choice member of Howe's midfield but he made his last start in a defeat to Derby at the end of September.

From that point onwards, he was restricted to outings in the cup competitions and a handful of sub appearances in the league, with a 13-minute cameo in the win over Watford on January 30 proving to be his final contribution in a memorable year for his employers.




"I'd have liked to play more but the fact of the matter is, the lads that are in there have performed consistently at a very high level, which is why we were top of the league.

"But I've been there on the journey as well, although I've not played in as many games. We're going into the Premier League, which is a huge stage for everyone, and from my point of view it's just more hard work now."

O'Kane said that he had a constructive discussion with Howe about his own struggles and left the room satisfied with the conclusion.

"We talked about a few things," he says. "We talked about the future and we came out of the room on the same page. I know where he stands, he knows where I stand.

"To say we cleared the air is the wrong expression, but we've had a talk about what's gone on and I've told him what I had a grievance with this year. He told me why I was in the position I was, which is because of how well the boys have done.

"It was a very calm and controlled conversation and we've come out of it on the same path.

"The only thing I can do is work hard and when it comes to pre-season, it'll be a clean slate for everyone. Last year is gone, this is a new year you want to be going back and putting the hat in the ring for a starting position."



Yeah. Wasn't out of favor at all. Totally..

[DannyInvincible]

Don't get too comfy on that high-horse now...


I predict a drop to League One this summer for O'Kane.

[DannyInvincible]

O'Kane's interview with OTB earlier tonight: http://www.newstalk.com/eunan-okane-interview


Martin O'Neill's provisional Ireland squad for the next set of Euro 2016 qualifiers features three uncapped players, and one of those is Bournemouth midfielder Eunan O'Kane.

The 25-year-old Derry man, who started his youth career at Everton, was in action for his current club Bournemouth against Liverpool last night.

He was on Off The Ball tonight and after speaking about his performance in his Premier League debut, he revealed why playing at Anfield meant a lot to him.

"On a personal level, it was a very good experience. As a kid I was a Liverpool fan, so it's probably been a dream to play there since I was a very young boy, so to be making my Premier League debut there and playing against some of the players that I did last night was a great honour to do and hopefully I'll do a lot more in the future," he said.

O'Kane said he only found out that he was in the Ireland squad when he got a congratulatory text from Bournemouth and now international colleague Harry Arter.

His journey to the point saw him let go by Everton in 2009 before playing for Northern Irish club Coleraine and then newly promoted Premier League side Bournemouth.

O'Kane said his belief was never harmed by the Toffees' decision to release him at 19.

"The main reason was they didn't think I was going to be up to it physically. I ain't too big now but I was even smaller then and at the time they made a decision that they thought was right but I don't think at any stage I believed them in what they were saying. As you say, I've taken the scenic route to get back into making a Premier League appearance," he said.

Having played for Northern Ireland from U16 to U21 level, he spoke about the reasons behind his switch to the Republic in 2011 and even said that there had been a small attempt made to try and entice him back to the Northern setup at a recent charity game between a Derry City XI and a Northern Ireland XI.

"On the day of the charity game, there was a little bit of a mention of it but it was just laughed off. I think [Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill] knew I wouldn't make a decision to change back and I think it was a little bit tongue-in-cheek," said O'Kane.

Isn't O'Kane tied to us anyway considering he's already represented us competitively at under-21 level, having also played for the IFA competitively?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Don't get too comfy on that high-horse now...

In response to not one, but two, snide remarks from Charlie.

Ironically, before seeing his two snide posts I was going to comment on how off the mark my prediction was.

[BonnieShels]

O'Kane's interview with OTB earlier tonight: http://www.newstalk.com/eunan-okane-interview



Isn't O'Kane tied to us anyway considering he's already represented us competitively at under-21 level, having also played for the IFA competitively?

Indeed I would have thought.


In response to not one, but two, snide remarks from Charlie.

Ironically, before seeing his two snide posts I was going to comment on how off the mark my prediction was.

But ya didn't so fogeddaboudid.

[Charlie Darwin]

In response to not one, but two, snide remarks from Charlie.

Ironically, before seeing his two snide posts I was going to comment on how off the mark my prediction was.
They were terrific remarks, to be fair.

[tricky_colour]

Is this a miracle?

Both Roy Keane and O'Kane were both considered too small to make it as professional footballers....

but here is the big bit.....

Wait for it...............

.......



........




..... wait for it...


.......



........




..... wait for it...


.......



........

.......



........

O KANE is an anagram of KEANO


Bet nobody has spotted that before :pride:

[Charlie Darwin]

O'Kane reveals he only plumped for us because the North didn't want him :)

​http://www.the42.ie/eunan-okane-northern-ireland-republic-2281795-Aug2015/?utm_source=twitter_self

[paul_oshea]

Just saw extended highlights of Liverpool v Bournemouth. I was impressed by O'Kane. Good crisp passer, good first touch. Uses both feet. Not afraid to seek the ball under pressure. Looks to do something positive with the ball always. Accretive (!). Importantly, he looks quite quick. Seems to have good positional sense. Nearly turned straight into trouble once but got away with it through good technique.

Better player than Meyler. Threat to Whelan.

He looked a bit slow and lethargic. Just like whelan. He also looked unfit. Was he just back from injury? Surely he did enough preseason?

[Stuttgart88]

He didn't look slow to me, not during the first half anyway. In fact what struck me early in the first half was how quickly he covered the ground and also got forward when needed.

[tricky_colour]

He looked pretty mobile to me, he is supposed to be a fans favourite, I think that is for his willingness to make
a contribution which is borne out in his stats,


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDlqioZWoAAivgh.jpg