U23 Players 2020-21

[samhaydenjr]

Darragh O'Connor scored Leicester's goal in a 2-1 defeat to Derby; Shane Flynn was sent off and Ali Reghba also played, while Festy Ebosele and Ola Ibrahim lined out for Derby: https://www.google.com/search?q=premier+league+2&rlz=1C1CHBD_enCA806CA806&oq=premier+league+2&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l4j69i60l3.6356j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#sie=m;/g/11l4nm0345;2;/g/11d_729802;ln;fp;1;;

Yet another goal for Conor Coventry, this time a penalty in West Ham's 3-2 defeat to a Brighton side that had James Furlong in their line-up: https://www.google.com/search?q=premier+league+2&rlz=1C1CHBD_enCA806CA806&oq=premier+league+2&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l4j69i60l3.6356j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#sie=m;/g/11l4nl4v3z;2;/g/11d_729802;ln;fp;1;;

Tyreik Wright scored the only goal as Villa beat Palace - Kian Flanagan came on as a sub so maybe there's hope for him yet: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBD_enCA806CA806&ei=Awd5X9POGarH_Qb-q6T4DQ&q=premier+league+2+division+2&oq=premier+league+2&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQARgBMgQIABBHMgQIABBHMgQIABBHMgQ IABBHMgQIABBHMgQIABBHMgQIABBHMgQIABBHUABYAGCOxSpoA HACeACAAQCIAQCSAQCYAQCqAQdnd3Mtd2l6yAEIwAEB&sclient=psy-ab#sie=m;/g/11l4nq32rz;2;/g/11d_2_t2j8;ln;fp;1;;

[Eirambler]

Just an hour left for Luca Connell to find a loan move before the transfer window closes. As he is in Scotland he doesn't get the benefit of the domestic transfer window that will be in place in England from tomorrow.

Seemingly he has been held back up to now because Celtic have been short on left back cover and he has effectively been the second choice left back since the Bolingoli Covid incident, although he hasn't even made the bench all season (and he's not really a left back anyway). However, right at the last minute Celtic have signed a left back on loan from Milan, so Connell is back to having no realistic prospect of meaningful game time this season. Now it's just a question of whether they will find a last minute loan for him or leave him to idle at Celtic until January.

[Razors left peg]

Is the loan window not a bit longer for EFL clubs
?

[Eirambler]

Yes, but he's not at an EFL club and they can't sign a player from another country (Scotland to England would be considered an international transfer in this case).

Looks like he is going to have to give up his spot in the Europa League squad as well to make space for the Uruguayan left back they have just loaned in. So he'd be the only player still at the club who is not in the EL squad if he stays.

[Razors left peg]

Theo Walcott signing for Southampton is not good news for Obafemi

[Eirambler]

It's not good news for any of the Irish lads at Southampton to be honest, they've all been struggling for minutes already this season and this will just push them back further.

[Diggs246]

I'm not sure they play in the same position?

[samhaydenjr]

No goalscorers yesterday but a couple of youngsters making progress:

George Nunn started for Chelsea, after a few games on the bench: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=premier+league+2#sie=m;/g/11hnxb_f63;2;/g/11d_729802;ln;fp;1;;

Tom Cannon's form for Everton U18s seems to have made an impact as he was on the bench for their U23s:https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=premier+league+2#sie=m;/g/11k8f_d4kk;2;/g/11d_729802;ln;fp;1;;

[Exgrad]

Has a pathway opened up for Coventry with both Cullen and Jack Wilshire leaving West Ham? Did West Ham sign any other players in this position?

[Eirambler]

Cullen going moves him one step closer I guess. I don't think Wheelchair leaving will make much difference either way. I'd still like to see him go out on loan before the English transfer window closes. Championship or even League 1 would be good.

[Eirambler]

Suffice to say, in keeping with the usual standards of Celtic's youth development "strategy", there was no loan move arranged for Luca Connell before the deadline.

He played his last game of senior professional football on 22 April 2019 and, barring an injury crisis, he is unlikely to play another one until January 2021 at the earliest.

Similarly there was no move for Barry Coffey either. He's slightly older than Connell. I wouldn't be overly surprised if he never plays a senior professional game to be honest. Not a good sign when he can't even get a loan move to the Scottish lower leagues.

[seanfhear]

Theo Walcott signing for Southampton is not good news for Obafemi
I am not sure Theo Walcott signing for Southampton is good news for Southampton. He has always had the attitude of a player just to do enough. That can be a very dangerous attitude in a player that is going home for a swan song.

[ColourfulPeanut]

Still time for Obafemi to get a Championship loan if Walcott truly limits his chances.

[Eirambler]

Connell has been cut from Celtic's Europa League squad to make space for the new left back signed on deadline day. Confirms his position as the 26th and last pick in the squad. There is actually an empty space in the squad list but they couldn't fill it because they haven't produced enough home grown players so had to go with a man short. Which says it all really.

[elatedscum]

Thought I’d post this here: https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/1016/1171942-ex-liverpool-prospect-admits-hatchet-job-on-dan-clearly/

Sometimes these are the fine margins that dictate whether a young player will make it or not, the wrong injury at the wrong time. The loss of an opportunity.

Look at Trent Alexander Arnold, it took a serious injury to Clyne, who was first choice, to give him the game time to become a truly special player.

[samhaydenjr]

Thought I’d post this here: https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/1016/1171942-ex-liverpool-prospect-admits-hatchet-job-on-dan-clearly/

Sometimes these are the fine margins that dictate whether a young player will make it or not, the wrong injury at the wrong time. The loss of an opportunity.

Look at Trent Alexander Arnold, it took a serious injury to Clyne, who was first choice, to give him the game time to become a truly special player.

Wow, that's a really scummy thing to do. Well, at least Cleary has had a better career than Brewitt, winning two LOI Prem titles, one FAI Cup, one League of Ireland Cup, an FAI Cup runner-up medal and runner-up medals for both the English League Cup and Europa League in 2015-2016, even though he was an unused sub in only one Europa game. Anyone think Cleary could get another chance in England?

Anyway, there wasn't much action tonight in PL2, but one game had a lot of Irish interest - Josh Giurgi scored the winner for Norwich in a 2-1 win over Stoke, with Hondermarck providing the assist and Omobamidele playing at centre-back. Meanwhile Ethan Varian started for Stoke while two recent recruits were also in their squad - Gabriel Adebambo started up front while young centre-half David Okagbue was on the bench: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62103/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc

[tetsujin1979]

Has Hondermarck declared for Ireland?

[ColourfulPeanut]

More or less. He referenced it before and there's 0 chance he'd get in the stratosphere of the French team anyway. I reckon he needs to sort his passport out though if hasn't already.

[Charlie Darwin]

Has Hondermarck declared for Ireland?
Last it was reported he was waiting on a passport but his goal was to play for Ireland. He's been here since he was a toddler so he's Irish as any of us.

[Razors left peg]

What has become of Gavin Kilkenny. I thought at start of season last year he might have a chance of breaking into the Bournemouth team but he didnt get a sniff. I havent seen him even on the bench since they got relegated this season.

[tetsujin1979]

Just the one appearance, against Man City about a month ago

[Eirambler]

Isn't getting a look in at Bournemouth, didn't make the Under 21 squad and didn't go on loan.

Still plenty of time for him if he's good enough, but his career seems to have gone backwards a bit in the last year.

[tetsujin1979]

Conor Noss in Mochenglabach's extended Champions League squad: https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/52757--monchengladbach/squad/

Jordan McEneff included in Arsenal's extended Europa League squad: https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/52280--arsenal/squad/
Armstrong Okoflex included in Celtic's extended squad: https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/50050--celtic/squad/
Jamie Bowden in Spurs' extended squad: https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/1652--tottenham/squad/

Unlikely any of them will see game time, or even be included in a match day squad, until the end of the group stages, but it's nice to see

[Exgrad]

Barry Coffey in the extended Celtic squad as well. Luca Connell doesn't make.

[Eirambler]

Coffey in as a home grown player. Connell hasn't been at Celtic long enough to make the home grown list. Clubs are allowed to include pretty much unlimited home grown players under a certain age so I don't think these players getting in should be mistaken for any kind of progress, harsh though that sounds.

On the plus side though, it does mean Oko-Flex is still at Celtic, as it had been rumoured that he was let go after peng-gate. His career seems to be going in reverse, though I suppose that's a recurring theme for all the Irish players at Celtic.

[tetsujin1979]

Liam Hughes and Conor Hazard also listed as republic of Ireland players on uefa's site, which is odd

[Charlie Darwin]

They're both from traditionally nationalist areas, but obviously that doesn't mean they'd empathise with ROI and they've never been involved with us, so assume it's just ignorance on UEFA's part.

[ColourfulPeanut]

Sinclair Armstrong has signed for QPR from Shamrock Rovers. Good move for him, he turned 17 this year.

[Eirambler]

Another terrible loan move to the non-leagues for Adam O'Reilly. Bamber Bridge this time in the Northern League, he has already spent time with Stalybridge and Hyde. So this is his third loan spell at that level. Either he is nowhere near as good as was hoped or he is being developed very poorly by Preston. Given that they don't have an Under 23 setup it amazes me that young Irish players choose to go there.

Had hoped for better as reports from his last loan down there were positive.

https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/preston-youngster-adam-oreilly-tipped-have-bright-future-2847750

He's still reasonably young so hopefully this will stand to him if he ever gets a chance in the football league.

[samhaydenjr]

First goal at U23 level for 18-year-old Ethan Varian - scored 13 in 27 league games for their U18s. If the qualifiers for the 2021 U19 Euros take place as now planned in March, then he should probably be in our front line along with Cannon and Odubeko: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62114/premier-league-2/2020-21/stoke-v-reading

[youngirish]

First goal at U23 level for 18-year-old Ethan Varian - scored 13 in 27 league games for their U18s. If the qualifiers for the 2021 U19 Euros take place as now planned in March, then he should probably be in our front line along with Cannon and Odubeko: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62114/premier-league-2/2020-21/stoke-v-reading

Any news on whether Odubeko is sticking with us? There wasn't great confidence from some posters on here that he would remain with us. I can see him breaking into the West Ham first team later in the season so he could be a great addition to our forward line if he keeps progressing.

[samhaydenjr]

Any news on whether Odubeko is sticking with us? There wasn't great confidence from some posters on here that he would remain with us. I can see him breaking into the West Ham first team later in the season so he could be a great addition to our forward line if he keeps progressing.

Perhaps people are just being a bit fatalistic, particularly as we haven't seen him involved much at under-age level. I guess this would be a good opportunity to sound him out - if the qualifiers go ahead, he'd certainly be our number one prospect at that level up front. If the U21s qualify for next year's Championships, perhaps we could dangle that in front of him.

[Eirambler]

Probably the last notable Irish under 23 player without a club, Jake Doyle Hayes, has wound up signing for St Mirren for the season. Seems like he overplayed his hand a bit, I'd say there were probably better financial offers in England for him earlier in the year after his strong showing in League 2 last season. Good signing for St Mirren though, they lost their captain and main central midfielder right at the end of the transfer window so Doyle Hayes should feature prominently.

[Olé Olé]

I've said it elsewhere but there's a big concetration risk there now at St Mirren. They're second from bottom in the league. If Goodwin gets the sack then Connolly, McCarthy, McGrath and Doyle Hayes will have a lot to prove to a new manager.

Hopefully it doesn't come to that and they get on very well.

I agree with your over-arching point- one of the top young players in League Two last season signing for a lower tier SPL side. A championship move or a good League One move would have been much better, I would have thought, but neither materialized.

[tetsujin1979]

Joe Hodge named in the bench for Man City's U23 side. Think that's his first involvement at this level
1325033640292716549

[MancIrishWolf]

Scully & Roughan reportedly performed well according to forums in Lincoln’s 6-2 win against Forest Green with Scully getting two and Roughan moving to centre half (absolutely astounded by the confidence the manager is showing in a 17 year old at this level - hopefully on a similar trajectory as O’Shea)...

Scully 8 Pocket dynamo
Scully - 8 - Vastly improved. Ran them ragged with some great close control. Lovely finishing too
Scully 8.5 My MOM. Terrific working in tandem with Harry. Two great finishes and an all action display from the start.
Scully 8.5 - ran riot using spaces between FGRs defence and midfield, linked well and scored 2 nice goals.

Roughan 7 Is he really 17, not sure of positioning for FG goals, but the 'boy dun good'
Roughan - 7 - One big mistake but largely way above his years as per.
Roughan 7 Terrific bar a couple of stray passes
Roughan -8 - knew when he'd got it wrong, but for the most part composed and capable beyond his years.

Elboudezi came on as sub also.

[tetsujin1979]

Shane Flynn travelling with the Leicester squad for their Europa League game against Zorya in Ukraine tomorrow
1333890496800944129

[irishfan86]

Does anyone have a scouting report on Flynn and his progress? When he was younger it seemed the debate was whether he would be a winger or a striker, but it appears he’s been mostly playing at left fullback these days? Nice to have a prospect in that position for the long term as I’m kind of doubtful about Manning as Stevens’ eventual heir.

[ForzaForth]

Watched Flynn play his first match for Leicester U23s a couple of months ago when I was keeping an eye out for our Darragh O'Connor. Was impressed with Flynn who looked like a very tidy passer and good user of the ball. Perhaps not fully up the pace of the game at that stage but that's understandable. Supposed to have played well for Leicester U23s against West Ham about a week ago. Reminds me a bit of Seamus Coleman - neat, nippy, small in stature.

[seanfhear]

Shane Flynn travelling with the Leicester squad for their Europa League game against Zorya in Ukraine tomorrow
1333890496800944129
Son of Gary Neville ! !

[tetsujin1979]

Corrie Ndaba named on the bench for Ipswich. He's played in non-league football on loan, so if he comes on it'll be his league debut

[Olé Olé]

Per the Athletic:

Villa to hold on to in-demand youth players
Aston Villa’s pledge to transform their academy into one of the most productive in the country means that the majority of their under-23 side will remain at the club past the next transfer window.
There is already increased interest from a number of lower-league sides looking to take some of Villa’s attacking players on loan in January, with both England Under-19 forward Jaden Philogene-Bidace, 18, and England Under-18 star Louie Barry, 17, attracting interest.
The pair have scored nine goals between them in eight games for Villa’s under-23 side this season but are expected to continue their development at Bodymoor Heath rather than moving elsewhere at this stage.
Republic of Ireland teenager Tyreik Wright, 19, may be granted a temporary move away though after the club decided against letting him leave in the last two windows.
One youngster who won’t be going anywhere just yet is Carney Chukwuemeka, the midfielder who has just turned 17. Last year, CEO Christian Purslow described him as the best English midfielder of his age and Villa were able to tie him down to a professional contract despite interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.

[Eirambler]

For anyone wondering what the young Irish lads at Celtic are up to these days, all three (Connell, Coffey and Okoflex) had a run out in what looked like a kick about in a park but was actually a youth cup game in Glasgow yesterday. Okoflex scored the opening goal in a 3-0 win.

SLjcUvjNHiw

It's a shame to see Connell stuck at this level, but Lennon was never going to give him a first team shot realistically. Maybe the new manager will see it differently (hard to see Lennon lasting much longer given his disastrous stint in charge) but I'd expect them to go for more signings in January to try and rescue the 10 in a row rather than trusting their youth players to rescue their season.

[Charlie Darwin]

Frimpong went off injured today. Not that I expect it means anything for Connell.

[tetsujin1979]

Cheekiest of cheeky lobbed finish from Shane Flynn on Tuesday night, at 6:35 below
7CHmueo4Gnw

[tetsujin1979]

Missed this on Tuesday night
Lewis Richards and Conor Carty started for Wolves' U21 side in the Football League Trophy
That's Carty's first start in senior football
1336370215475687432

[samhaydenjr]

Two games tonight, two Irish goalscorers (both in losses, though):

18-year-old Cole Kiernan came on for Middlesbrough against Fulham after 77 minutes and nabbed his first at this level five minutes later. Scored 10 in 23 for Sunderland U18s so may be worth keeping an eye on his progress - could become part of the Next Wave of young Irish strikers: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62139/premier-league-2/2020-21/fulham-v-middlesbrough

And speaking of the Next Wave, Ethan Varian scored his second of the season in Stoke's 3-2 loss to Newcastle. Gabriel Adebambo also played: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62140/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc

[liamoo11]

https://mobile.twitter.com/RepTracker this Twitter account seems to have some helpful updates on younger Irish players

[tommy_c12000]

Agree, much less drama than KKs too which is great.

[Trequartista20]

Sinclair Armstrong made his debut for QPR's U23 side earlier on, coming on as a substitute.