U23 Players 2020-21

[Olé Olé]

Is he defo lost to England or was that nonsense? seems like a move that would help our cause

What nonsense are you referring to?

My concern with this lad is that he has just one Irish grandparent. Rice had two. Grealish had three. It just makes retaining him a little more of a challenge. But there may be plenty other aspects that present less of a challenge.

[Eirambler]

Is he defo lost to England or was that nonsense? seems like a move that would help our cause

Hadn't heard anything to suggest he was lost to England, given he'll probably be promoted to our under 21s I don't see him switching in the short term at least.

Derry are in an unusual position actually - as the only club based within the UK whose transfer window is still open they can bring in players at the moment without being subjected to any self isolation or quarantine. I wonder if they're looking at any other loan options currently.

As a whole the LoI could probably be doing more to market the summer football option they could offer to English based players in need of game time.

[kennedmc]

Strange one for Hodge if it happens. Is a bit concerning that he hasn't been in the City Under 23 team despite so many of them being out on loan. He has looked excellent at underage level for Ireland, often playing well above his age group. But this kind of move would make me wonder if City have a different view of his potential as a senior footballer than we do.

I tend to agree. City (And all big PL clubs) would have plenty of scouts from other teams trying to take their most promising young players on loan. The fact that no bigger clubs are coming in raises a potential warning flag to me about his ability.

[Diggs246]

Hadn't heard anything to suggest he was lost to England, given he'll probably be promoted to our under 21s I don't see him switching in the short term at least.

Derry are in an unusual position actually - as the only club based within the UK whose transfer window is still open they can bring in players at the moment without being subjected to any self isolation or quarantine. I wonder if they're looking at any other loan options currently.

As a whole the LoI could probably be doing more to market the summer football option they could offer to English based players in need of game time.

TBH I have no idea where I heard or saw it, I though it was on this forum, but maybe not

[Diggs246]

I tend to agree. City (And all big PL clubs) would have plenty of scouts from other teams trying to take their most promising young players on loan. The fact that no bigger clubs are coming in raises a potential warning flag to me about his ability.

Did he not win their "Scholar of the year" award or something

[Eirambler]

There seems to be a bit of a battle ongoing for the services of Flynn Clarke, a midfielder for Peterborough who has just turned 18. Has previously represented Scotland but us eligible for England and Ireland as well with apparent interest from England.

Would seem a good addition to our under 19s this year if we can get him involved.
https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/england-have-eye-peterborough-uniteds-top-teenage-talent-3123197?amp

[Razors left peg]

Is he defo lost to England or was that nonsense? seems like a move that would help our cause

For what its worth his profile pic on social media is him in an Ireland shirt and has never given any indication that Ive seen that hes going to switch. Recently enough shared a video of his Ireland underage highlights with the caption of looking forward to getting back to it.

Social media doesnt mean everything, but its something in this day and age

[Charlie Darwin]

I tend to agree. City (And all big PL clubs) would have plenty of scouts from other teams trying to take their most promising young players on loan. The fact that no bigger clubs are coming in raises a potential warning flag to me about his ability.
I wouldn't read too much into that. Dara O'Shea was on loan with Hereford two years ago and now he's a Premier League regular. Teams choose loan moves based on what will improve their player.

[boynemunich]

As a whole the LoI could probably be doing more to market the summer football option they could offer to English based players in need of game time.

Should definitely be looked into more. Trying to think what players have come over on loan to Ireland and really done well for themselves. The only one I can think of is Michael Hector at Dundalk, ended up having a solid career.

[nigel-harps1954]

From what I understand, Fergal Harkin played a big role in this move. English clubs definitely seeing more value in the League of Ireland as a development league now. Man City, in particular, will know the role it played with Gavin Bazunu, will surely be aware of Jack Byrne's progress here, and the aforementioned Fergal Harkin is highly involved with Man City's young players and their loan dealings, is from Donegal, former Finn Harps and Bohs player, and still keeps a close eye on the league.

[CraftyToePoke]

There seems to be a bit of a battle ongoing for the services of Flynn Clarke, a midfielder for Peterborough who has just turned 18. Has previously represented Scotland but us eligible for England and Ireland as well with apparent interest from England.

Would seem a good addition to our under 19s this year if we can get him involved.
https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/england-have-eye-peterborough-uniteds-top-teenage-talent-3123197?amp

Mentioned him on the Eligibility thread a few months back, FAI were first to get in touch, the paperwork was / is being processed but meanwhile Scotland came in and had a game which he was called up for. He has an English parent and a Scottish one but his Irish link is a generation further back, a grandmother I think (but possibly a grandparent either side of the family). He was quite happy to declare for Ireland until the Scotland option opened up more immediately and may yet do so but the English FA are now onto him as well according to your link above. Encouraging though that the FAI were first to reach out to him.

[seanfhear]

Mentioned him on the Eligibility thread a few months back, FAI were first to get in touch, the paperwork was / is being processed but meanwhile Scotland came in and had a game which he was called up for. He has an English parent and a Scottish one but his Irish link is a generation further back, a grandmother I think (but possibly a grandparent either side of the family). He was quite happy to declare for Ireland until the Scotland option opened up more immediately and may yet do so but the English FA are now onto him as well according to your link above. Encouraging though that the FAI were first to reach out to him.
In Like Flynn !

[ColourfulPeanut]

Sinclair Armstrong has signed a new contract at QPR. Was linked to loads of clubs including Man City, Celtic and Palace.

[Eirambler]

Evan Ferguson scored his first goal for Brighton Under 23s tonight in a 6-1 win over West Ham, who had a player sent off very early on in the game. Odubeko scored the West Ham goal.

Sounds like Ferguson had a decent game for the hour or so he was on and was involved in a lot of the positive Brighton play. Interesting that he is already starting for their Under 23s at 16 whereas Matt Everett, who is 18 now, still seems to be stuck in the Under 18 team.

[samhaydenjr]

Evan Ferguson scored his first goal for Brighton Under 23s tonight in a 6-1 win over West Ham, who had a player sent off very early on in the game. Odubeko scored the West Ham goal.

Sounds like Ferguson had a decent game for the hour or so he was on and was involved in a lot of the positive Brighton play. Interesting that he is already starting for their Under 23s at 16 whereas Matt Everett, who is 18 now, still seems to be stuck in the Under 18 team.

Assist on his goal came from James Furlong, who seems to be making good progress. A third member of the next wave of young Irish strikers was on target tonight - Tom Cannon grabbed Everton's goal in their 3-1 defeat to Man City: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62021/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc

[MancIrishWolf]

Assist on his goal came from James Furlong, who seems to be making good progress. A third member of the next wave of young Irish strikers was on target tonight - Tom Cannon grabbed Everton's goal in their 3-1 defeat to Man City: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62021/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc

Notice there was a lad called McAtee who set up two of City’s goals, who sounds like a Fodenesque style player. A hell of a lot post famine Irish in Salford where he’s from, however good Catholic sounding names in him and his brother John would make him worthy of an FAI approach.

Great news on Ferguson. Faith in him at such a young age sounds like the making of a generational player for us.

[Charlie Darwin]

Notice there was a lad called McAtee who set up two of City’s goals, who sounds like a Fodenesque style player. A hell of a lot post famine Irish in Salford where he’s from, however good Catholic sounding names in him and his brother John would make him worthy of an FAI approach.

Great news on Ferguson. Faith in him at such a young age sounds like the making of a generational player for us.
Hi Keiren!

[tetsujin1979]

Assist on his goal came from James Furlong, who seems to be making good progress. A third member of the next wave of young Irish strikers was on target tonight - Tom Cannon grabbed Everton's goal in their 3-1 defeat to Man City: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62021/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc
Cannon's goal is in the highlights on man City 's site here, at 0:46
https://www.mancity.com/citytv/eds-academy/eds-v-everton-highlights-63748157

[Eirambler]

Hodge confirmed as going on loan to Derry. Very interesting move.

[Eirambler]

Tyriek Wright seems to have gotten off to a great start at Walsall. Obviously the standard of League 2 needs to be taken into account, but it's good that he is making a quick impression there. Went off injured last night, hopefully nothing serious. Could definitely play a role for our under 21s in the next campaign, although he'll have plenty of competition for a place in the squad.

[CraftyToePoke]

Shane Flynn doing well at Leicester it seems. Might be getting some minutes tonight or in the upcoming EL game and would be doing very well to break into that defence if so.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/english-soccer/shane-flynn-in-frame-for-leicester-debut-in-fa-cup-clash-against-brighton-1.4480542

[Trequartista20]

We need another left-sided option. I keep hearing we should be playing a back 3 with wingbacks, but apart from Stevens and Doherty who do we have suitable for the roles? It means that if either one is injured we'd have to revert to a back 4.

I can see why Kenny hasn't committed himself to this system.

[zero]

Tyreik Wright, who is out of contract at Villa at the end of the season, has been linked with a move to Everton or... Celtic.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9245701/Everton-Celtic-keeping-tabs-19-year-old-Aston-Villa-starlet-Tyreik-Wright.html

I suspect I am not alone in hoping another underage Irish player doesn't end up at Celtic.

[DCWA]

Yeah he would be well advised not to go to Celtic particularly whilst current management remains in situ. Celtic are in bad need of a left sided winger mind but what would likely happen is they sign him and another or Shved returns from loan and plus and Wright ends up rotting.

[Eirambler]

They'd sign him for free, sign another winger from somewhere overseas for a few million, play the overseas winger even though he's probably crap and send Wright on loan to Cowdenbeath for a year.

I think a lot of the time the Celtic links are just agent talk to force a new contract or generate some interest in their player. I think that was probably what happened with Sinclair Armstrong a few weeks ago before he signed his new deal at QPR. Hopefully the experiences of Connell, O'Connor, Afolabi and Oko-Flex have other young Irish players well warned to stay out of Glasgow.

[elatedscum]

They'd sign him for free, sign another winger from somewhere overseas for a few million, play the overseas winger even though he's probably crap and send Wright on loan to Cowdenbeath for a year.

I think a lot of the time the Celtic links are just agent talk to force a new contract or generate some interest in their player. I think that was probably what happened with Sinclair Armstrong a few weeks ago before he signed his new deal at QPR. Hopefully the experiences of Connell, O'Connor, Afolabi and Oko-Flex have other young Irish players well warned to stay out of Glasgow.

i think celtic and rangers do target young players playing in england, because unlike their counterparts south of the border, they don't have to pay any significant compensation. for example, liverpool are paying Fulham £4m + 20% sell on fee for Harvey Elliott as decided by tribunal. If he had moved to Celtic instead, they would have just had to pay about £80,000 uefa training fee. So they're prepared to pay a little bit more in wages knowing they're getting a comparative bargain.

To use Liverpool again, Jordan Rossiter was really highly rated there, youngest goalscorer, underage captain, and Rangers signed him a pre-contract at 18 (joined at 19) and then they really messed up his development by mishandling a series of injuries. He's now at Fleetwood Town...

Everton would have to go to tribunal for Wright, whereas Celtic will get him for near nothing.

[samhaydenjr]

Couple of recent goalscorers at U23 level:

Ethan Varian grabbed the winner from the spot for Stoke against Norwich. Gabriel Adebambo also played for Stoke while Andrew Omobamidele started for Norwich and Josh Giurgi was a second-half sub: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62186/premier-league-2/2020-21/stoke-v-norwich

Cole Kiernan scored Middlesbrough's goal in their 1-1 draw against Sunderland: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62186/premier-league-2/2020-21/stoke-v-norwich

And a couple of names I'm seeing for the first time:

Jake O'Brien played for Crystal Palace and Dara Costelloe lined out for Burnley in their meeting: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62184/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc

[Charlie Darwin]

Jake O'Brien was in the first team at Cork City last season - only joined Palace earlier this month.

[tetsujin1979]

Jamie Bowden training with the Spurs team ahead of their Europa League tie tomorrow
1362036787401678849

[tetsujin1979]

Shane Flynn in the Leicester traveling squad for their game tomorrow against Slavia Prague

[CraftyToePoke]

Shane Flynn in the Leicester traveling squad for their game tomorrow against Slavia Prague

Several Leicester U23s were caught partying with Leicester and Birmingham womens team last week so he probably wasn't among those, good lad, and travels tonight. He was due to travel anyway so its not just because others are being punished.

[tetsujin1979]

Flynn named on the bench
1362442205542174720

[tetsujin1979]

Bowden named on the bench for Spurs, Doherty starts
1362441754356629512

[tetsujin1979]

unfortunately, neither Flynn nor Bowden came on

[samhaydenjr]

Good night for Ethon/Ethan Varian - two goals and an assist in Stoke's 3-1 win against Reading: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62188/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc

[Eminence Grise]

The curse of Variant spelling.:cool:

[tetsujin1979]

Pretty sure it's Ethon.

[Olé Olé]

https://www.lmfm.ie/news/sport/former-dundalk-keeper-set-to-swap-oriel-park-for-pairc-tailteann/

Jimmy Corcoran was released by Dundalk over the winter and it looks like he is going to join the Meath senior gaelic football panel.

[elatedscum]

https://www.lmfm.ie/news/sport/former-dundalk-keeper-set-to-swap-oriel-park-for-pairc-tailteann/

Jimmy Corcoran was released by Dundalk over the winter and it looks like he is going to join the Meath senior gaelic football panel.

Bit mad for a lad who is only 18 or so to pack it in already. He’d probably be the 4th best goalkeeping prospect we have that’s still eligible for underage football.

[Eirambler]

He is too small to be a goalkeeper in professional football. I'd imagine he has been told that by both Preston and Dundalk and has decided to pack it in. Because of his height I don't think he was ever as much of a prospect as he was thought to be - unless he had taken a late growth spurt, but he didn't.

[ForzaForth]

Jimmy Corcoran now confirmed as signed for Wexford for the coming season.

Jimmy Corcoran joins Wexford FC (https://wexfordfc.ie/latest-news/1074-jimmy-corcoran-joins-wexford-fc)

[Eirambler]

Meath GAA will have to find another keeper then. The level he is dropping to with Wexford says a lot though.

[sadloserkid]

A year of first team ball (presumably) could be the deciding of him one way or the other.

[Trequartista20]

Adam O'Reilly has joined Waterford on loan from PNE until June.

Now 19, he made his first team debut for Preston at just 17.

[tetsujin1979]

Jamie Bowden training with Spurs' first team again ahead of their second leg against RZ Pellets WAC
1364247992388173827

[CraftyToePoke]

Flynn on the bench again for Leicester tonight.

[tetsujin1979]

Two goals for Charlie McCann against Southampton U23s at the weekend - at 3:24 and 4:00 in the video below
zB9mL754rJU

[Eirambler]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.unitedinfocus.com/news/united-prospect-charlie-mccann-is-making-people-sit-up-and-take-notice/amp/

McCann is one of those where you'd wonder if he'd actually be better letting his contract at United expire and moving somewhere with a more realistic path to first team football, similar to Odubeko.

[tetsujin1979]

With Fernandes in the first team, there's really only one spot available for any other centre midfield player. McCann might go out on loan next session, like the others mentioned in that article

[Eirambler]

https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-40236788.html?type=amp&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&__twitter_impression=true

Hopefully things go better for Adam O'Reilly at Waterford. He talks of going six months without a competitive game - you would have to question the decision to sign for a club with no Under 23 setup at the same time.