Young Irish players to watch in the UK in 2006/07

[tetsujin1979]

Some info on the Irish lads involved tonight for Man City
from http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/men/sport/football/s/210/210632_city_youth_squad_lowdown.html
Of these Breen and Moore are the most likely starters, while I'd expect McDermott to make an appearance from the bench. I'm not sure about Daly, he could start or could stay on the bench.

GARRY BREEN
Position: Centre-back
Age: 17.
Born: Kilkenny, Ireland.
First-year scholar: Having joined the Academy last summer, Breen has stepped into Micah Richards' boots during the cup run.

KARL MOORE
Position: Left midfielder
Age: 17.
Born: Dublin.
First-year scholar: Has scored twice during the Youth Cup run - including a goal of the tournament contender in the 3-0 fifth-round win at Nottingham Forest - and is a real attacking threat.

DONAL MCDERMOTT
Position: Striker
Age: 16.
Born: Dublin.
First-year scholar: Recently named as the Republic of Ireland Under-16 player of the year. City's Academy player of the month award for November.

MICHAEL DALY
Position: Midfielder
Age: 17.
Born: Republic of Ireland.
First-year scholar: Versatile youngster who can play in midfield or defence.

[Mento]

Leeds United full-back Simon Madden (17 or just gone 18) is a fine prospect.
Played for the Under-19s at 17 years of age. One to watch.

What about UCD's Gary Dicker or striker Paul Byrne. Byrne is just back from long term injury and bagged a brace recently.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

I just noticed at the weekend that Michael Spillane played in defence for Norwich City. He's been selected to play again today in their game against QPR. Maybe someone here has some info on him. I'm not sure if he is even 17 yet? He's a big, strong lad though and looked impressive for the Ireland U-17s a couple of weeks ago.

[Superhoops]

I just noticed at the weekend that Michael Spillane played in defence for Norwich City. He's been selected to play again today in their game against QPR. Maybe someone here has some info on him. I'm not sure if he is even 17 yet? He's a big, strong lad though and looked impressive for the Ireland U-17s a couple of weeks ago.
He was 17 last month. Has been playing for Vincent Butler's Irish U-16's and Sean McCaffreys's U-17's and was still only 16 when he played for the U-17's in the Algarve Tournament in February this year. He scored the winning goal against Portugal. He had just turned 17 when he played in all three games in the recent European elite group qualifying tournament played in Dublin.

He made his debut for Norwich first team while still 16, when he came on a sub against West Ham is the FA Cup in January this year and became the youngest ever Norwich player to play in the FA Cup. He has been playing for Norwich reserves as a central defender since he was 16. He is very highly thought of at Norwich. I think he was born in Cambridge.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

He made his debut for Norwich first team while still 16, when he came on a sub against West Ham is the FA Cup in January this year and became the youngest ever Norwich player to play in the FA Cup. He has been playing for Norwich reserves as a central defender since he was 16. He is very highly thought of at Norwich. I think he was born in Cambridge.

Thanks for the info lads.
Saw him against Serbia and Montenegro and he seemed to stand out in that match. He started the game in central midfield but moved back into the centre of defence after the first sending off. He's quick and aggressive. However, I don't think he has the engine to play in midfield. We haven't produced many young players in recent years of a similar physical stature to Spillane. He was right-back at the weekend. Think he might even be left-back today. At 17, he seems like a real prospect.

[Superhoops]

Thanks for the info lads.
Saw him against Serbia and Montenegro and he seemed to stand out in that match. He started the game in central midfield but moved back into the centre of defence after the first sending off. He's quick and aggressive. However, I don't think he has the engine to play in midfield. We haven't produced many young players in recent years of a similar physical stature to Spillane. He was right-back at the weekend. Think he might even be left-back today. At 17, he seems like a real prospect.
Was substituted at half time today after picking up a groin injury.

[Stuttgart88]

There's a guy on this site (Bungle?) who was enthusiastic about him a few months back. I think he may be a Norwich fan.

[youngirish]

I see Adam Rooney banged in a nice goal for Stoke yesterday after coming on as a sub. He's an 18 year old Dub forward. Looks a good prospect. Profile here:

http://www.football.co.uk/stoke/players/adam_rooney_116379.shtml

He seems a bit light and a bit short though.

Match report here:

http://home.skysports.com/player.asp?plid=55362&clid=110

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

Long article in the Sunday Times about Shane Long. Let's hope he gets a chance to play in the Premiership.


Thanks for that. What a great read. I think every Irish person will be supporting Reading next season.:)

[Volcán Masaya]

Some info on the Irish lads involved tonight for Man City
from http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/men/sport/football/s/210/210632_city_youth_squad_lowdown.html

GARRY BREEN
Position: Centre-back
Age: 17.


:eek: :eek: :eek:
Isn't one of those enough?

[Plastic Paddy]

I think every Irish person will be supporting Reading next season

You live in hope JPM. The ManYoos and Liverpools will still dominate the thoughts of the "barstool brigade" whatever the composition of the Reading team - Christ, we could have eleven "Royal" Irishmen and that would still be the case. :rolleyes:

I'll "adopt" Reading unless Watford are promoted - there will be a few less Irishmen following Reading's fortunes if they are.

(Sligo Hornet, I'm talking to you... ;) )

:ball: PP

[youngirish]

This must run in the family.

Coventry boss issues Thornton ultimatum


April 19, 2006

Coventry City manager Micky Adams has issued a stern warning to teenage Irish star Kevin Thornton: Forget about the money and just sign a new contract.

Thornton’s current deal expires at the end of the season and he is dragging his heels about signing a new one.

And Adams is angry that the 19-year-old is thinking more about money than football at this early stage of his development – also revealing that he had received no enquiries about the Drogheda lad’s availability.

He said: “Kevin is thinking about his future and as with all young kids these days he has got an agent, but if it was me I’d get it done and concentrate on my football.

"That’s how it worked when I was a boy, when I was shown into a room and told to sign or I would be sent back home to Sheffield.

"It shouldn’t be about money now, if that is an issue, because no young professional should concern himself with that aspect at this stage of his career.

"We’ve had no calls about Kevin so as far as other clubs are concerned that is just pie in the sky at the moment. I’ll bring him along and continue to give him opportunities like he has had this season.

"We think we are a progressive football club but I shouldn’t have to sell this club to Kevin Thornton.”

[soccerc]

Sheffield United have offered 17 year old Keith Quinn a new 2 year pro deal.

[Bungle]

Tbh im a massive Liverpool fan but I am working in Norwich at the moment and heard from Norwich fans that he was by far the best young player at the club.Worthington has said that apart from his great talent,he has a tremendous attitude,which is so important at that age group.

[gustavo]

Call me silly here now but isnt it a bit ridiculous when one guy plays a single game for an second tier English club and gets a thread devoted to him in the National Team forum!

[youngirish]

I agree. Stick him in the Young Irish Players to Watch Next Season thread.

[youngirish]

Another Irish lad getting a run in the first team and making a name for himself in the Championship this season. Things are looking up for the future.

Potters skipper hails Rooney
Stoke skipper Michael Duberry has heaped praise on Adam Rooney after the youngster scored his first senior goal at Reading on Monday.

Irishman Rooney, who turns 19 on Friday, has impressed in his first season at the Britannia Stadium and Duberry insists he deserves his first team call-up.

Duberry told the club's official website: "He's been brilliant ever since his introduction into the first team at Tamworth.

"He's a level headed kid, who listens and learns and he deserves to be in and around the squad."

[youngirish]

Thornton finalises Coventry deal


April 21, 2006

Up-and-coming Irish midfielder Kevin Thornton has put an end to speculation on his future by signing a new two-year contract at Coca-Cola Championship side Coventry City.

Thornton has made the first-team breakthrough at the Ricoh Arena this season with 14 league appearances for Micky Adams’s side.

Out of contract at the end of the season, the 19-year-old – younger brother of former Sunderland man Sean – had been dragging his heels on agreeing a new deal, but he has finally put pen to paper on a contract which will keep him at Coventry until the summer of 2008.

Adams said: “Kevin has undoubted potential, which I believe he has shown when he has appeared for the first team this season.

"He is one of a batch of young players that we see as playing a part in the future of Coventry City and I look forward to working with him further.”

[tetsujin1979]

The second round of the FA Youth Cup between Manchester City and Liverpool is on Sky Sports tonight, with the reds leading 3-0 from the first leg. Garry Breen and Karl Moore will be in the Man City team again, with James Ryan expected to be a substitute for Liverpool.

[youngirish]

Villa linked with Foley swoop


April 23, 2006

Aston Villa have become the latest Premiership club to be linked with a summer move for highly-regarded young Luton Town defender Kevin Foley.

Irish under-21 star Foley has enjoyed a fine first season in the Coca-Cola Championship, starting 34 games for Mike Newell’s side.

He also showed that he is well-equipped to make the step-up in grade with an exceptional personal display in the FA Cup third-round defeat against Liverpool in January.

London clubs Tottenham and West Ham United are already monitoring the 21-year-old’s progress at Kenilworth Road.

And Aston Villa boss David O’Leary, mindful of the need to bolster his depleted squad in the summer, is tempted to open the cheque-book at the end of the season.

[youngirish]

Young guns need to toughen up – Cotterill


April 23, 2006

Burnley manager Steve Cotterill feels talented youngsters Chris McCann and Kyle Lafferty must hit the weights if they are to build on the success of their debut season in the Coca-Cola Championship when battle begins once more in the autumn.

Lafferty and Dublin teenager McCann have made a sustained breakthrough to the first-team picture at Turfmoor over the past eight months.

McCann, 18, has started 14 times in English football’s second tier – and Cotterill hopes both he and his fellow young gun can continue to have an impact next season.

He said: “Chris McCann and Kyle Lafferty have been tremendous. It’s fantastic but it’s still only a start for them.

"I think a summer weights programme will enhance them again next year. [Against Hull City last week] I just felt a couple of times just a bit more body strength was needed because of the modern game and the way it’s played.

"I bet in the last year they’ve both grown four or five inches and that growth spurt takes it out of kids. With that growth and trying to play games and do all the things that is required from a modern footballer is very difficult during a season.

"If they can feed themselves properly at the end of the season and get on a weights programme we’ll be looking for a further improvement come July.”

[youngirish]

More promising news about Mc Cann.

McCann cleans up at Burnley awards


April 26, 2006

Republic of Ireland youth international star Chris McCann has capped a memorable breakthrough season by landing SEVEN accolades at the club’s Player of the Year awards ceremony this week.

McCann walked away with all five Young Player of the Year awards handed out by the various supporters clubs.

And he added two Goal of the Season awards for his strike against QPR in January.

The 18-year-old Dubliner was understandably chuffed the plaudits. He told the Burnley Citizen: “I am absolutely delighted with all the awards I received and I have to thank all the supporters who voted for me.

"I look back at the last nine months now and pinch myself at what has happened because it’s just unbelievable.

“The gaffer has given me a chance and hopefully I have taken it with both hands. I’m delighted at the way things have gone and there have been so many highlights, such as my first senior goal and signing my first professional contract.

“These awards are just the icing on the cake and I really couldn’t be happier. The target now is to take everything on board and improve again next year. Right now I want to come back fit and strong and hopefully hold down a regular place in the side.”

There was also joy for another of the Clarets’ Irish contingent on the night, with former Bohemians and Bournemouth star Garreth O’Connor picking up two Goal of the Season awards for his free kick against Wolves last September.

[sligoman]

youngirish, you just robbed that from me (http://foot.ie/showthread.php?t=35462):mad: :D.

[youngirish]

youngirish, you just robbed that from me (http://foot.ie/showthread.php?t=35462):mad: :D.
Got it off eleven-a-side.com. Was busy posting it when you were posting yours probably. He's a midfield player have a look earlier in this thread there are a number of articles on him.

[sligoman]

Got it off eleven-a-side.com. Did you post it somewhere else?Click the link and you'll see. What position does McCann play?

[Plastic Paddy]

youngirish, you just robbed that from me (http://foot.ie/showthread.php?t=35462):mad: :D.

As it happens eirebhoy had posted it before both of you. Sligoman, use Google and you can find out all you want to know about Chris McCann. Meantime I'm deleting the thread you started on the grounds of duplication as I'm sure people will get back to you if they have anything to add.

:ball: PP

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

I'm not sure if this topic deserves a new thread so feel free to put it in one of the other threads if needs be.

Stoke City's 18-year old Irish striker, Adam Rooney has just scored a hattrick against Brighton in the Championship. He scored his first goal a few ago against Reading. This lad would appear to be an excellent prospect.

For anyone who wants to know more about the lad, Saucy Jack has posted an excellent article on Rooney from Stoke's website in the thread entitled 'Ireland's Next Superstar'.

[OwlsFan]

Great start ok - but how many of these have we seen over the years who then fade away to oblivion ?

Fingers crossed ;)

[drummerboy]

Interesting to see Leeds are keen to sign Wayne Henderson from relegated Brighton. Certainly a move in the right direction for the U21 keeper.

[gally]

has anybody got a link for his hat-trick against Brighton

[Stuttgart88]

Interesting to see Leeds are keen to sign Wayne Henderson from relegated Brighton.
Where did you hear this? I was away most of the long weekend & didn't see any press or have internet access.

[CraftyToePoke]

Where did you hear this? I was away most of the long weekend & didn't see any press or have internet access.

i saw it on the gossip page of the bbc teletext a few days back.

[tetsujin1979]

i saw it on the gossip page of the bbc teletext a few days back.
Pretty sure I saw it on the scrolling bar on Sky Sports News as well

[drummerboy]

Where did you hear this? I was away most of the long weekend & didn't see any press or have internet access.

One of the English tabloids? So it may be only speculation.

[livehead1]

One of the English tabloids? So it may be only speculation.
maybe, but unfortunately that is where we get quite a lot of our 'information'

[Stuttgart88]

I have to say I have some reservations about Henderson but I really hope I'm wrong. He defintely has talent and, despite a kicking error against Watford that cost Brighton a goal, he is a super ball striker. He's only young though and has had a very good first season. Leeds would be very interesting. If true, hopefully it'd be as first choice. Sullivan seems well past his best.

Also, if this rumour is true, and that of Warnock being interested in Paddy McCarthy, it's good that the Irish guys are getting noticed when they play against the better clubs. I hope the same applies to Healy, Hoolahan & Tierney at Livingston in the SPL.

[livehead1]

yeh hoolahan apparently impressed for livingston, i think it was their manager who said before relegation that if they did go down, he would get taken away from them .