Players to Watch in the UK Next Season

[youngirish]

This season has seen Kevin Doyle, Stephen Hunt and Stephen Ireland cement themselves as proven Premiership players and in the process emerge as valuable International players for Ireland.

Hopefully next season we should see another 3-4 players establish themselves in the Premiership but who are the most likely candidates? The following are the players I think are the ones to watch most closely next season.

Name : Colin Doyle
Position : Goalkeeper
Age : 21
Club : Birmingham
The last two months has seen Doyle establish a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers outside the Premiership. By next season he should be a regular feature in the top tier of English football and will most likely become the deputy to Shay Given between the Irish posts.

Name : Stephen Kelly
Position : Right Back
Age : 23
Club : Brimingham
After an initial promising breakthrough season for Spurs a couple of years ago Kelly has since seen his career stutter and falter. A move to Birmingham last year has breathed new life into him and with their expected promotion to the Premiership he should get another chance to take up where he left off with Spurs.

Name : Paul McShane
Position : Central Defence
Age : 21
Club : West Brom
McShane has had a magnificient season establishing himself as a regular for Ireland and for promotion chasing West Brom. He could well be playing in the Premiership next season where he can test himself against some of the best strikers in Europe. A confident defender he is a great reader of the game considering his tender years, McShane should be a main feature of the Ireland team for many years. My only worry would be his lack of pace which may be exposed in the Premiership more frequently than it has been in the Championship. Good for an occasional goal from defence also.

Name : Joey O'Brien
Position : Right Back, Central Midfield
Age : 21
Club : Bolton
A year plagued by injury has halted the progression of arguably Ireland's most impressive young player last season. The improvement seen in Stephen Ireland this year only shows how far O'Brien could have come this term if he'd managed to stay fit. Next season could be a defining one for the young Dubliner and he needs to come back fitter and stronger to try to regain his place in the Bolton first team preferrably in his more natural central midfield role. If this occurs O'Brien could prove to be one of our most impressive young players next season but there's a lot of hard work ahead.

Name : Owen Garvan
Position : Central Midfield
Age : 19
Club : Ipswich
Garvan has been another player who has sufferred from the effects of injury this term as a post viral infection meant that he missed all of pre-season and only managed to regain his place in the first team in December. This setback has clearly affected him and he has struggled to regain the form that made him one of the most sought after young players outside the Premiership last year. In recent months, however, he has started to look more like the player we seen last season and a similar improvement next term could again see him attracting interest from a host of Premiership clubs in the January transfer window.

Name : Stephen Quinn
Position Left Midfield
Age : 21
Club : Sheffield United
A skillful winger with an eye for goal the introduction of Quinn into the Sheffield United first team in November last year provided the touch of class that had been lacking by the industrious Blades. A recent drop in form coupled with the fact that Warnock possibly doesn't quite see him as a player that's suitable for the last few games of a relegation battle has seen him lose his place in the last few weeks. Even considering this lapse Quinn has progressed beyond all expectations this year and has been one of Sheffield United's most impressive performers during his time in the team. If the Blades do manage to survive Quinn should again be gracing the Premiership on a regular basis next season.

Name : Anthony Stokes
Position : Striker
Age : 18
Club : Sunderland
Stokes exploded onto the scene earlier this season with a loan move to Falkirk where he netted 14 goals in 16 appearances. This form earned him a 2 million January transfer to Sunderland where he has since struggled to show his undoubted ability. With Sunderland looking increasingly likely to gain promotion Stokes should have the opportunity to show his talents in the Premiership next season. Next season he needs to recapture the form that he showed in the SPL to justify his inclusion in the Ireland squad.

Name : Shane Long
Position :Striker
Age : 20
Club : Reading
Another good season for Long has seen him feature on a regular basis for Reading in the Premiership and in the Ireland team. Strong and quick, Long has two of the most valuable assets a striker needs to make his mark in the modern game. His touch could be better but this should improve with time and a regular run in the Reading first team next season would allow him to enchance his growing reputation further. Of the two young Irish strikers Stokes and Long I've been more impressed by the latter this season despite the former's impressive start.

Name : Stephen Elliot
Position : Right Midfield, Striker
Age : 23
Club : Sunderland
After another injury ravaged season that he will want to forget Elliot should again have a chance to show what he can do in the Premiership with Sunderland. One of our most natural finishers Elliot impressed in a poor team in the handful of appearances that he made in the Premiership last time out and hopefully he can stay fit next year and continue where he left off. My only worry would be that Keane may choose to offload him on gaining promotion or that he again submits to injury. If he manages to stay fit and gets regular first team football in his preferred position as a striker then I can see him having a very good season and establishing himself as a viable alternative to Robbie Keane for Ireland.


Other candidates:
Shane Supple (Ipswich), Darren O'Dea (Celtic), Sean St Ledger (Preston), Aiden Mc Geady (Celtic), Darren Potter (Wolves), Cillian Sheridan (Celtic), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Billy Clarke (Ipswich), Leon Best (Southampton)

[Stuttgart88]

Good post. I'd be tempted to add Daryl Murphy who has mucked in with some important assists recently.

If Charlton get relgated I wonder if Randolph will become their first choice keeper.

Of the names above, I think all should make the trip to the US, injury or club commitments permitting.

Who would you say this year's successes (and disappointments) have been?

Stephen Hunt, Darren O'Dea, Stokes, Stephen Quinn & Colin Doyle have surpassed expectations.

For reasons outside their control, Garvan and J. O'Brien have been among this year's biggest let-downs.

[gustavo]

You might find this thread
(http://foot.ie/showthread.php?t=34613&highlight=players+watch) interesting as a comparision

[youngirish]

You might find this thread
(http://foot.ie/showthread.php?t=34613&highlight=players+watch) interesting as a comparision

Nice one, couldn't find that. A few have gone off the boil this year Tabb, Foley and Hayes particularly but most of the others have progressed to some degree.

Tabb and Foley could make a comeback next season (Tabb has been doing better as of late despite a poor start to his Coventry career but Hayes hasn't made any progress whatsoever, he's on loan at MK Dons at present).

Still like McCann from Burnley but can't see him playing at a higher level for at least another couple of seasons.



Who would you say this year's successes (and disappointments) have been?

Stephen Hunt, Darren O'Dea, Stokes, Stephen Quinn & Colin Doyle have surpassed expectations.

For reasons outside their control, Garvan and J. O'Brien have been among this year's biggest let-downs.

As for our successes this year Stutts I'd agree with all the above but would have my top 5 in this order:

1. Kevin Doyle
2. Stephen Hunt
3. Stephen Ireland
4. Stephen Quinn
5. Colin Doyle

As for disappointments:
1. Joey O'Brien
2. Stephen Elliot
3. Adam Rooney
4. Kevin Foley
5. Kevin Thornton

From that list if you have a kid and want him to be an Irish footballer call him Stephen or Kevin.

[jebus]

Glenn Whelan of Sheffield Wednesday is worth a look lads

[Ordinary Fan]

The problem with players to watch next season is that they are just one injury away from not making it. Joey O'Brien is a perfect example, he looked the part playing out of position with Bolton, but after a succession of injuries, he might be let go at the end of the season.
I was sure Garvan would be in the Irish squad this year but without it been as bad as O'Brien, he has had big problems getting his game together.

Ignoring Doyle (who did great) because he had a year in the first team already O'Dea must be the best young player this season. However he needs to be lucky with injury and signings to keep developing next season. Ireland needs cover at centre-half.

Hunt at 26 must be a great example to all aspiring players that with hard work and luck you can still make it in your mid-twenties.

[kev mcq]

This season has seen Kevin Doyle, Stephen Hunt and Stephen Ireland cement themselves as proven Premiership players and in the process emerge as valuable International players for Ireland.

Hopefully next season we should see another 3-4 players establish themselves in the Premiership but who are the most likely candidates? The following are the players I think are the ones to watch most closely next season.

Name : Colin Doyle
Position : Goalkeeper
Age : 21
Club : Birmingham
The last two months has seen Doyle establish a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers outside the Premiership. By next season he should be a regular feature in the top tier of English football and will most likely become the deputy to Shay Given between the Irish posts.

Name : Stephen Kelly
Position : Right Back
Age : 23
Club : Brimingham
After an initial promising breakthrough season for Spurs a couple of years ago Kelly has since seen his career stutter and falter. A move to Birmingham last year has breathed new life into him and with their expected promotion to the Premiership he should get another chance to take up where he left off with Spurs.

Name : Paul McShane
Position : Central Defence
Age : 21
Club : West Brom
McShane has had a magnificient season establishing himself as a regular for Ireland and for promotion chasing West Brom. He could well be playing in the Premiership next season where he can test himself against some of the best strikers in Europe. A confident defender he is a great reader of the game considering his tender years, McShane should be a main feature of the Ireland team for many years. My only worry would be his lack of pace which may be exposed in the Premiership more frequently than it has been in the Championship. Good for an occasional goal from defence also.

Name : Joey O'Brien
Position : Right Back, Central Midfield
Age : 21
Club : Bolton
A year plagued by injury has halted the progression of arguably Ireland's most impressive young player last season. The improvement seen in Stephen Ireland this year only shows how far O'Brien could have come this term if he'd managed to stay fit. Next season could be a defining one for the young Dubliner and he needs to come back fitter and stronger to try to regain his place in the Bolton first team preferrably in his more natural central midfield role. If this occurs O'Brien could prove to be one of our most impressive young players next season but there's a lot of hard work ahead.

Name : Owen Garvan
Position : Central Midfield
Age : 19
Club : Ipswich
Garvan has been another player who has sufferred from the effects of injury this term as a post viral infection meant that he missed all of pre-season and only managed to regain his place in the first team in December. This setback has clearly affected him and he has struggled to regain the form that made him one of the most sought after young players outside the Premiership last year. In recent months, however, he has started to look more like the player we seen last season and a similar improvement next term could again see him attracting interest from a host of Premiership clubs in the January transfer window.

Name : Stephen Quinn
Position Left Midfield
Age : 21
Club : Sheffield United
A skillful winger with an eye for goal the introduction of Quinn into the Sheffield United first team in November last year provided the touch of class that had been lacking by the industrious Blades. A recent drop in form coupled with the fact that Warnock possibly doesn't quite see him as a player that's suitable for the last few games of a relegation battle has seen him lose his place in the last few weeks. Even considering this lapse Quinn has progressed beyond all expectations this year and has been one of Sheffield United's most impressive performers during his time in the team. If the Blades do manage to survive Quinn should again be gracing the Premiership on a regular basis next season.

Name : Anthony Stokes
Position : Striker
Age : 18
Club : Sunderland
Stokes exploded onto the scene earlier this season with a loan move to Falkirk where he netted 14 goals in 16 appearances. This form earned him a 2 million January transfer to Sunderland where he has since struggled to show his undoubted ability. With Sunderland looking increasingly likely to gain promotion Stokes should have the opportunity to show his talents in the Premiership next season. Next season he needs to recapture the form that he showed in the SPL to justify his inclusion in the Ireland squad.

Name : Shane Long
Position :Striker
Age : 20
Club : Reading
Another good season for Long has seen him feature on a regular basis for Reading in the Premiership and in the Ireland team. Strong and quick, Long has two of the most valuable assets a striker needs to make his mark in the modern game. His touch could be better but this should improve with time and a regular run in the Reading first team next season would allow him to enchance his growing reputation further. Of the two young Irish strikers Stokes and Long I've been more impressed by the latter this season despite the former's impressive start.

Name : Stephen Elliot
Position : Right Midfield, Striker
Age : 23
Club : Sunderland
After another injury ravaged season that he will want to forget Elliot should again have a chance to show what he can do in the Premiership with Sunderland. One of our most natural finishers Elliot impressed in a poor team in the handful of appearances that he made in the Premiership last time out and hopefully he can stay fit next year and continue where he left off. My only worry would be that Keane may choose to offload him on gaining promotion or that he again submits to injury. If he manages to stay fit and gets regular first team football in his preferred position as a striker then I can see him having a very good season and establishing himself as a viable alternative to Robbie Keane for Ireland.


Other candidates:
Supple (Ipswich), Darren O'Dea (Celtic), Sean St Ledger (Preston), Aiden Mc Geady (Celtic), Darren Potter (Wolves), Cillian Sheridan (Celtic), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Billy Clarke (Ipswich), Leon Best (Southampton)

You forgot Paddy McCarthy:confused:

[youngirish]

You forgot Paddy McCarthy:confused:

I'm trying my best to forget him.

[tetsujin1979]

I reckon you could add Ian Morris of S****horpe to the list too, he hasn't started many games, but he's come on as sub in quite a few, and been called into the U-21 side. Next season should see him tested in the Championship, along with Joe Murphy, Cliff Byrne and Jim Goodwin.

I really want to see Billy Clarke come back into the first team picture at Ipswich, but he's a lot of experienced strikers ahead of him and it might not be his time yet. A loan deal might do him some good.

Mark Yeates really needs to settle on a club after spending the majority of the last 2 seasons out on loan. Jol has said he does rate Yeates, but with Lennon established in the Spurs' starting XI a permanent deal in the lower leagues (a la Keogh, Morris, McPhail etc) might be the best thing to happen to him.

[drummerboy]

Couldn't imagine Bolton letting O'Brien go. I'm sure he has a decent contract and hopefully will be back to full fitness next season. Garvan had an illness which took him a while to shake off, now starting to get back to his best form. Colin Doyle was magnificent yesterday against Wolves and Keogh looked a really decent forward, full of running and brave to boot.

[eirebhoy]

Excellent post.

[Stuttgart88]

Don't let him get to you TP! Hey, I see Kilkenny are even beating Wexford at footie now.

[youngirish]

I see McCann scored the winner for Burnley last night against West Brom. He looked good when he came on and had a few chances. His goal hit his shoulder and he got lucky but you earn your luck.

McShane got sent off for nothing. It was a ridiculous decision by the ref just an accidental clash of heads with J O'Connor.

It still looks like it will probably be Wolves, West Brom, Preston and maybe Derby in the play offs. Out of those lot I'd like to see Wolves get promoted. It would be good for Andy Keogh and Ward though I'm not sure Ward is good enough for the Premiership. Keogh could probably just about do a job there for a poor team as his all round play is excellent though he does struggle for goals.

If Preston or West Brom are promoted we should have either St Ledger or McShane playing regularly in the Premiership. Either scenario would be decent for Ireland though I reckon McShane probably will get a move to the Premiership anyway in the summer if West Brom's promotion bid fails. It would be nice to have Dunne, McShane and St Ledger all playing regular football in the Premiership next season though possibly unlikely.

[Stuttgart88]

Wolves are my favoured team in that regard too.

In the back of my mind I'm hoping that it could be the making of Darren Potter, but deep down I think he's probably just not good enough.

I think he should get a run out in the US if he's available. He's tall and mobile and plays central midfield, so it'll be a chance for Stan & co to take a look.

[tetsujin1979]

Wolves are my favoured team in that regard too.

In the back of my mind I'm hoping that it could be the making of Darren Potter, but deep down I think he's probably just not good enough.

I think he should get a run out in the US if he's available. He's tall and mobile and plays central midfield, so it'll be a chance for Stan & co to take a look.
I was watching the game at the weekend, I didn't notice Potter much, but I can say the same about the Birmingham central midfield. Maybe they cancelled each other out?

[SÓC]

By next season Roy O'Donovan will most likely be playing the the Premiership or Championship too.

Given Stan picks crap players because they are fast I assume a quality player like O'Donovan will get into the full squad soon enough. Fastest footballer I've ever seen

[youngirish]

Wolves are my favoured team in that regard too.

In the back of my mind I'm hoping that it could be the making of Darren Potter, but deep down I think he's probably just not good enough.

I think he should get a run out in the US if he's available. He's tall and mobile and plays central midfield, so it'll be a chance for Stan & co to take a look.
I agree. I don't think Potter at present is good enough for the Premiership though he's still young and can improve. My problem with him is that he doesn't really have enough facets to his game. He's not particularly good at tackling nor does he score enough goals, he doesn't make surging runs into the box. He's an ok passer of the ball but that's it. He's a bit like a poor Michael Carrick who I think is very overrated anyway.

Stephen Gleeson another, younger Irish midfield player has started getting a run out for Wolves also. Not sure what he's like.

[Dodge]

To help, here's the latest ireland u19 squad (was suprised to see Rooney still involved, shows how young he was when he made the breakthrough)

Republic of Ireland squad:
Stephen Henderson - Aston Villa
Eugene Ferry - Derry City
Simon Madden - Leeds United
Noel Haverty - St. Patrick’s Athletic
Edward Nolan - Blackburn Rovers
Darren Dennehy - Everton
Kevin McArdle - Dundalk
Alan Judge - Blackburn Rovers
Scott Davies - Reading
Matthew Cassidy - Bolton Wanderers
Harry Arter - Charlton Athletic
Robert Bayly - Leeds United
Keith Treacy - Blackburn Rovers
Adam Rooney - Stoke City
Aidan Downes - Everton
James O'Shea - Bray Wanderers
Mark Salmon - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Keith Quinn - Sheffield United

Noel Haverty is with Pats u17 team at the moment so he has plenty of time ahead of him

[lionelhutz]

I see McCann scored the winner for Burnley last night against West Brom. He looked good when he came on and had a few chances. His goal hit his shoulder and he got lucky but you earn your luck.

McShane got sent off for nothing. It was a ridiculous decision by the ref just an accidental clash of heads with J O'Connor.

It still looks like it will probably be Wolves, West Brom, Preston and maybe Derby in the play offs. Out of those lot I'd like to see Wolves get promoted. It would be good for Andy Keogh and Ward though I'm not sure Ward is good enough for the Premiership. Keogh could probably just about do a job there for a poor team as his all round play is excellent though he does struggle for goals.

If Preston or West Brom are promoted we should have either St Ledger or McShane playing regularly in the Premiership. Either scenario would be decent for Ireland though I reckon McShane probably will get a move to the Premiership anyway in the summer if West Brom's promotion bid fails. It would be nice to have Dunne, McShane and St Ledger all playing regular football in the Premiership next season though possibly unlikely.

Is st. ledger any good?? theres been alot of hype about him and i havent watched him play yet so im just wondering has he got the potential to be a future international??

The few times i saw Mcshane play he's been excellent and I'd be shocked if he wasnt playin in the premiership next year even if West Brom dont go up.

At least we're seeing more central defenders coming through now with O'Dea aswel. It was a worry for a while with Breen and O'Brien looking the only options!! All we need now is Joey O'Brien and the two Reids playing consistently well at centre midfield next season and we won't need Carsley anymore

[Row Z]

Mick McCarthy really rates potter. As far as i know he made him skipper in some of the games this year. Think next year will be the makings of him.
Good to see haverty off pats in the U19 squad alongside Derry's Eugene Ferry.
plus, it looks like another one of the Quinn family has made an international squad following in Alan & stephen's footsteps

[eirebhoy]

Benitez seemed to rate him highly too. He played on the right at Liverpool more often than not and didn't impress but in the centre (behind the strikers) I liked the look of him.

[youngirish]

I'm surprised Stephen Gleeson and Michael Spillane from Norwich aren't in that U19 squad. Also Richard Keogh from Bristol City has had a good season and has been omitted. Another Irish central defender to watch in the Championship next season.

Also what about the Ipswich lads Garvan and Clarke? Both could qualify for that squad. Are they playing for the U21's instead? I'd rather see them with their own age group.


Is st. ledger any good?? theres been alot of hype about him and i havent watched him play yet so im just wondering has he got the potential to be a future international??

I think St Ledger is pretty useful and should soon enough make the step up to the Premiership. I do think McShane and O'Dea are better central defenders though. Maybe Staunton did something right getting St Ledger on board though as we are short of decent cover in defence.

[tetsujin1979]

I'm surprised Stphen Gleeson and Michael Spillane form Norwich aren't in that U19 squad. Also Richard Keogh from Bristol City has had a good season and has been omitted. Another Irish central defender to watch in the Championship next season.

Also what about the Ipswich lads Garvan and Clarke? Both could qualify for that squad. Are they playing for the U21's instead? I'd rather see them with their own age group.
Gleeson, Spillane and Garvan have all being playing regularly for their clubs in recent weeks, it's possible they couldn't get released. The games against the Czechs are friendlies anyway, so it gives McCaffrey a chance to look at other options in those positions. Dennehy in particular is supposed to be highly rated at Everton.
On the other hand, Clarke is out of the Ipswich team at the moment, and not in the Ireland squad, yet Rooney is regularly in the matchday squad on loan at Yeovil and is out in the Czech Republic at the moment.
Is Stokes still eligible for the U-19?

[Dodge]

Spillane captained the Irish side in the couple of u18 games I seen recently. I presume he was "rested" for this one to give a couple of others a shot

[kingdom hoop]

After the Wolves match today QPR manager John Greogory weighed in with his support of Andy Keogh;

"The boy Keogh is one of the finds of the season.

"He's one to watch next season, regardless of which division Wolves are in.''

Very positive

[livehead1]

After the Wolves match today QPR manager John Greogory weighed in with his support of Andy Keogh;

"The boy Keogh is one of the finds of the season.

"He's one to watch next season, regardless of which division Wolves are in.''

Very positive


Coming from a man who paid 9.5 million for Juan Pablo Angel!

Although i would agree in the sense that he looks like he has a lot of ability.

[youngirish]

I do like the look of Keogh though I worry that he doesn't score as many goals as I'd like. He's more of a Robbie Keane type striker from what I've seen as in he likes to drop deep and create chances for others than hang around the box, picking up scraps.

I also like Leon Best. He's big and powerful and very direct and bangs in bucketloads of goals when on form. He scored again at the weekend. The only worry I'd have with Best though is that he seems to be one of those confidence strikers and he has periods where he can't buy a goal. When he's on form though he's prolific. I'm still not sure if his heart is set on Ireland though.

[Stuttgart88]

I hope the young lads get to make the trip to the US. Call Best up & get him on board once and for all.

I'm not sure if Robbie will travel to the US, but the current form of he and Doyle, plus the emerging talents such as Keogh, Best & Murphy is quite exciting, not to mention the likes of Stokes and Long.

Roy O'Donovan deserves a call up.

Ward & Clarke probably best in U21 set up for now?

[dr_peepee]

Lets churn out the old reliables for Start of season high hopes!!!!!

Michael Timlin, Richie Partridge,

Seriously though.. Andy Keogh's getting rave reviews even when not scoring. A full season this level now will stand to him. Still young enough to step up again.

Daryl Murphy in the Premier league. Very impressed with him on Friday. Could be an Irish Berbatov in the making!!;)

If Stokes reminds himself that there's 9 other outfield players on his team he'll be worth looking at.

Garvan is still flying below the radar of the bigger clubs, which is good considering his age. A good full season with Ipswich and then hopefully a step up will do for me.

Mcshane in the Premiership, with or without WBA!!

[cavan_fan]

Lets churn out the old reliables for Start of season high hopes!!!!!

Michael Timlin, Richie Partridge,

Seriously though.. Andy Keogh's getting rave reviews even when not scoring. A full season this level now will stand to him. Still young enough to step up again.

Daryl Murphy in the Premier league. Very impressed with him on Friday. Could be an Irish Berbatov in the making!!;)

If Stokes reminds himself that there's 9 other outfield players on his team he'll be worth looking at.

Garvan is still flying below the radar of the bigger clubs, which is good considering his age. A good full season with Ipswich and then hopefully a step up will do for me.

Mcshane in the Premiership, with or without WBA!!


Nearly all strikers, whats got me most excited is Doyle at Birmingham (a realistic No.2 for 5 years then replace Shay), McShane, O'Dea. I would happily trade a successful season for Garvan for Murphy, Stokes and Best!

[Bottle of Tonic]

O'Dea looks an excellent prospect at Celtic, however as with most young players he'll need a big slice of luck to get himself a run of games and established in the team at centre half next season. His excellent performances in the second half of the season might just as easily have never happened had it not been for injury/suspension/inelegibility etc. As well as himself he's got competition from McManus,Pressley,Caldwell,Kennedy,Balde(injured I know) for CB next season and its not exactly a position the manager chops and changes with too often.

[cavan_fan]

Lets churn out the old reliables for Start of season high hopes!!!!!

Michael Timlin, Richie Partridge

I'm looking for a great season from Willo Flood!

[co. down green]

O'Dea looks an excellent prospect at Celtic, however as with most young players he'll need a big slice of luck to get himself a run of games and established in the team at centre half next season. His excellent performances in the second half of the season might just as easily have never happened had it not been for injury/suspension/inelegibility etc. As well as himself he's got competition from McManus,Pressley,Caldwell,Kennedy,Balde(injured I know) for CB next season and its not exactly a position the manager chops and changes with too often.


Good article on O'Dea below , he seems like a determined kid and i think he's one that will still be around in a few years.

http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.1365906.0.0.php

[eirebhoy]

Good article on O'Dea below , he seems like a determined kid and i think he's one that will still be around in a few years.

http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.1365906.0.0.php
"It's something I need to improve on, to become a bit louder in the dressing room," he said. "There are players with massive experience in there, so I'm listening more.

"As a defender you have to be a leader and a talker. I'm a relatively good talker on the park, but with more experience I will become more commanding."

He doesn't seem shy anyway judging by this:
http://www.letthepeoplesing.com/videos/Misc_Video/laurie_anne_molligated_by_players

:D

[danonion]

Might be the season to get McSheffry on board, isn't he promoted with Birmingham?

[Claret Murph]

Chris McCann at Burnley he has been getting rave reviews this season and scored 5 or 6 goals coming as as a sub .
The one to watch .

[Qwerty]

Might be the season to get McSheffry on board, isn't he promoted with Birmingham?

Despite Gary having a very green background ( Irish father? and Irish grandparents ) he has played for Ingurland at U21 level so he doesn't qualify for us. End of story.

[republicofwhite]

Saw Keogh on the highlights earlier from today, looked like he was having a joke, tearing Leicester to shreds, they couldn't deal with him at all. His peno(won by Ward) was delightfully cheeky as well. Dwight Yorke eat your heart out.

[co. down green]

I presume the championship play-offs will rule out McShane & Keogh from the American tour ?

[youngirish]

Leon Best by all accounts had a great game for Southampton against Southend. He banged in two goals. Seen one of them it was a great finish.

Best to me looks like he can bang goals in at any level if he gets decent service and a run in the team. Hopefully he still wants to play for Ireland and hasn't been swayed over to the dark side.

Kevin Thornton and Jay Tabb seem to be doing the business at resurgent Coventry at the moment also. Pity it's so late in the season. Both suffered from injury earlier in the season. Next year will be an important one for both as I can see Coventry pushing for promotion under Dowie.

[OwlsFan]

To help, here's the latest ireland u19 squad (was suprised to see Rooney still involved, shows how young he was when he made the breakthrough)

Republic of Ireland squad:
Stephen Henderson - Aston Villa
Eugene Ferry - Derry City
Simon Madden - Leeds United
Noel Haverty - St. Patrick’s Athletic
Edward Nolan - Blackburn Rovers
Darren Dennehy - Everton
Kevin McArdle - Dundalk
Alan Judge - Blackburn Rovers
Scott Davies - Reading
Matthew Cassidy - Bolton Wanderers
Harry Arter - Charlton Athletic
Robert Bayly - Leeds United
Keith Treacy - Blackburn Rovers
Adam Rooney - Stoke City
Aidan Downes - Everton
James O'Shea - Bray Wanderers
Mark Salmon - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Keith Quinn - Sheffield United

Noel Haverty is with Pats u17 team at the moment so he has plenty of time ahead of him

Just came across this thread when looking for something. The Under 19 squad 5 years ago. Shame to see how few actually "make it" from that age.

YoungIrish's descriptions of some of the prospects was also interesting, McShane in particular. To be fair though, most of his selections are still playing at the top level or not that far removed.

[Crosby87]

Wow some of them fell by the wayside faster than Ger "Mad Crosser" Crossley.
I dont even know if Paul O'Shea would recognize Simon Madden or Harry Arter if they came in to give him his daily 4 PM Backrub.

[ltfc_2004]

To help, here's the latest ireland u19 squad (was suprised to see Rooney still involved, shows how young he was when he made the breakthrough)

Republic of Ireland squad: Then Now
Stephen Henderson - Aston Villa -West Ham Utd
Eugene Ferry - Derry City - Derry City
Simon Madden - Leeds United - Derry City
Noel Haverty - St. Patrick’s Athletic - Longford Town
Edward Nolan - Blackburn Rovers - Scunthrope
Darren Dennehy - Everton - Formerly Barnet - Unattached
Kevin McArdle - Dundalk - ???
Alan Judge - Blackburn Rovers - Notts County
Scott Davies - Reading - Crawley Town
Matthew Cassidy - Bolton Wanderers - Hyde
Harry Arter - Charlton Athletic - Bournmouth
Robert Bayly - Leeds United - Longford Town
Keith Treacy - Blackburn Rovers -Burnley
Adam Rooney - Stoke City - Birmingham City
Aidan Downes - Everton - Bohemians
James O'Shea - Bray Wanderers - MK Dons
Mark Salmon - Wolverhampton Wanderers - Longford Town
Keith Quinn - Sheffield United - Cork City

Noel Haverty is with Pats u17 team at the moment so he has plenty of time ahead of him




The fickle hand of faith sees three of them playing for Longford Town in the 1st Division , football is a tough career and just shows how few have made the leap from promising youngster to full time pro

[SkStu]

Wow some of them fell by the wayside faster than Ger "Mad Crosser" Crossley.
I dont even know if Paul O'Shea would recognize Simon Madden or Harry Arter if they came in to give him his daily 4 PM Backrub.

with the happy ending.

[PrettyBoots]

Rooney still doing OK. Dissapointing to see the huge amount failing to break through to "Top level".