One thing that could count against Fahey in a scout's eye (whether for international or club recognition) is his maverick style of play. He is undoubtedly talented, with an ability to go past people and pass the ball, but the best central midfielders are those who can make space for themselves off the ball, get into good positions to receive it in that space, and thus to dictate the pace of a game.
From what I've seen of Fahey, he tries very hard to make himself available, but he's not great at making space for himself off the ball. Several times when he got the ball against Hertha, he found himself marked or surrounded; then he had to try dribbling past his marker, trying nutmegs and the like, running with the ball rather than playing it simple. He did this very well, but as a central midfielder these days, when there's so much focus on speed, tactical awareness and athleticism, it's a dangerous way of playing the game.
I remember Houlihan doing the very same things against Deportivo for Shels in 2004, doing some breathtaking things, but eventually getting caught in possession, and was culpable in that manner for Depor's opener in the Riazor. If Fahey went to the Championship, he'd probably end up shunted out on the wing, just as Houlihan has been for Norwich.
(edit) - as I'm extolling the virtues of simple, effective midfield play, I must say I thought Gary Dempsey was very impressive in this respect against Hertha. But maybe that's just Wexfordian bias! ;)
