Originally Posted by
Predator
Football is a funny old game and things can change very quickly. It's a fickle industry.
When I watched Mark McGuinness and Jake O'Brien play for the U21s a few years ago, I have to say I wasn't overly impressed by either, but I thought McGuinness had a clear edge over O'Brien. He had a lot more senior games at a higher level under his belt than O'Brien, was an organiser and looked more comfortable on the ball. If you'd asked me then which of the two, at 23, would have gone on to earn senior caps, play in Ligue 1 and then sign for Everton in a €20 million move, I'd probably have said McGuinness. McGuinness has been excelling in the Championship for a few years, playing over 100 games yet arguably going under the radar, whereas O'Brien's career effectively took off after 27 games in Ligue 1. The good thing for McGuinness is that he is only 23 and he has time on his side. It's just unlucky for him that Ireland have so many top centre-backs at the moment. He probably needs a few 'wow' moments this season so people start clamouring for him to be called up.