On merit, McGinty and O'Brien are probably the only lads that shouldn't be in the U-21 squad.
Once again the Irish U21 manager, Noel King has chosen to ignore the good young players who are plying their trade in the LOI.
Surely some of the LOI players are comparable to a few who were chosen.
By considering LOI players it gives the league a boost and also may entice some players to stay in Ireland to learn their trade and not suffer the same fate of many good footballers of being cast aside at an early age.
A stab at an alternative eleven from LOI
Conor O Donnell (UCD)Michael Barker (UCD) Roberto Lopez (Bohs) Stephen Folan (Limerick) Luke Byrne (Shamrock Rvs)Stephen McDonnell (Shels) Barry McNamee(Derry)Robbie Benson(UCD)Daryl Horgan(Dundalk) Chris Forrester(St Pats)Dan Morrissey(Cork City)Others
Conor Murphy ((Shels)
Adam O Hanlon(Bray)
Kealon Dillon (Athlone)
I am sure I may be leaving out a few but I think this side would give Kings’ charges a decent game.
What do you think? Other players who may be added?
On merit, McGinty and O'Brien are probably the only lads that shouldn't be in the U-21 squad.
I think Nassau makes a great point in this post.
Selecting a home based U21 squad for specific competitions would be a great boost for the credibility of our league and also for all the aspiring young players coming through the ranks.
The predisposition that young players performing their trade at Premier LOI level are somehow inferior to those floundering down the lower leagues in England and that our own system has betrayed is a flawed process.
Take Stephen Folan out too if you would.
The ball is round and has many surprises.
It is an interesting point. We have specific home-based U15 and U17 squads every now and then, but it's not extended all the way up the age groups.
King does generally include a couple of domestic players in the U21 squad, but it would be a bit strange right now when none of the players have played a league game yet this season. The English-based players are halfway through their season.
They had the u23 squad a few years back which was home based.
Upwards to the vanguard where the pressure is too high.
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