Michael Noonan F Shamrock Rovers b.2008

[Kingdom]

Surely there aren't people out there who think the likes of him and Melia would still be playing in Ireland were it not for the Brexit rules preventing them from moving to the UK at 16?!

Given how sharp Michael is appearing compared to his peers - one would assume due to playing first team senior football - in the (very) early stages of this World Cup - the possibility might not be too far-fetched.

And there's his goal!

[Predator]

I thought most of our team looked physically bigger and stronger - older, even - than a lot of the Panama team.
Noonan was very sharp. His movement is impressive and he caused them a lot of problems. I was thinking that Umeh was a bit wasted at LWB. I'd nearly want to see what he was like up top, given his size (especially at that level), but I guess that would probably mean Noonan dropping out, which isn't ideal.
Vinnie Leonard looked quality - his reading of the game was exceptional and he got his blocks in.
Rory Finneran was really good too. A great start for them, but obviously there are bigger challenges ahead.

[Razors left peg]

I was listening to a podcast yesterday where they were saying that Man Utd are monitoring 10 players at this u17 World Cup. They have already signed the Columbian Captain Cristian Orozco. I wonder if any Irish lads are on the radar?

[John83]

God I hope not. That club's been a slow-moving disaster since Ferguson retired. But yeah, I expect many big clubs have scouts watching it. The Irish lads have a chance to catch someone's eye.