Under Stephen Kenny's management, a huge number of talented young Irish players have been given their first taste of international football. Some of them have thrived at that level, going on to establish themselves as key men at that level.
Others have been hugely impressive, but have seen their opportunities limited due to injury.
Andrew Omobamidele falls into that category. The 20-year old has only had a handful of international appearances, earning five caps in 2021. He was incredible in a few of those games, most notably in Portugal and at home against Serbia.
However, he has not featured since the turn of the year due to injury problems. They seem to be very much behind him now, with the player starring for Norwich City during the early part of the season.
Andrew Omobamidele impressing for Norwich City
Andrew Omobamidele has played the full 90 minutes in each of the club's Championship fixtures so far this season, including in last night's 2-0 home win over Millwall.
The Leixlip native was in stunning form, dominating at the back as the team secured their second win of the season. It's fair to say he impressed those who watched the game.
Big Andrew Abiola Omobamidele. 💚#NCFC pic.twitter.com/vLpRgRUaLb
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) August 19, 2022
🇮🇪| Andrew Omobamidele, take a bow
What a performance tonight vs Millwall
Some of the best stuff I’ve ever seen from him
He’s good, he’s very good 👏🔥 pic.twitter.com/sbnV7TZ7dM— IrishPropaganda🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) August 19, 2022
Andrew Omobamidele is a serious talent #ncfc pic.twitter.com/E2iy3XxrOE
— Canary Cast (@CastCanary) August 19, 2022
We have Andrew Omobamidele and Nathan Collins coming through at the same time ffs our defense is actually sorted for the next 10+years
— Ross 🇮🇪 (@Ross_UTD) August 19, 2022
Buzzing for the win last night. Clean sheet, been a while since we seen one of them. Omobamidele, the lad really is a Rolls Royce. Carrow Road becoming a fortress again? They were the days long overdue. #ncfc
— Nicky Waller (@wallerboy) August 20, 2022
Getting worried Omobamidele might not be here at the end of the window… #ncfc
— Steve (@SteNCFC) August 19, 2022
Omobamidele is way too good for the championship
— 🥔 (@AFCDavidBohs) August 19, 2022
Omobamidele was absolutely imperious, I challenge anyone to find many better 20yo CBs in the country. Was always in control of every situation, and looks like our senior CB atm. Future captain if he stays beyond this season. #ncfc
— James (@jgraver7) August 19, 2022
Omobamidele gonna be TOTY
— Jack (@soccerscoutjack) August 19, 2022
Omobamidele’s best game for the club, this. Imperious. #ncfc
— Steve (@SteNCFC) August 19, 2022
Omobamidele is worth a lot of money. Going all the way! ⚽️
— George Gagen (@Georgegagen_) August 19, 2022
Andy Omobamidele is a fantastic player & another that will be sold on eventually for a lot of money, unfortunately for us fans. So calm, composed & confident. Never looks like he's struggling. Absolute engine👏🏽 #NCFC
— Jack 💛💚 (@JField97) August 19, 2022
Speaking to the club website after the game, Norwich boss Dean Smith was full of praise for the Irishman.
They got the ball forward quite quickly at times and Andrew had a bit of a battle, certainly in the first half and I thought he came out the winner within that individual battle.
I thought he was good in the second half as well. Against a team that are physical, I felt he handled that really well. Him and Grant (Hanley), who probably made more headers in the first five minutes than he has done for the rest of the season, together today against a strong team - Benik Afobe and Honeyman are strong runners and they dealt with that well.
It's great that we're unbeaten at Carrow Road and our supporters can see how hard we’re working. That’s the thing that pleased me most - the work ethic.
Despite a mixed start to the season, Norwich remain among the favourites for promotion from the Championship this season. Andrew Omobamidele is sure to play a big part in that.
As for his international prospects, breaking into Ireland's back three will surely be his goal in the months ahead. John Egan, Nathan Collins, and Shane Duffy seem to have those places nailed down at the moment, although that could quickly change if Duffy does not get regular football at Fulham.
Either way, it is sure to be a big campaign for the young centre back.
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