With several Irish players making their mark unexpectedly this season, we take a look at players who Martin O'Neill may be calling up to the Irish squad in the future. Some positions were trickier to fill than others, central midfield being particularly strong while goalkeeping options left much to be desired. The result is a loose 3-4-3 formation.
GK - Ryan Meara, New York City FC
We look stateside for our first player. Meara has lost his place to Luis Robles in the last two seasons with New York Red Bulls after sustaining an injury in his 'rookie season'. However, he was bright in that season, racking up several man of the match awards, earning him a call up to Ireland U21's which the club forced him to turn down.
The New-Yorker is eligible for Ireland by virtue of his Irish grandparents. He's heading to Frank Lampard's New York City FC on loan this year and their head coach had this to say about Meara.
He's big, agile, strong and very good with the ball at his feet. We're excited to keep him close to his hometown and add another New York personality to our roster for the inaugural season."
LB - Derrick Williams, Bristol City
The 22 year old Waterford man has been a constant in his league leading Bristol City team this season, who have conceded just 23 goals in 28 games. He is unlikely to get a look-in while playing in League One but with a promotion looking likely and Ireland's LB slot one of its weakest, he may be in the squad sooner rather than later. Speaking to the Herald he said:
Hopefully we can get promoted this season and maybe then, next season, the Ireland manager can take a look at me. It is a massive ambition of mine, to play international football.
CB - Tommie Hoban, Watford
Martin O'Neill has taken in several Watford games this year to take a look at the highly rated Hoban, who qualifies through his Irish Father. Hoban has been capped for several of Ireland's underage teams and having just turned 21 is a welcome young prospect at the CB position. Watford are making a promotion push yet again so the Irishman may be playing in the Premier League next season.
RB - Luke Chambers, Ipswich
The Ipswich captain, effectively head Irishman at a team of Irish, is predominantly a CB but can also play at RB, aged 29 he is perhaps a bit old to be making his debut internationally, although David Forde may argue otherwise. Ireland are in need of versatile defenders though and his ability to play two positions would be very welcome. Speaking after he scored the winner for promotion hopefuls Ipswich last night, Mick McCarthy said:
Captains make the difference at times. Luke Chambers drives the team forward.
RM - Will Buckley, Sunderland
Buckley is behind the Italian Giaccherini for much of this season yet Poyet rates him highly.
I think Buckley is the only player in the squad who can go in behind, like he proved in the last-minute [against Liverpool at the weekend] and when he was offside
The rest are not willing or don’t have the characteristics to go in behind defenders, which is part of the game that you need to use.
He will need to prove himself more consistently to earn a call-up to the Ireland team, a realistic prospect.
CM - Harry Arter, Bournemouth
Another player Martin O'Neill has been keeping a close eye on, the 25-year-old has been a key piece in helping Bournemouth's to second in the Championship. Arter has six goals this season from midfield as well as two assists. Already notching 30 games on the season, Arter may well become a household name next year should Bournemouth hold onto their automatic promotion spot.
CM- Richie Towell, Dundalk
Towell is the best player on these shores, the key man in Dundalk's title win last year. Many will not want to see a League of Ireland player in the squad, claiming by virtue of not playing in England they are not good enough for Ireland. The simple fact remains that the League has produced many of the current national team, Towell is unusual in staying put on these shores but that does not take away from his quality.
Having seen the player live at least half a dozen times last season as well as having attended all of Ireland's games home and abroad in 2014, Towell is good enough for at least a squad place.
LM - Alan Judge, Brentford
The man once known as the Irish Messi never quite lived up to that hype but until injury, which he will return from this week, has had a solid season for sixth place surprise package Brentord. He can play through the middle as well as on the left flank. Aged 26, the Dubliner played with Ireland underage but has never got a look in to the full team. Even Killer wants him in the squad.
Really impressed with @10judgey @BrentfordFC this season. Got to be pushing for @FAIreland squad place.
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) November 30, 2014
FW, Eoin Doyle, Cardiff
The top scorer in the English professional leagues recently sealed a move to Championship team Cardiff from Chesterfield. He scored 25 in just 33 this season in League One and should he come even close to reproducing that in the championship he is worthy of a look in.
FW, Patrick Bamford, Chelsea (on loan to Middlesbrough)
The Chelsea youngster has a had a solid season to date on loan at Championship leader's Middlesbrough, averaging a goal every other game, good enough for second highest scorer at the club. He represented Ireland at U18 level but has since chosen to play for England underage. He is not thought too likely to want to switch allegiances back to Ireland but he is one to keep an eye on.
FW, Adam Rooney, Aberdeen
Rooney has been in prolific form this season, scoring 21 goals (including this one) so far and sitting second amongst the SPL's top goalscorers. SPL clubs outside of Celtic are traditionally seen as weak places to recruit players from, but with Rooney performing at a better level than Irish international Stokes this season, he is worth a look.
Also considered; Matt Doherty, Sean Murray, Alan Browne, Callum Reilly, Joe Mason, Eunan O'Kane, Chris Forrester, Daryl Horgan, Richard Stearman, Jay Tabb, Alex McCarthy
