Blackburn Rovers have become a somewhat unexpected haven for young Ireland talent in recent years, with many members of the U21 team choosing Ewood Park as the ideal destination to help develop their careers.
Rovers currently have five Irishmen on their books, with U19, U21, and full Irish internationals part of the senior squad.
This week brought the announcement that a sixth Irish player will join the squad at Blackburn. Highly-rated defender Connor O'Riordan signs from Crewe for an undisclosed fee.
In his first interview with the Blackburn club site, O'Riordan explained why he was excited to join the Championship side and, looking at the performances of his fellow Irishmen in Lancashire in recent months, it's easy to understand that sentiment.
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Ireland U21 Connor O'Riordan signs for Blackburn Rovers
Connor O'Riordan said the decision to join Blackburn was an easy one, and said that it was a long-awaited move:
I’ve known of the interest for a while now and as soon as I heard about it, I knew that Rovers was the team I wanted to join. It was something I wanted to be a part of and a club I wanted to play for.
I met the manager and came to see the training ground. As soon as I did that, it was clear that Rovers was the club I wanted to join.
It’s taken a little bit longer than all parties would have wanted, but now I’m here and I’m absolutely buzzing and can’t wait to get started.
O'Riordan was capped for the Ireland U21 side for the first time last year, after an unexpected and controversial tug-of-war with the Scottish FA for his services. Eligible for both countries, O'Riordan was unexpectedly called up by Scotland last summer before Ireland coach Jim Crawford named him in the Ireland squad. O'Riordan chose to declare for Ireland.
19 June 2023; Connor O'Riordan of Republic of Ireland during the International friendly match between the Republic of Ireland U21's and Kuwait U22's at Parktherme Arena in Bad Radkersburg, Austria. Photo by Blaz Weindorfer/Sportsfile
He joins an ever-growing group of young Irish talent at Blackburn Rovers.
Zak Gilsenan has been growing in influence for the Ireland U21 team, though his first team opportunities at Rovers have been limited. In contrast, the performances of his U21 teammate Andrew Moran were so strong that he made his senior debut for his country against New Zealand in November.
U19 international Tom Bloxham made his first Championship appearance earlier this season, while Rory Finneran's debut in the third round of the FA Cup made him one of the youngest players ever to line out for Blackburn, at just 15 years of age.
That is all before we mention the undoubted star of this Blackburn team, Sammie Szmodics - who somehow is yet to be capped at senior level for Ireland. Szmodics is the Championship's top scorer from attacking midfield, with 16 goals in 26 appearances this season.
Recent reports suggested that Hungary - for whom Szmodics is also eligible - are interested in calling up the midfielder. Irish fans will hope that Stephen Kenny's successor can quickly get Szmodics involved in the Ireland senior setup to avoid such an eventuality.
Ewood Park is quickly becoming the go-to spot for young Irish talent. When Andrew Moran went out on loan from Premier League club Brighton at the start of the season, his parent club carefully chose Blackburn as his destination due to their positive style of play. Safe to say that his performances have more than backed up that decision.
For 20-year-old Connor O'Riordan, the move from League 2 to the Championship is a major boost in his development, and he will hope to get more regular opportunities with the Ireland U21s in 2024.
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