While Ireland have a long way to go in developing players in certain areas of the pitch, there are some position in which they have a few attractive options.
Goalkeeper and centre back are the most obvious examples. Gavin Bazunu and Caoimhín Kelleher are two fantastic goalkeepers, with Mark Travers also impressing over the last year or so. At centre back, you have the experienced options of John Egan and Shane Duffy to go along with emerging talents such as Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea, and Andrew Omobamidele.
While right back is not quite as deep, the presence of Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty in the squad makes it very difficult for other players to emerge on the international stage.
Danny McNamara knows that better than most. The Millwall player has been a very consistent performer at Championship level over the last few seasons, but he has yet to make the breakthrough at international level.
However, his chances could of doing so certainly be boosted if recent transfer rumours are to be believed.
Danny McNamara linked with Premier League move
Darren Witcoop of the Sunday Mirror is reporting that Fulham are considering a move for Danny McNamara this month.
Fulham could move for Millwall’s Danny McNamara after talks to sign Arsenal full-back Cedric Soares stall. The Lions are desperate to keep McNamara after fighting off interest from QPR last summer #millwall #fulham
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) January 21, 2023
Marco Silva's side are in the market for a right back in the January window and had been strongly linked with Arsenal's Cedric Soares. With that deal proving to be complicated, they could now look elsewhere.
Millwall are keen to hang onto the 24-year old, having turned down bids from QPR last summer. They are also in the thick of the Championship play-off hunt at the moment.
In saying that, his contract expires at the end of the season so the club would have to consider any substantial offers or else risk losing him on a free transfer this summer.
A former Ireland U21 international, Danny McNamara has featured in all but four of the club's league fixtures this season, earning some rave reviews for his performances.
A move to the Premier League would certainly appeal to him, with Fulham defying pre-season expectations to sit comfortably in the top half of the table at the midway point in the campaign.
This is one to keep an eye on in the coming days and weeks.
SEE ALSO: The Squad From The Infamous US Tour Of 2007 - Where Are They Now?
