Looking at the current Ireland squad, it is clear that the team is lacking depth in handful of positions. Whereas Heimir Hallgrimsson has numerous options to choose from in goal, at centre back, or up front, other positions in the side have fewer potential starters.
Midfield is certainly a concern, with the lack of physicality in that area of the pitch something that has held the side back in recent years. As well as that, left back continues to be a major issue.
Stephen Kenny often opted to use wingbacks during his time in charge of the side, but the left flank was often a weak point for Ireland. The likes of Callum O'Dowda, James McClean, and Robbie Brady were usually used in that position, none of whom are natural wingbacks.
With Enda Stevens well past his prime and Ryan Manning never quite convincing at international level, it is a role that needs to be filled sooner rather than later.
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Ireland Eligible Championship Star Could Solve Problem Position
Who plays in that role for Ireland under Heimir Hallgrimsson will largely depend on the system the new manager opts to use, although there is one player currently tearing it up in the Championship that would look like an ideal fit.
Dennis Cirkin was born in Dublin to Latvian parents, before moving to England at the age of three. He was raised in London, eventually becoming part of the academy at Spurs.
While he would never quite manage to make a first team breakthrough at the club, he is now starting to fulfil his obvious potential at Sunderland.
Cirkin has been in superb form in 2024, with his display against Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon the latest in a long string of excellent displays.
He would score a fantastic goal in a 4-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.
"It's brilliant!" 🤩
Dennis Cirkin puts Sunderland ahead off a set piece ⚡ pic.twitter.com/4m4QgDJMWR— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 18, 2024
He is now widely regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the Championship.
Is there a better left back in the Championship than Dennis Cirkin? #safc pic.twitter.com/CdDcqi0baP
— The #EFL Zone (@TheFLZone) August 18, 2024
Dennis Cirkin.
How good is he btw? Different side when he plays.
Best LB in the championship bar none. If he could stay fit, we’d struggle to keep Prem sides from trying to buy him.— Jack Redmond (@Redser702) August 18, 2024
Dennis Cirkin is the best left back in the league, not even a debate.
— Wade (@WadeSAFC) August 18, 2024
There is no reason why Dennis Cirkin can’t be the best full-back in this league if he isn’t already. Started the season really well and it’s just the factor in keeping him fit. So good at the top end of the pitch getting involved, key to the win last week as well with the assist.
— Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball) August 18, 2024
At 22-years old, Dennis Cirkin is just now scratching the surface of his potential, with his performances in recent times suggesting that he has a huge future in the game. He has even been linked with a return to Spurs, who reportedly inserted a buyback clause into the deal that saw him join Sunderland.
He has been capped by England up to U20 level, with his last involvement in the English setup coming back in 2021. He is also eligible to play for Latvia.
Stephen Kenny was an admirer of the player, admitting last year that he is someone that he would have been keen to bring into the Ireland setup. While he is no longer the manager, perhaps Heimir Hallgrimsson will broach the subject once again during his tenure.
The recruitment of Cirkin would solve an immediate issue in the Ireland side, slotting in on the left side of the defence in either a fullback or wingback role.
He is someone the FAI should be in contact with.
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