Despite the mixed performances of the senior side in recent years, it is hard to remember a time when Ireland's youth talent was producing more exciting prospects than at the current moment.
Evan Ferguson is the obvious name that springs to mind, with the 18-year-old Brighton striker rightly seen as one of the best young strikers in Europe, but he is not the only bright talent Irish fans have to root for.
At senior level, he is joined by the likes of Gavin Bazunu, Nathan Collins, and Andrew Omobamidele, while the situation looks even better when you look through Ireland's various underage teams.
READ HERE: Brendan Rodgers Reveals Approach From Saudi Pro League Club
Players such as Tayo Adaramola, Festy Ebosele, James Abankwah, and Andrew Moran will hope to break through at senior level in years to come, and the encouraging performances of the Ireland U17 team at the European championships earlier this year will have given hope that the trend will continue.
One of the stars of that U17 team was St. Patrick's Athletic star Mason Melia, and reports this weekend suggest the youngster could be in line for a future move to English giants Manchester City.
READ HERE: Viewers Feel The New Soccer Saturday Set Looks Familiar
Ireland U17: Mason Melia linked with Manchester City
Mason Melia made history earlier this summer, when he became the youngest goalscorer in League of Ireland history at just 15 years of age, during St. Pat's' 7-0 win over UCD in July.
That came off the back of an impressive performance for Ireland at the UEFA Under-17 European Championships in Hungary, where the youngster scored two and assisted two during Ireland's run to the quarter-finals.
Reports on Twitter on Sunday suggest that there could be a big move ahead for Melia.
Well-known transfer guru The Secret Scout suggest that Mason Melia is currently on trial with Manchester City, with the European champions seeking to secure the signature of one of Ireland's brightest youth talents.
🚨 Exclu - Mason Melia - who became the youngest ever League of Ireland scorer at 15
Is at Man City on trial as they look to secure the talented striker ahead of rivals. City not messing around 💥
He can join at 18 #MCFC pic.twitter.com/iZGjOo8Ghe— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) August 5, 2023
READ HERE: 'A Shock To Play Football There': Icelandic Players Taken Aback By Dundalk 'Pigsty'
Due to new rules introduced in the aftermath of Brexit, City would likely have to wait three more years to sign Melia, with overseas youth players unable to move to England until they reach the age of 18. There has, however, been talk of lowering this age limit.
The rumours of a talent like Mason Melia being poached from St. Patrick's Athletic at such a young age will no doubt be an understandable disappointment for Leauge of Ireland fans, but it speaks volumes to the esteem Melia is held in after his impressive performances at youth level, and in his first appearances at senior level for Pats.
SEE ALSO: Adam Idah Scores Dramatic Winner For Nowich On Opening Day
