In recent seasons, few clubs have offered more opportunities to young Irish players than Brighton.
The Premier League side have seen the likes of Evan Ferguson, Aaron Connolly, Andy Moran, Leigh Kavanagh, James Furlong, and Warren O'Hora come through the academy. While not all of those would go on to make the first team squad, it is clear that they are willing to bring through talented youngsters from this part of the world.
Mark O'Mahony is another one that could be on the brink of a breakthrough.
A 19-year old Cork native, he joined Brighton from Cork City in 2023. He is yet to make his first team debut, but O'Mahony has massively impressed in the club's U23 side. The forward has scored ten goals in 11 appearances in PL2 this season.
READ HERE: Ally McCoist Makes Questionable Remarks Ahead Of Old Firm
Irish youngster could benefit from Brighton manager comments
Mark O'Mahony was included on the bench for Brighton's 0-0 draw at Brentford last night, and while he did not get any playing time, it was encouraging to see the Irishman in and around the first team squad just over a year on from playing in the League of Ireland First Division.
He could well remain in the squad for the foreseeable future, with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi publicly questioning the condition of one of his players.
Speaking ahead of the game against Brentford last night, the Italian would admit that Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati is currently not up to the standard required to play in the Premier League.
Fati and Valentin Barco, I didn’t decide to play with them in the squad for this game,
I wanted them to work alone to improve their physical condition.
He (Fati) is working very well, but from him I have different expectations. I haven’t changed my opinion about Ansu Fati. He is one of the best talents in the world for his age.
Our responsibility is to help him to improve his performances, to improve his physical condition,
To improve his mentality, because to play in the Premier League to have to be stronger in mentality, stronger in physicality and then we are ready to play with him in the first XI.
When he shows us the right condition, I would be happy.
The loan signing of Ansu Fati was seen as a major coup for Brighton last summer, with the Spaniard one of the most highly rated young players in world football when he first broke through at Barcelona. However, despite still being only 21-years old, he has fallen well short of expectations up to this point in his career.
It remains to be seen if Fati can force his way back in at the Amex, but if he doesn't, it could end up benefitting Mark O'Mahony.
SEE ALSO: Caoimhín Kelleher Flaunts His Boyzone Knoweldge In Hilarious Liverpool Video
