Ireland need goals in the side. The team has struggled in that department for some time, but the games at the end of 2020 were the biggest indication yet that there are deep underlying issues when it comes to putting the ball in the net.
There are a number of young forward prospects coming through that we hope can ease those problems. The likes of Aaron Connolly, Adam Idah, and Troy Parrott have all been prolific goalscorers in the underage ranks, with hopes high that can continue at first team level.
Throwing another talented youngster into the fold certainly wouldn't hurt, with one Manchester City player eligible to play for Ireland.
Liam Delap, the son of former Ireland international Rory Delap, has already made his first team debut for Manchester City, appearing in both the Premier League and FA Cup.
The 18-year old is an England underage international, with it previously being thought that there was little chance that he would follow in his father's footsteps in pulling on the green jersey.
However, there may be a glimmer of hope on that department.
Speaking to a group of Ireland supporters in an online Q&A last night, Stephen Kenny has revealed that contact has been made with Delap about switching his international allegiances to Ireland:
I don't like discussing individual cases with players, but yeah we are (in contact). It is somebody we are very aware of.
Going back a few years Colin O'Brien with the U17s indicated some interest and up to recently Jim Crawford's U21s.
Liam has a proud tradition in that his dad Rory represented Ireland with great distinction. He is a good prospect, but he is part of the England setup at the moment and we have to respect that.
Kenny did not reveal too much, but he spoke in a tone that would indicate they are hopeful that the player would consider playing for Ireland.
Speaking to the Irish Independent last month, Rory Delap said he would have little influence on who his son ended up representing internationally:
He has spoken to a couple of people but he’s at the stage where there was no real debate, and I would never put pressure on him to make a choice either way.
Kenny has also revealed that the likes of Nathan Redmond, Callum O'Hare, and Jack O'Connell, all of whom had previously been linked with the Ireland setup, are not eligible to represent the country.
SEE ALSO: 13 Big Name Players That Were Eligible To Play For Ireland
