St Pats have put themselves in the mix in the League of Ireland title race, with Stephen Kenny's side on an outstanding run of seven straight wins to put themselves just four points off league leaders Shelbourne.
The past week saw them claim two of those wins. Friday night's crucial win over Galway United at Richmond Park eliminated the visitors from the title race, and followed a far more routine win at Dalymount Park on Monday.
By contrast to Pats, Bohemians are woefully out of form, and the 10 men of Bohs slumped to a poor 3-1 defeat in Phibsorough on Monday night.
Pats manager Stephen Kenny was even able to give a League of Ireland debut to highly-rated youngster Michael Noonan, with the 16-year-old coming off the bench in the dying moments of the Dublin derby.
14 October 2024; Michael Noonan of St Patrick's Athletic in action against Jake Carroll of Bohemians during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Bohemians and St Patrick's Athletic at Dalymount Park in Dublin. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Forward Noonan is a hugely exciting prospect, and reports from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano suggest that English giants Manchester City are pushing ahead with their pursuit of the St Pats star.
READ HERE: Written In The Stars for Shelbourne? Slattery And Doyle Talk Looming FAI Cup Dream
READ HERE: The Great "What Ifs" Of The 2024 League Of Ireland Title Race
Manchester City pursuing move for St Pats star Michael Noonan
Romano tweeted about Manchester City's pursuit of Noonan on Friday.
The Italian reporter said,
Manchester City advance in talks to sign 16 year old talented striker Michael Noonan from St Patricks.
Irish striker part of U17 national team is considered a talent for the future as Man City Academy keep tracking young gems for long term.
🚨🔵 EXCL: Manchester City advance in talks to sign 16 year old talented striker Michael Noonan from St Patricks.
Irish striker part of U17 national team is considered a talent for the future as Man City Academy keep tracking young gems for long term.
🇮🇪 Noonan wants the move. pic.twitter.com/bbGdIZwHsp— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 18, 2024
Noonan was one of the stars of St Pats' run to Leinster Senior Cup victory this season, scoring two goals in the semi-final against Maynooth before being involved in both goals in the 2-1 final victory over St. Mochta's.
His impressive performances earned him his League of Ireland debut this week, and it is clear how highly rated he is at St Pats.
The 16-year-old has represented Ireland up to under-17 level, appearing in three European Championship qualifiers earlier this year for the U17s.
Brexit rules mean that Noonan cannot sign for any UK clubs until he turns 18 but Manchester City appear keen to pounce once he is eligible for a move to England.
He is not the first St Pats youngster to have been approached by the Premier League champions.
17-year-old star Mason Melia was reportedly on trial with the Citizens last summer, and his stock has only continued to rise in the year since.
St Pats fans will certainly be hoping the club can hold on to their two exiting young attackers, in the face of interest from one of the world's biggest clubs.
