The rumours that League 2 side Bristol Rovers were leading the race to sign Richie Towell had quite a few League of Ireland fans tearing their hair out. If the best player in Ireland was only at League 2 level, then there may be even more wrong than is immediately obvious.
It was a strange one to say the least but now there seems to be a bit of clarity in things and it's much better news for Towell and those who extoll the virtues of the Airtricity League. Forget League 2, Towell looks set to be competing for a place in the Premier League this year as a move to Brighton & Hove Albion is on the verge of completion.
A number of sources today suggest that Towell is ready to sign on the dotted line at the Championship promotion chasers who are yet to be defeated in 17 games this season. A number of draws have seen Hull over take Brighton at the top of the pile but there's no doubt Chris Hughton is building something special at the Amex Stadium.
All in all, good news for Towell and he won't be stopping there. The Irish Independent have been speaking to the former Celtic man and, according to the man himself, it may be time for Martin O'Neill sit up and take notice. With a move to the Championship, Towell is confident that the next step is the Ireland squad ahead of Euro 2016.
'I do think I am good enough to break into the Ireland squad' said Towell who fancies an Ireland u21 midfield reunion with Jeff Hendrick and James McCarthy in France next year. O'Neill and Keane have indicated that there'll be chances to impress before the final squad is named so it's certainly possible that, if Towell hits the ground running in England, he could yet force his way into contention.
