Earlier this month, prior to the World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Moldova, Roy Keane expressed an open desire for Scott Hogan to come and play for Ireland.
He looks a really good player, a proper goalscorer.
Please God, he would like to come on board with us because I think we would be good for him as well.
The 24-year-old not being involved in the Ireland squad for those games increased a feeling that perhaps the Salford-born player was instead holding out hope of one day playing for England. The Brentford striker - who had eight goals in 14 Championship games this season - had previously stated a want to play for Ireland.
Those fears are somewhat allayed by comments given to The Herald by his Brentford teammate and also Ireland international Alan Judge.
The Dubliner said that he believes Hogan is not delaying for and England call-up and will, at some point soon, pull on the green jersey.
I honestly don't think he is holding out for an offer from England or anyone else, it is genuinely a case where he had two seasons out with injury and he has to look after himself.
I think he will come and play for us, he's not stalling for a better offer, he has the right to take his time after two years of hell with injury. He's played every minute of every game for us this season so he sees the international breaks as a chance to recover. If he does come and play for Ireland, he will be worth waiting for. He's a good striker, quick and strong and he's a natural goalscorer.
Late last season, Hogan made his long-awaited return to the Brentford team following two knee injuries which kept him out of action for 18 months. He hit an incredible goalscoring streak to end the season.
Just as Hogan was making his comeback, Judge suffered an injury of his own - a leg break in April which has kept him out of action since. It means Judge has only played two games with Hogan.
He has seen plenty of his teammate from the Griffin Park stand though. Speaking to The Sunday Times at the weekend, Judge spoke glowingly about Hogan's ability.
From what I have seen over the last two or three years, Scott Hogan is the best striker in the Championship.
I have only played with him twice but I have got to watch him in the stand. His movement is frightening, he is that quick and strong. He is a specimen. He has looked after himself really well when he was injured and he is reaping the rewards for that. Everything he touches goes in at the minute.
