When Martin O'Neill named his Ireland squad for the games against Oman and Serbia, it was disappointing not to see some fresh names among his selection.
Qualification for a World Cup is a long campaign, injuries happen, options need to be increased. One of those he will hopefully blood over the next two years - and it should be sooner rather than later going on his current form - is Scott Hogan.
The Brentford striker has shifted up a gear in goal scoring over the last week. After a meagre one goal in his first five Championship games, Hogan now has five in his last three. That's six goals in eight league games this season.
Add to that his form towards the end of last year: he's got 13 goals in his last 15 Championship appearances. That is form Martin O'Neill surely cannot ignore.
Against Preston on Saturday, as Brentford won 5-0 at Griffin park, Hogan banged in a hat-trick. His first came after 34 minutes. The other two in the last six minutes of the game.
🌟 STAR OF THE DAY 🌟
Scott Hogan hit a #EFL hat-trick as @BrentfordFC earn a 5-0 win over @pnefc. pic.twitter.com/X30p67Wgvh— EFL (@EFL) September 17, 2016
An intriguing thing about Hogan is how little football he's played recently. He signed for Brentford in summer 2014 but suffered a knee injury during his league debut. That kept him out of action for 18 months. He made his comeback in March, scoring his first Brentford goal a month later. That goal sparked an incredible end to his season as he scored seven goals in four games.
He's only 24, you have to think there's plenty more to come from him - hopefully in a green jersey along with his club one.
In terms of his style of play, Hogan is remarkably like Shane Long. He's quick, really quick. He plays on the shoulder of defenders, constantly looking to get in behind.
Those watching Hogan play in the Championship are in no doubt about his quality.
Scott Hogan now scored 13 goals for #brentfordfc in just 16 league apps for the club. Incredible turnaround after his injury hit start.
— Goodbrand Stats (@StatsChristian) September 17, 2016
Scott Hogan is literally ridiculous. Could you imagine him and Gray as a front two😷😷😷.
— O (@OWR23) September 17, 2016
After today's game, Brentford manager Dean Smith told GetWestLondon.co.uk about his admiration for Hogan.
The kid's just a good player. I said last season that I'd seen him play in League Two and he looked an amazing prospect and Brentford paid money for him then.
He's come in, suffered a few injuries but come through that and it shows tremendous strength of character to be doing what he's doing now. His movements fantastic and his finishing isn't bad is it.
Born in Salford, Hogan qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents - both are Irish. He has also expressed his desire to put on the green shirt - Roy Keane's involvement with Ireland is a major pull.
Given the current form of Irish strikers, when Martin O'Neill names his squad for the games against Georgia and Moldova next month, Hogan at the very least deserves a call-up - if not a debut.
