There was, for a brief while, in the weeks before Martin O'Neill named his squad for Euro 2016, the thought that there could be a surprise name in the 23 which would travel to France.
Just a couple of months earlier, Brentford striker Scott Hogan had returned from a knee injury which had kept him out of action for 18 montsh. Towards the end of the season, he went on a remarkable scoring run, hitting seven goals in just four games.
In Brentford's final game of the season against Huddersfield, Hogan scored twice. Roy Keane was in the stands watching. The obvious thought: Keane was present to scout the striker. Of course, the 24-year-old did not travel to France.
Though born in Salford, Hogan is eligible to play for Ireland through both of his grandparents. Days after that game against Huddersfield, Hogan pretty much said 'come and get me' to Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane.
Since I came back, I have scored seven in seven appearances, but only started two games in that time.
Then there is the Ireland thing, which again is a surprise. Roy Keane was at Huddersfield on Saturday apparently and if Roy Keane rang me up, I couldn’t say no to Roy Keane. He is one of my heroes.
Post the European Championships, O'Neill identified Hogan as one of the players he is monitoring for the future.
He's another one who has come to the fore. He looks like he's got a little bit of pace as well.
Hogan could now be set for a big move up the football ladder.
According to The Sun, Leicester are 'keeping tabs' on the player. As recently as 2013, Hogan was playing non-league football, so there are parallels between him and Jamie Vardy.
Though he has been with Brentford for two seasons, Hogan has only played nine games due to injury. Still he has the impressive number of seven goals in those appearances.
