When Martin O'Neill confirmed that Scott Hogan was not only on the verge of becoming an Ireland international, but hinted was further along in the process than Seanie Maguire last week, he caught a few people off guard.
While most knew of Hogan's eligibility, the 'will he?/won't he?' saga that was playing out through quotes in the media over the past 18 months had lead most to believe that Martin O'Neill had given up chasing him, but sure enough he has applied for an Irish passport and wants to line out for the boys in green.
Some, such as Kevin Kilbane on Off The Ball, had suggested that Hogan hadn't been named in an Ireland squad yet because he was holding out to see what his chances of an England call-up were, but speaking to The Times [via RTE.ie] Hogan explained that the delay was because he had informed O'Neill that he wanted to get a full season of football under his belt after his injury troubles, and was always eager to play for Ireland.
When I first met Martin O’Neill I explained to him that I had had two years out with injuries and I said to him 'just let me get back playing, let me get a full season under my belt’. That is how it has panned out.
Then we got in touch with him. There was no issue with me saying I am waiting for this or I am going to do this. It was always that case and the manager knew that and was fine with it.
That makes the uncertainty from Martin O'Neill in recent times seem a bit strange, but Hogan seems motivated and ready to go.
As for his heritage, the Aston Villa striker confirmed that the Irish side of his family hail from Carlow.
It’s just on my dad’s side, quite a big family from Carlow. That’s where it all comes from. My mum’s English. My dad’s very proud and so is my grandma.
It's 'Granny', Scott but we'll let you off.
Hogan has looked promising for Villa this season despite an injury scare last week, and was praised by Paul McGrath earlier in the season. Hopefully himself and Seanie Magurie enjoy good seasons and give us some options in attack that we have been sorely lacking in recent times.
