If you don't recognise the name Tommie Hoban now, you will soon. The 22-year-old has long been earmarked as a potential future international - indeed Martin O'Neill singled him out whilst he was featuring regularly for Watford as they earned promotion to the Premier League two seasons ago.
But as the Hornets were about to start their life in the Premier League, Hoban was left wondering if he could play on. He was struck down with an unknown injury, and it's taken a year out of his career. Hoban is only able to return to action now, and he's since gone on loan to Blackburn to get more playing time.
I began suffering severe pains in my legs and hips. It wasn't just a case of not being able to walk in the morning - I could hardly breathe.
I had two operations and tonnes of injections but the pain continued. Eventually, they discovered the cause of the problem to my pubis bone. Now I have to manage the pain because I may have this condition for the rest of my career.
Hoban is no stranger to big setbacks. The same thing happened in 2012 when what should have been a routine rehabilitation from an ankle injury soon escalated into needing to fly to America for specialised surgery.
For now though, Hoban is targeting a spot in Martin O'Neill's squad within a year. The defender captains a talented Ireland U-21 side tonight featuring of the talents of Celtic defender Eoghan O'Connell, and fellow Blackburn loanee Jack Byrne.
See Also: The Irish Youngster To Watch Out For At Every Premier League Club During 2016/17
Picture credit: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
