EA Sports FC 24 has this weekend seen the launch of the second batch of 'Future Stars' cards on Ultimate Team.
Intended to recognise the brightest prospects of the game of late, the likes of Lauren James, Alejandro Garnacho, and Warren Zaire-Emery are just some of the big names to have featured thus far.
Premier League stars Rasmus Hojlund, Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer were part of the second drop of cards - but there is yet to be an Irish player featured in the series.
Could we see any Irish players feature in the future? We put that question to some Irish football experts, to see who they tip to make their mark in the world’s game in the next couple of years.
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Which Irish players could feature in EA Sports FC 24's 'Future Stars' In The Next Few Years?
Future Stars is live in #FC24, but which Irish players could potentially make it into the next Future Stars team?☘️@TheGaraShow @jackb_8 @megcam10 @xampl_fc
| @EASPORTSFC pic.twitter.com/LfyImE9xix— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 17, 2024
Republic of Ireland international Megan Campbell chose the up-and-coming Izzy Atkinson, who recently completed a move to Crystal Palace.
22-year-old Atkinson became a regular with the Ireland team in 2023, and has a bright future ahead of her. Campbell said of her fellow international:
I've chosen Izzy Atkinson. She's a young Irish international, recently just gone to the World Cup, got that experience out there.
She was playing at West Ham, now moved to Crystal Palace with aspirations of making it to the WSL with them next season.
She's a great left-footed player, very creative on the ball, good crosser of the ball, can create, can assist - for the future, for Ireland, she's one to look out for.
Shamrock Rovers star and Ireland international Jack Byrne made a somewhat predictable pick - but we don't think you'll find many who'll argue with his choice of 19-year-old Brighton sensation Evan Ferguson.
Obviously he's had an unbelievable breakthrough season last year, signed a new contract at Brighton, got a couple of goals for Ireland, he's really one for the future.
Time is on his side, I wouldn't put that much pressure on him.
Certainly, at club level, he has an unbelievable manager there, and a club that's willing to give him a big opportunity. I think we just see how he goes.
I'd certainly expect him to get there but how soon nobody knows. He's definitely in the perfect environment. Hopefully, the new senior international manager coming in will be able to get the best out of him.
He's still finding his feet and growing into his body, he'll find what works for him on a daily basis and what makes him tick. He's only going to get better.
Ferguson is undoubtedly the most exciting prospect with the Ireland MNT, and the future seems bright for the Bettystown native.
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19 June 2023; Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship qualifying group B match between Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
FC 24 content creator GARA also gave his take on who the brightest Irish hope for the future is, opting for Nottingham Forest centre-back Andrew Omobamidele:
He's a fantastic player on the ball, really good in that sweeper role. He has a really good head on his shoulders as well. I can't wait to see where he goes in the future.
Finally, eLeague of Ireland champion Eric Finn made his selection.
He chose a player who has become a lock between the sticks for Ireland in recent years, Southampton 'keeper Gavin Bazunu:
He's been phenomenal this season, having over nine clean sheets in the Championship alone.
He's also matured a little bit in the last two years. Obviously, he got relegated with Southampton but, even still, he's taken himself into a role where he has made himself the #1 goalkeeper for Southampton.
It's debatable, obviously, for Ireland, but at the moment I would consider him the best goalkeeper for Ireland.
Byrne and Campbell both also highly praised the 21-year-old's mentality in bouncing back from the blow of being relegated with the Saints.
Eric Finn would close by praising the work of the EA Sports League of Ireland academy in nurturing young Irish talent, and named West Ham's Jessie Stapleton as another potential 'Future Star.'
Ireland undoubtedly have talent coming through the ranks, and there's definitely potential for Irish players to feature in the next 'Future Stars' team.
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