In an ideal world, we wouldn't be watching back League One highlights in the hope of discovering some talented Irish footballers who could represent us internationally, but that's where the Republic of Ireland is at the moment. It doesn't mean abandoning the pool available, it means nurturing them in the hope they can progress to be talented senior players.
Despite all the negativity, there were promising signs over the last week that there are some decent players available to Martin O'Neill. With the Nations League beckoning an ideal opportunity to trial some of these prospects presents itself.
Liam Kelly
Sunderland took on Reading on Saturday. In a game that featured the liked of John O'Shea, Darron Gibson, Aiden McGeady and Paul McShane, the standout Irish player was Liam Kelly. The 21-year-old grabbed an assist with a great cross for Modou Barrow during an exceptional display. Kelly has played for the Republic of Ireland at u-19 and u-21 and can play in behind the striker or as a centre-midfielder. He is a type of player O'Neill's men are desperate for, totally comfortable with the ball and a splendid dribbler.
Liam Kelly completed a very impressive 70 out of his 73 attempted passes against Sunderland (95%). #readingfc pic.twitter.com/JGaZxwj3J0
— Talk Reading (@TalkReading) December 3, 2017
Declan Rice
You probably should know about Rice, but in case you missed him he was terrific against Guardiola's side yesterday. It all started so well for the u-21 Irish international. Rice was brilliant in the first-half as West Ham stormed into an unexpected lead. As City ramped up the pressure in search of an equaliser Rice was exposed, albeit against one of the best sides in football right now. He showed a huge amount of promise and was deservedly praised by a large section of his fans in the aftermath:
He's got a big future IMO, young lad in a poor team, shows bottle to get on the ball & make tackles, he's also played in numerous positions
— Graham Stack (@GrahamStack1) December 3, 2017
Alan Browne
The 22-year old Cork man was included in Martin O'Neill's recent World Cup qualifying campaign squad but has only one appearance for the Republic of Ireland so far. However, Browne has grown to become a regular at Preston as they look to break into the top six of the Championship.
Browne enjoyed a peculiar afternoon on Saturday, in that he was excellent in the first half coming close with two well hit strikes but was taken off at half-time after QPR lost captain Jamie Mackie to a red card. Browne has spoken recently about adding goals to his game and will be disappointed to have been sacrificed as Alex Neil's side pushed on for a goal, but should he add that string to his bow Browne would have all the attributes of a great number ten. Irish defender Kevin O'Connor also featured during the game.
💬 "I should be aiming to be a ten goal a season player."
Read more from #pnefc midfielder @Alan__Browne here ➡️ https://t.co/sTPMt1tgmu pic.twitter.com/oQVjLI7Rtp— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) December 1, 2017
Enda Stevens
When Enda Stevens first moved from the League of Ireland to Aston Villa, huge things were expected of the former Shamrock Rovers man. Unfortunately, Stevens never made the breakthrough at Villa and took on several loans spells. He ended up at Portsmouth where he made the League 2 Team of the Season last year and earned a move to Premier League promotion seekers Sheffield United.
Stevens has established himself at Sheffield and started at wing-back during their 3-1 loss to Millwall yesterday. At 27, Stevens still has a huge amount to offer and is a part of a squad fancied to push for a top-two finish.
Tyreke Wilson
Man City's reserves bowed out of the Checkatrade Trophy last week after penalties. At left back was Ireland underage star, Tyreke Wilson. Wilson has trained with the Man City first team squad despite only turning 18 yesterday. The former Cherry Orchard man's efforts ended in disappointment as he was one of two who missed a penalty. Despite this Wilson looks extremely comfortable with the ball, has pace to burn and is a key player in City's elite development squad.
Ian Lawlor
23-year-old goalkeeper Ian Lawlor kept a clean sheet for Doncaster during their 3-0 win over Scunthorpe in the FA Cup. The Dubliner commends his box well and has represented the Republic of Ireland at u-19 and u-23.
Great performance from the lads today, clean sheet and into the next round @drfc_official 👏🏼👏🏼⚽️
— Ian Lawlor (@Ianlawlor) December 3, 2017
It is not an embarrassment of riches, but it's a start. In order to craft out any meaningful progress the FAI need a double-headed approach, use what is available and establish profitable player development systems. Planning for the 2020 European Champions needs to start now.
