We unleashed the Balls.ie selection for the Top 40 League of Ireland players last night and, as tends to happen, there's been quite a bit of debate. We're happy to stand behind that selection but we're always open to opposing ideas so when Keith Fahey let it be known that he was willing to offer up his own selection of 25, we were more than willing to pass the baton over to him. So, with that in mind, here's the former Irish international's selection in his own words.
I read the balls.ie top 40 players in the League of Ireland with interest. There’s no right or wrong but that list is from a fan’s point of view. I’ll give you the top 25 players in the league, from a player’s point of view. I won’t rank them but I'll start from the back and move forward.
Goalkeepers
Gary Rogers (Dundalk)
Very consistent in the league over a number of years and his record for winning trophies speaks for itself.
Michael Schlingermann (Sligo Rovers)
He had a good year last year in a very poor side. Interesting 2016 ahead for Sligo.
Defenders
Ian Bermingham (St Patrick's Athletic)
He’s at his best going forward and creates far more goals than an average full back.
Sean Hoare (St Patrick's Athletic)
For me the most complete central defender in the league; good pace, great passer (long and short) and also very strong.
Lorcan Fitzgerald (Bohemians)
The best set piece delivery in the LOI in my opinion and, like Bermingham, assists more than you'd expect from his position.
Sean Gannon (Dundalk)
Best going forward but can defend very well when needed. Intelligent player on the pitch.
Brian Gartland (Dundalk)
Great attacking from set pieces. He's a top defender in the League of Ireland.
Kenny Browne (Cork City)
If he is fit he is a terrific defender in this league. Quick, strong and can pass very well.
Midfielders
Barry McNamee (Derry City)
He's all round tidy footballer; technically sound.
Keith Treacy (St Patrick's Athletic)
When fit, I’m sure Keith will show how good he is at Pats. He did it in England and hopefully we’ll see a fit Keith Treacy this season.
Billy Dennehy (St Patrick's Athletic)
He scores a lot of goals in this league. Great set pieces
Patrick Cregg (Shamrock Rovers)
Great continuity player. He keeps the ball well and works extremely hard off the ball.
Brandon Miele (Shamrock Rovers)
Great pace and has excellent delivery into dangerous areas from right and left. He’s a top striker of the ball from distance too.
Gary McCabe (Shamrock Rovers)
He slotted into a deeper role last year and I feel it suits his game better than previous years when he played further up the pitch.
Greg Bolger (Cork City)
Best in the LOI at what he does. A tireless worker and when enjoying his game, he is in the top 3 players in the league.
Chris Shields (Dundalk)
A great all round player here and has improved so much on the technical side over the last few years.
Stevie O'Donnell (Dundalk)
Another all round great player. He’s very intelligent in use of the ball, a tireless worker and strong in the tackle.
Daryl Horgan (Dundalk)
A top player. Great to watch; he's the most exciting player in the league.
Killian Brennan (Shamrock Rovers)
His record for winning trophies here is second to none. He keeps the ball moving well and is great on set pieces.
Patrick McEleney (Dundalk)
Can play off left and right foot with unbelievable balance. I’m looking forward to seeing him this season in a better team that he’s been used to.
Strikers
Christy Fagan (St Patrick's Athletic)
He’s the best in the league at receiving the ball with his back to goal. He brings wingers and attacking midfielders into game brilliantly too, Lethal with that low strike on goal he has.
Enda Curran (Galway United)
He’s a handful for defenders; strong and wins a lot of free kicks in dangerous areas. I would like to see him play closer to the goal a bit more.
Mark O'Sullivan (Cork City)
He’s best front man in the air in the league. A great worker, he scores some vital goals.
Ismahil Akinade (Bohemians)
Most improved player last year & I’m looking forward to seeing his progress this year.
Mark Quigley (Bohemians)
When fit, Mark is technically in a different league to the majority of players here.
[If any League of Ireland players (past or present) want to get in touch with their top list of players, please do so!]
