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There is a plethora of exciting young Irish players at the moment
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Caoimhín Kelleher is one of the most recognisable young Irish footballers in 2022
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Which players could be the future of the Republic of Ireland national team?
Ireland have qualified for two major tournaments since 2002. Despite going on an impressive run of results from March 2021 to June 2022, the Republic of Ireland were left watching as the World Cup playoffs took place.
An influx of young talent is required if The Boys In Green are to turn their sports betting fortunes around in the 2020s.
Even qualifying for Euro 2024 would be a success given Ireland’s level of competitiveness of late.
Their standing in European football is reflected in football betting odds, with the Euro 2024 outright markets putting them at the same price as Finland and Hungary to win the tournament.
They remain in Division B in the Nations League, and are yet to win a match in Europe’s newest competition.
Alongside Scotland, Armenia and Ukraine, Stephen Kenny’s team have a chance to pick up some positive results. Longer term, this is a squad requiring a fresh generation of talent.
Fortunately, there are plenty of gifted young Irish players out there. Some have already debuted on the international stage. Others are further away from that honour, but have shown the potential to be a difference maker for Ireland.
Justin Ferizaj
Having turned 17 just a few months ago, Justin Ferizaj is in the early stages of his development at Shamrock Rovers.
Ferizaj, a central midfield player with a keen eye for goal, is one of several Irish youth internationals of Albanian descent, and he has even earned praise from the Albania’s president, Ilir Meta.
Every time I watch Justin Ferizaj play for Ireland, he is so impressive
— IP🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) June 1, 2022
It’s clear to see why he has been on trials at big continental clubs
Huge future 🇮🇪💚 pic.twitter.com/bZxwB5bMgC
Ferizaj has shone for the under-17s, scoring two stunning goals in three games late in 2021. He’s earned a couple of caps at the under-19 level as he continues to work his way through the youth system.
A trial with Roma showed he has caught the eye of bigger clubs around Europe.
Ferizaj is a long way from being a regular in the Republic of Ireland senior team, but he’s certainly heading in that direction, and don’t be surprised to see his name in transfer rumour columns in the coming years.
Caoimhín Kelleher
Already a full international, Caoimhín Kelleher could be Ireland’s future between the sticks.
This summer is a big crossroads in Kelleher’s development, however, as he decides whether to persevere at Liverpool or look elsewhere. He’s reliant on an injury to Alisson to get regular minutes at Anfield.
While he has amassed medals under Jurgen Klopp, Kelleher has just 18 club appearances to his name. That’s only 13 more club outings than he’s had for Ireland.
Despite such limited experience in the men’s game, Kelleher will be a man in demand if he looks to leave Liverpool this summer.
Reports have already indicated that some Premier League clubs would be interested in taking the 23-year-old on loan for 2022-23.
Liverpool are apparently keen to keep hold of Kelleher for at least one more season before making a decision on his long-term future.
Dara O’Shea
An ankle injury suffered on international duty disrupted Dara O’Shea’s 2021-22 season.
Upon his return, he was a long way down the pecking order in West Brom’s central defence, and once again found himself used at right-back.
It’s a position he can play, but the Dublin native prefers to be at the heart of the defence, and he’s clearly at his most effective when deployed in that role.
O’Shea has established himself with Ireland and won FAI Young Player of the Year in 2020. He’s a solid, fearless defender, but has work to do with the ball at his feet.
Already an effective player at 23, O’Shea can develop into at least a starter at Premier League level.
The question is playing time at his preferred position – does he stay healthy next season? How many minutes can he get at centre-back?
Troy Parrott
Troy Parrott only turned 20 in February, yet he already has 13 senior caps to his name.
The Tottenham forward spent 2021-22 on loan at Milton Keynes Dons, accumulating over 40 appearances for the club. It remains to be seen what level of football prediction he will be involved in for the 2022-23 season.
Parrott has filled out, and demonstrated improved link-up skills. He previously was ineffective if he wasn’t scoring, but that has changed during his time in Milton Keynes.
A loan to QPR has been suggested in 2022-23, as Spurs evaluate their transfer betting options with their prized striker prodigy.
A Premier League loan cannot be ruled out just yet either. It would be a waste to spend a season on the bench at Tottenham.
Nathan Collins
Arriving in the Premier League with Burnley after a big-money transfer from Stoke, Nathan Collins wasn’t exactly in the discussion for the captaincy.
He earned some useful top flight experience with the Lancashire club, though, and made his senior Ireland debut a few months after his transfer.
Patience is a necessity with young football players, and especially so with central defenders. Collins has just 71 senior club appearances to his name, and he only turned 21 at the end of April.
Not looking to put pressure on the young man, but Nathan Collins looks levels above anyone on the pitch right now. I really think he's going to be a huge player for us in the future.
— Paul Nealon (@paulnealon90) June 8, 2022
There are going to be errors, and weaknesses in his game, but his performances for Stoke illustrated how good he can be.
Perhaps returning to the Championship will be a blessing in disguise, particularly with James Tarkowski heading to Everton.
Don’t be surprised to see Collins linked with a move away if he finds top form for the Clarets in 2022-23.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 9th June 2022
