Following in a lot of famous footsteps?
The League of Ireland season begins on Friday with the Dublin derby between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers the stand-out clash on the opening night of fixtures. With the amount of exciting talent that is playing in the league at this current time, here are five players that could bag themselves a move across to England in the near future.
1. Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers)
Since joining The Hoops in 2016 from Middlesbrough, Clarke has gone from strength to strength with the winger attracting attention from Premier League club Southampton.
The Dubliner has been branded as one of the league’s most exciting talents for years as his eye-catching, mazy runs on the left hand side have the Rovers faithful on the edge of their seats. He loves a screamer or two as well with the goal against Bohemians being the pick of them when he curled a beauty past the experienced Shane Supple.
With interest already in the 19-year-old from clubs in England, it’s only a matter time before Clarke gets his move which should also come along with a senior international cap.
2. James Doona (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
Signed for the Saints in the off season from Shamrock Rovers, James Doona has been touted as one of the league’s exciting attacking players. A lack of game time with Rovers last season was probably the catalyst for wanting a move away with non-league side Tranmere Rovers interested in securing the midfielder’s services.
He ended up staying in Ireland, joining up with Liam Buckley at St. Pat’s who are building an exciting squad for the upcoming season, securing some already fantastic signings along with Doona.
If the midfielder was to have a good season under his belt with The Saints, then don’t be surprised if clubs from England come knocking on Liam Buckley’s door enquiring about James’ services once again.
3. Aaron McEneff (Derry City)
The former Tottenham academy player has been one of The Candystripes’ outstanding men since joining the club in the summer of 2015. While also changing his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland in 2016, he’s produced more and more noteworthy performances.
A fantastic holding midfield player who also has very good technical qualities, McEneff has been a revelation under manager Kenny Shiels who has for sure instilled the confidence back into him after his release from Tottenham.
McEneff has gone on record saying that he would love another go at playing in England at some point in the future and with another impressive season under his belt with The Candystripes, it could be the catalyst for his move back across to England.
4. Darragh Markey (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
Produced by the famous Cherry Orchard academy, Markey made his mark on Liam Buckley’s side when he got a run of games in the team from May and was in the starting line-up near on every week from that point on.
Not the tallest of players at 5’5, but he makes up for it with his brilliant technical qualities on the ball and his ability to go past people with ease. The Pat’s midfielder is easily one for the future being at the tender age of 20.
With a trial at Celtic in 2016 already under his belt, he’s already impressed coaches at the Glasgow club with his performance and goal in the game against David McMillan’s new club St. Johnstone, proving that he has the talent to make a career across in England or even Scotland.
5. Kieran Sadlier (Cork City)
Signed by The Leesiders as a replacement for Sean Maguire who headed to Preston North End last summer, Sadlier is already showing good signs at his time with Cork.
The former West Ham youth player has been impressive with his good form at Sligo earning him his move to Cork during the summer transfer window.
A current Republic of Ireland U-21’s player, Sadlier has impressive close control and physical qualities to get by opposition players and also has an eye for goal from midfield scoring eight goals last season.
This article was written by Sam McKeever.
