Any chance, lads?
Ireland Under-21 star Jack Grealish’s breakthrough performance for Aston Villa during Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool achieved two things.
First, his composed display made a nonsense of the theory that the 19-year-old was not ready to be called into a senior Ireland squad. Second, it alerted the general English public to the talents of a young player known to be wavering on which side of the Irish Sea his future allegiances will lie.
But Grealish is far from the only player Ireland boss Martin O’Neill and the FAI will be hoping to convince to turn out in the green jersey in the years to come. In fact, there are comfortably enough players in a similar position, some obviously with greater ties to the Irish system than others, to fill a team with serious potential.
Goalkeeper
Ryan Meara, New York City FC (24)
Currently on loan from the cross-town Red Bulls, Meara got his first introduction to the Irish set-up when he joined O’Neill’s squad for training ahead of their US-based friendlies last summer.
Defenders:
Shane O’Neill, Colorado Rapids (21)
Another Major League Soccer prospect, O’Neill has yet to plant his flag firmly in the United States camp, where he has featured at both Under-21 and Under-23 levels. Born in Cork, the 21-year-old is the son of Cork All-Ireland winner Colm and the nephew of Kerry legend Maurice Fitzgerald. O’Neill has previously stated his willingness to consider playing for Ireland but with US boss Jurgen Klinsmann a firm fan, the FAI will have to move quickly.
Jon Flanagan, Liverpool (22)
Red Cafu, as some Liverpool fans have nicknamed Flanagan, broke into the Liverpool team during last season’s title challenge and, having been capped in a friendly by Roy Hodgson, was named on standby for England’s World Cup campaign. The full-back has missed most of this season through injury and has yet to feature this season, and with the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw and Leighton Baines now firmly ahead of him in the pecking order, maybe O’Neill can persuade Flanagan to consider the Irish cause.
Kyle Naughton, Swansea (26)
There isn’t much in the way of defenders for this team, so even though there is much of a tug of war in progress any more for the Swans full-back, he would still be a welcome addition to Martin O’Neill’s squad should he decide to plump for Ireland. After a £5million January move from Spurs, a season-ending ankle injury has put Naughton’s candidacy on the backburner for now.
Midfielders:
Mark Noble, West Ham (27)
Former England Under-21 captain Noble has been on the radar of successive Ireland managers and at nearly 28 he would want to make a decision quickly if he is to have long-term value. Has always stated his preference is to play for England, but his time looks to have passed on that front.
Daniel Crowley, Arsenal (17)
Born in Coventry, cultured playmaker Crowley qualifies through his grandparents and featured for Ireland from Under-15 to Under-17 level. One of the most exciting prospects in English football, Crowley has swapped green for white while making a name for himself in the Gunners’ youth system with several YouTube highlights, but there remains hope that he will eventually switch back.
Jack Grealish, Aston Villa (19)
Martin O’Neill has made it clear he will not be putting pressure on Grealish, who was recently named Ireland Under-21 player of the year, to rush the decision over his international future, but his performance on the Wembley stage and the attention it has received will surely have accelerated that timetable.
Anthony Scully, West Ham (16)
Teenage midfielder Scully is the son of former Ireland B international Tony and is another to have featured in both England and Ireland camps in recent times, with his father recently insisting there was no rush to decide a long-term allegiance as he develops.
Attackers:
Patrick Bamford, Chelsea (21)
With Ireland crying out for a potent striker to succeed Robbie Keane, Bamford might just be the most important name on this list. On loan at Middlesbrough this season, Bamford has hammered 17 league goals to spearhead the Teesiders’ Premier League promotion push and earned Championship player of the year honours this week. Capped for Ireland at Under-18 level, Bamford has represented England ever since and looks set to try and make it at Stamford Bridge next season before deciding where his loyalties lie.
Callum Wilson, Bournemouth (23)
Another of the Championship’s top scorers, Wilson has been tipped as a potential O’Neill recruit thanks to his 22-goal haul for the Cherries this season. With team-mate Harry Arter already on board, Wilson is another England Under-21 who might see his senior future with Ireland.
Nathan Redmond, Norwich (21)
Despite Norwich’s relegation, winger Redmond impressed on his debut season in the Premier League and could be back in the top flight if the Canaries can win promotion this season. The diminutive Redmond has bags of pace but could be a tough sell for O’Neill as he has been a mainstay of the England Under-21 side for more than two years, racking up 22 appearances.
