Good luck to him.
The League of Ireland has proved to be a very effective launch pad to enter English football and gain international recognition in recent years. Seamus Coleman, Shane Long, Kevin Doyle, Wes Hoolahan and James McClean all began their careers in Irish domestic football, before finding fame in England and appearing for the Republic of Ireland.
Paul Rooney will hope to follow in their footsteps over the next few years.
The 19-year-old has just signed for Millwall from Bohemians, and will initially enter the the League One club’s U-21 side.
#Millwall are delighted to confirm the signing of young defender Paul Rooney: https://t.co/tVca3sR49E pic.twitter.com/39bVUbNizj
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) July 4, 2016
Millwall manager Neil Harris was full of praise for his new signing, saying he hopes to see the player, who was an unused substitute for Bohs a number of times last season, advance to the first-team.
“Paul came in for a few days last year to show us his talent,” Harris told the club’s website.
“He’s been playing in the League of Ireland as a young man in a men’s division so physically he can compete. Paul is at a good age and will come initially to work with Justin (Skinner) in the U21s with the hope that in the long run he can develop into a first team player.
“But I’m not putting any pressure on him. He needs to come in, find his feet and enjoy himself. Fingers crossed it works out.”
Rooney could be another Irish player worth keeping an eye over the next few seasons.
