While there is little argument that Ireland over-achieved at Euro 2016, there has been plenty of debate about how to kick on from here.
One of the first aspects Martin O’Neill would love to see addressed is his players getting further big-game experience.
There are currently no Irish players in the senior squads of any of the Premier League’s top five sides. Jack Byrne [Manchester City] is as close as we get but the 20-year-old has been loaned to Blackburn Rovers for next season.
A graphic from Uefa’s latest magazine highlights the wide spread of players that featured in last season’s Champions and Europa League competitions. While Iceland have six, Estonia two and Wales four, Ireland had a sole representative.
Nice graphic from @UEFA magazine – nationalities of this years Champ Lg & Europa Lg players! Only 1 player from IRL! pic.twitter.com/UHlO4sR2l3
— Conor Molan (@ConorMolan) July 4, 2016
It is a long way from the days of large Irish contingents taking on Europe for the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Celtic, Spurs and more.
Southampton and West Ham will compete in the Europa League next season so that means Shane Long and Darren Randolph should get a taste of the action.
Elsewhere, Celtic will be striving for Champions League qualification. They have Irish defender Eoghan O’Connell on their books and have been linked with a move for Shane Duffy.
A number of Irish players have been linked with moves away from their clubs. Robbie Brady is reportedly a £12m target for Leicester City, who are in next season’s Champions League. O’Neill would love if the versatile Dubliner could secure a move back to the big time after Norwich City’s Premier League relegation, last season.
