Five genuine prospects and two talented fence-sitters who may be tempted by a trip to France.
Martin O’Neill guided Ireland to Euro 2016 with a squad made up of mid-table Premier League men and doughty Championship competitors.
The next generation of Irish internationals is not exactly brimming with world-class stars, at top level teams, but there are a few players that would add to a squad that keep surprising.
At the very least, O’Neill should call these six players into his squad for a look.
Jack Byrne (Manchester City)
Currently on loan at SC Cambuur, in The Netherlands, but is seen as a Premier League starter in the coming years.
The 19-year-old has trained with City’s senior team this season, and last, and has been likened to Roy Keane by Ruud Gullit. He has also been praised by City’s midfield maestro Yaya Toure.
Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City)
Hardly a spring chicken but a dynamic midfielder who has international experience and is doing a job for City in the Championship.
Gleeson was capped twice during Steve Staunton’s wobbly era but has not even featured in any of O’Neill’s Euro 2016 Qualifier squads.
Was a stalwart for MK Dons before he moved to Brum and has quickly settled into the club’s No.8 jersey.
Daniel Cleary (Liverpool)
The current owner of Liverpool’s less than coveted No.58 jersey but a young man going places.
The 19-year-old defender has been in several of the club’s Europa League squads but has yet to make his full debut. Impressed senior coaches during the Reds’ pre-season friendlies.
Described on the club’s official website as ‘a gifted ball player and can carry possession from the back to help open up pockets of space for his teammates to exploit’. Sounds good to us.
Richie Towell (Dundalk)
The man can no longer be described as an Airtricity League revelation – he has produced and produced for a mighty Dundalk team when it counts.
The former Celtic player has attracted attention from a host of English sides but is believed to be holding out for a move to the Championship, at least.
Towell can play in midfield or attack and score heartily in either role. Why wait for a return to English football before finally recognising and rewarding this gem of a player?
Sean Kavanagh (Fulham)
The 21-year-old defender made his senior debut in August 2014 and has made regular appearances in Fulham’s first team, in the Championship, since then.
Played his first game for Ireland U21 last month. Has featured as left back for his club but has shown, at underage level, that he can comfortably operate in midfield. Eye for goal too.
Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)
The 23-year-old is from Coventry and has lined out for England U21 in the past but can play for Ireland through the grandparent rule.
Started the Premier League season on fire for the Cherries before a bad knee injury sidelined him long-term. Expected back in late March 2016. Too soon for the Switzerland friendly (March 25) probably but could feature in friendlies closer to next summer’s tournament.
While we are trying to lure an English-born talent to our, and French shores, why not place a call to Arsenal’s Daniel Crowley?
The teenage midfielder is currently on loan at Barnsley, where he played 11 times in three months before being recalled by the Gunners.
Aged 18, Crowley has jumped back and forth between Ireland and England at underage level. Currently with the England U19s, Crowley could be tempted to declare for Ireland, once and for all, with the possibility of a trip to France if he does well in the friendlies.
