Rob Brennan picks out some of Ireland’s best prospects to keep an eye on over the coming year.
Sean Kavanagh
Fulham have snapped up some of the best young Irish talent in recent years and Dubliner Sean Kavanagh is one who has progressed to the first team.
The 20-year-old was signed from Belverdere FC and made his debut for the Whites back in August against Wolverhampton Wanderers, before scoring his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win against Norwich City in October.
Tenacious in the tackle and ambitious when on the ball, the left back, who can also play in midfield, is considered to be one of the club’s brightest prospects.
A thigh injury which ruled him out for a month has slowed his progress, but having also earned a call up to the Irish U21 squad the next target will be to cement his place in the Fulham team.
Alan Judge
Brentford are enjoying an excellent season so far following promotion to the Championship and Alan Judge is a major reason why they sit comfortably in the top half of the table.
Now 26, Judge is an Irishman who has spent a fair bit of time getting to know the motorway systems across England. Having joined Blackburn Rovers from Dublin side St Joseph’s, two successful loan spells at Plymouth Argyle were followed by a stint on loan at Notts County who he joined permanently in 2011.
After two impressive seasons at Meadow Lane, Judge returned to Blackburn but after struggling to nail down a first team spot joined Brentford on loan helping them achieve promotion from League One last season.
The Bee’s moved quickly to sign the diminutive midfielder, who has been watched by Martin O’Neill this season and backed by former Irish international Kevin Kilbane to win a call up to the senior squad.
Judge is known for his energy and his driving runs, as well as his ability to score spectacular long range goals and has been dubbed ‘The Irish Messi’ by Brentford fans.
Having represented Ireland at every level from U18 to U21, a strong second half to the season could earn well see the Dun Laoghaire native win the senior cap he so desperately wants.
Rory Donnelly
2015 is set to be a massive year for Belfast boy Donnelly, who, despite interest from Everton and Liverpool, joined Swansea City from Cliftonville in 2012.
The pacey striker has found first team opportunities limited and, after an unsuccessful loan spell at Coventry City, he returned to the club for pre-season and impressed with two goals during a trip to America but was then ruled out for three months with an ankle injury.
Donnelly is keeping his options open on the international front. Despite winning one cap for Northern Ireland at U21 level, contact has been made with the FAI about switching his allegiance to the Republic.
If the 22-year-old can force his way into the first team picture with the Swans, interest from the Irish management team might convince him to declare for the Boys in Green.
Jake Mulraney
Jake Mulraney started his career with Crumlin United in his native Dublin before joining Nottingham Forest.
The 18-year-old winger has gone on to represent Ireland at U17 and U19 levels and last season was nominated for the FAI U17 player of the year award.
The youngster impressed during a trial period at QPR and has signed a deal at Loftus Road until June 2015.
The skilful winger will join up with Steve Gallen’s Elite U21 Development Squad and, under the guidance of the former Irish U21 international, will be eager to catch the eye of first team boss Harry Redknapp.
Eoghan O’Connell
O’Connell is a cousin of Irish rugby star Paul, but is quickly making a name for himself on the soccer field.
The 19-year-old joined Celtic from Cork side Avondale United and made his first team debut for the Bhoys in August.
Three more appearances have followed for the defender, who has represented Ireland at U19 level.
With Celtic not splashing cash on transfers, O’Connell is likely to get more chances to impress in 2015.
Fiacre Kelleher is another rebel who is currently progressing well in Paradise.
