The League of Ireland’s exiled sons are enjoying a profitable spell at the moment. The likes of James McLean, Seamus Coleman, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Keith Fahey, Wesley Hoolahan and Stephen Ward all began their professional careers in the League of Ireland, and have all gone on to enjoy successful careers cross-channel, and some are even going to the European Championships in Poland & Ukraine this summer with the Republic of Ireland squad.
Just take Sunderland winger James McLean as a prime example of the meteoric rise these players enjoy. On the opening night of the Euro 2012 qualifiers, the Republic of Ireland were celebrating a crucial away win in Armenia. McLean however, was playing in a Derry City team that was losing 2-0 against Waterford United in the Airtricity First Division – Irish football’s second tier.
He soon caught the eye of Sunderland scouts however, and was signed by the North-East club in July 2011. He will be on the plane to Poland & Ukraine, and will hope to play a key role in the Republic’s campaign.
Success stories like McLean’s are commonplace in Irish football, and in this article I will profile 5 young players that I feel could make a splash overseas.
Daryl Horgan
An exciting winger with a useful habit of scoring goals, the 19-year-old began his career with now-extinct club Salthill Devon, before earning a move to the premier club of the west of Ireland – Sligo Rovers in February 2011. He failed to make an impact there though, and joined current club Cork City, initially on loan in July 2011. Daryl has certainly impressed so far in Cork, playing a major role in City’s promotion push and earning a two-year-deal. Horgan has been the leading light in the Rebel Army’s season so far, scoring 4 goals and being their major attacking threat. A Damien Duff lookalike.
Ronan Finn
A creative midfielder with a terrific eye for a pass, Finn has great ability and massive potential, but it is yet to be seen if he has the temperament to fulfil it. Born in Dublin, Ronan played youth football with Cambridge United, but left to further his education. He then joined UCD where he studied sports management as well as learning his trade as a footballer with their senior football team, who play in the Airtricity Premier Division. He then spent a season with ill-fated Finn Harps, before joining the most successful club in Ireland – Shamrock Rovers – in 2011. He has excelled in the Rovers midfield this year, and could be on his way soon.
Johnny Dunleavy
Johnny is a player I have huge faith in, and I really believe he has what it takes to play at the highest level. An extremely responsible and versatile defender, Dunleavy shows defensive maturity beyond his tender years. Courted by Manchester United in his youth, he opted to join Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006, but was released in late 2011. After a short and unsuccessful spell with npower League 2 Barnet, he moved home and joined Cork City, where he has been an instant hit. The Donegal man has become a fan-favourite at Turners Cross, his stellar displays undoubtedly earning admiring glances.
Stephen McLaughlin
Originally billed as James McLean’s replacement, the Derry City winger has certainly stepped up to fill the void left by the Sunderland man. Stephen joined Derry from Finn Harps in 2010, and has showed huge promise in recent years. Only time will tell if the 21-year-old has what it takes to make it big, but early signs are highly promising. McLaughlin also has an eye for goal, bagging 6 so far in this campaign.
Lee Lynch
A diminutive and talented midfielder who can also operate in wide positions, Lynch began his career with West Bromwich Albion, spending 2 years turning out for reserve sides before being released. He then joined Glen Hoddle’s Academy in Spain, to refine his talent. He then moved back to his native Ireland, enjoying an impressive season with Drogheda United, before joining Sligo Rovers. Lee has turned in some excellent performances for the Bit O’Red so far this season – his accurate passing and obvious flair is apparent.
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