OPINION
West Ham midfielder Josh Cullen has been wowing on loan for Charlton Athletic this season and surely he must have Manuel Pellegrini’s attention after making Republic of Ireland’s latest squad.
It was revealed on Friday that the 22-year-old midfielder had been drafted into Mick McCarthy’s squad for Ireland’s opening Euro 2020 qualifiers, as covered by BBC Sport, alongside Burnley defender Kevin Long after Alan Browne and Ronan Curtis were ruled out due to injury.
Cullen has never been capped at senior level by his nation but was previously U-21’s captain and looked like being a player with a bright future.
Yet due to injuries, not getting playing time at the Hammers and a disappointing loan spell at Bolton; there were doubts whether Cullen could fulfil his potential and the hopes that many had for him.
Yet when you consider that he has impressed at Charlton in his 19 outings this season, looking at least a level above more often that not, and is now deemed good enough for the Republic of Ireland; he’s too good for the Hammers to ignore.
The 22-year-old is set to return from his loan spell in the summer and it would be a surprise if Pellegrini doesn’t give him an opportunity to stake a claim for a first-team spot.
While some may question Cullen as he has only been impressing in England’s third-tier, he can only excel against the opponent put in front of him.
Also being called up to represent his nation, surely is a further indication that he’s a player potentially worthy of being involved with West Ham’s senior squad.
This all means if Pellegrini hasn’t already got his eyes glued to Cullen following his form at Charlton and international call-up, then he soon will have especially if McCarthy awards the 22-year-old his first cap.