Five promising Irish youngsters that you dont know about, yet
The past decade hasn’t exactly been glorious for Irish international football. It’s been seven years since The Boys in Green stepped onto the pitch at a major international tournament and judging by the current squad and strength of the qualifying group for Euro 2024, we could be waiting a while longer.
Forget the negativity however, it’s St Patrick’s Day after all! Here are five promising Irish players that you may not know about, but will in a few years’ time:
Andrew Moran
Brighton has become a popular spot for young Irish players to graduate through their academy, with Evan Ferguson the most notable. 19 year-old Andrew Moran is next in line. An exciting attacking midfielder signed from Bray’s academy in 2020, Moran made his Premier League debut in January in a substitute appearance against Everton.
Moran is the type of footballer Ireland have severely lacked in recent years ever since cult-hero Wes Hoolahan’s retirement. A tricky, nimble and progressive carrier of the football, his greatest strength is advancing the ball into dangerous areas through his dribbling and slick combination play.
Brighton are known to give young players the opportunities they deserve to break into the first team, so Irish fans will be happy with where both Moran and Ferguson are at this moment in time.
Festy Ebsosele
Another product of Bray’s academy, Ebsoele is part of an increasing number of young Irish players plying their trade in Europe. The versatile full back can play on both sides of the defence as well in a more attacking wing position, and was signed by Italian club Udinese from Derby in the summer of 2022.
Although minutes have been limited for Ebosele in Italy, the 20 year-old has time to develop and has already been called up for the international senior squad by Stephen Kenny.
Although Festy has no international cap to his name, the Wexford man could be the heir to the throne of Seamus Coleman at right back as the current Ireland captain heads into what will surely be the final year of his international career.
Kevin Zefi
Another Irish youngster playing in Europe!? Get used to it folks.
With the complications of Brexit, it is now much easier for Irish players to ply their trade on the continent rather than going through the complications of paperwork involved with signing for an English club.
Zefi became the youngest goalscorer in League of Ireland history as he scored for Shamrock Rovers against Londford Town as a 15 year-old in September 2020. His breakthrough caught the eye of Europe’s elite, with Inter Milan snapping up his services.
Zefi is an important part of Inter’s under 18 team and has been a star of their Uefa Youth League side. His development has even seen the Dubliner train with the first team squad multiple times this season. Zefi typically plays as a shadow striker for I Nerazzurri academy but has the versatility to play on either wing.
Cathal Heffernan
Milan is becoming a popular home for Irish breakthrough stars. By way of Cork City, centre back Cathal Hefferan stars for Inter’s city rivals AC Milan.
Best of enemies , best of friends #intermilan #acmilan #irish #journey pic.twitter.com/z0SytEN3TO
— Rob Heffernan OLY (@RM_Heffernan) February 12, 2023
Like Zefi, Hefferan has yet to break through to the senior team but has played an important part for the under 18s side while also training regularly with the first team. Heffernan’s development has caught the eye of Milan legend Paolo Maldini, a player Cathal will no doubt be trying to emulate.
Son of former race walking Olympic bronze medallist Rob Heffernan, The Republic of Ireland u17 captain is under contract at Milan until 2025 and is one of a number of Irish players in Italy to keep an eye on.
Sean Moore
https://twitter.com/BBCSPORTNI/status/1613999571016863752?s=20
17 year old Sean Moore is the most exciting prospect to come out of Belfast for a very long time. A winger who can play on either side, Moore’s speed, agility and eye for goal have contributed to his break-out season for North Belfast side Cliftonville.
Moore has been a crucial piece of a Cliftonville side fighting for the Irish Premiership title, and his performances have earned him his first Republic of Ireland under 19s call up at the end of the month.
Moore will almost certainly leave Cliftonville in the summer, with The Reds fighting off deadline day offers from West Ham for his services. The Hammers, Everton, and Newcastle are all rumoured to be interested in Moore, and demand will only grow when he makes his underage international debut later this month.
