Brian Lenihan has just recently made a massive step-up in his career but who else from the League of Ireland could follow suit…
Like most of the football loving public, JOE spends our Friday nights watching League of Ireland action and while we obviously want the best players to remain in the league there is no denying the appeal of a lucrative move abroad if the opportunity presents itself.
In case you haven’t heard, former Cork City defender Brian Lenihan is the most recent League of Ireland graduate to be included in the senior international squad.
The 20 year old Hull City player might potentially be joining ex-rebels Kevin Doyle and Shane Long, along with a host of other players, in making the rapid transition from the domestic scene to the international one.
Eoin Doyle, Shaun Williams, Matt Doherty, Paddy Madden, Paul Keegan and Brian Murphy are just some of the more recent LOI players to make a solid name for themselves abroad so with this in mind we have decided to make a team of LOI players who could potentially follow suit.
Not everyone will agree with the following 4-3-3 team but that’s why everyone has an opinion about football. Let us know.
Ger Doherty – Derry City
The 33 year old Derry keeper has already been called up by Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill for their friendly against Malta last year which came as no surprise to fans at the Brandywell.
While the Derry defence hasn’t been the most solid this season, Doherty has been steady and he arguably has the best distribution of any ‘keeper in the league especially with the boot.
Peter Cherrie, Barry Murphy and Mark McNulty are all good options also but we’ve opted for the Derry man.
RB: Simon Madden- Shamrock Rovers
The right-back has been one of the league’s most consistent performers for the last few years and he is just as comfortable defending as he is going forward. Madden rarely gets beaten in a one vs one situation while his energy and crossing ability is a real asset going forward.
Here’s a brief overview of what he has to offer.
Clip via – RTÉ Sport
CB: Andy Boyle – Dundalk
One of the main reasons why the Lillywhites are odds on favourites to complete a league and cup double has been the commanding influence of their centre-back.
Dundalk have only conceded 23 league goals this season and Boyle looks like he is reaping the benefits of some serious gym work in pre-season. The former Shelbourne defender was named in last years PFAI Team of the Year and he won Dundalk’s player of the year. Steady, solid and reliable, we expect bigger things from him.
CB: Eoin Wearen – Bohemians
The 22 year old has only recently returned to these shires in May following a spell on the books of West Ham but he has been very impressive for the Gyspies in his brief career at Dalymount so far.
While he more frequently plays in midfield for Bohs the versatile Wearen can also play in defence and his composure, intelligence and passing ability have caught the eye.
LB: Ian Bermingham – St Patrick’s Athletic
The Pats talisman is arguably the best full-back in the league although he rarely plays as a traditional full-back.
Bermingham loves to bomb forward which usually results in his opposing winger doing more of a marking job on him than the other way around. The 25 year old is solid defensively, good in the tackle and excellent on the ball.
He also knows where the goal is when given the opportunity.
Clip via – stpatsfctv
LCM: Richie Towell – Dundalk
The former Celtic player has arguably been the catalyst that has transformed Dundalk into the champions elect.
Fans of the Lillywhite s were justifiably worried when Stephen O’Donnell picked up a nasty injury in the early part of the season but Towell’s passing, assists and goals have helped fill the void.
There has been frequent speculation about his future and we think that Stephen Kenny will do very well to hold onto the former Republic of Ireland u-21 international.
Take a look at this for a hit.
CM: Greg Bolger – St Patrick’s Athletic
Bolger is every inch the modern day midfielder because his position at the base of the St. Pats midfield is absolutely vital to how Liam Buckley’s men play.
The Wexford man constantly shows for the ball and his passing ability is key to the Saints’ style.
Bolger isn’t expected to score lots of goals but that’s not his game, what he does brilliantly is keep the ball moving around the pitch quickly because he has that rare ability of finding space and keeping possession.
League of Ireland fans will know that he needs to cut out the silly tackles but there is no doubting his quality with a football at his feet.
We’ll never get tired of seeing this goal though.
Clip via – stpatsfctv
RCM: Gearoid Morrissey- Cork City
One of the most highly rated midfielders in the league because he has a little bit of everything that’s required in a box-to-box midfielder.
Pace, quick feet and a really good range of passing are just some of the attributes that he possesses.
The former Ringmahon Rangers youth team product had a spell as a trainee at Blackburn Rovers and he might be back over in England sooner rather than later.
LFW: Daryl Horgan – Dundalk
Looking at Horgan play, we can’t help but draw comparisons with James McClean’s time at the Brandywell.
The Dundalk and Irish U-21 international is just as direct, powerful and explosive when taking on a defender as seen by some of the spectacular goals that he has scored in his brief LOI career.
The tricky winger is still only 22 so we expect him to get even better.
Take a look at this goal for his former side Cork City.
Clip via – Conor Ryan
CFW: Christy Fagan – St Patrick’s Athletic
The former Man Utd trainee is the archetypical penalty-box predator because he can drift out of games but then he just comes alive with a goal.
It’s no coincidence that Fagan is the most prolific striker in the league, he’s notched over 20 goals in all competitions this season already, because his finishing skills are second to none.
RFW: Chris Forrester – St Patrick’s Athletic
The former Bohemians trainee has become a YouTube sensation due to his blistering catalogue of goals but there is much more to his game than just some spectacular strikes.
Forrester has that unique ability to take on his man, beat him and deliver a telling end product which he frequently does. The Dubliner has had trials with Bristol City, Wolves and Watford recently but if he keeps scoring goals like this then a move away is inevitable.
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