Naturally, the condition of our national football team has traditionally been gauged by the number of its members who make their living – and flourish – in the Premier League in England. This measure has not presented a rosy picture lately. Last season seemed somewhat more promising on the surface with 17 players taking to the pitch, yet six were demoted to the Championship – namely Burnley’s Dara O’Shea, Michael Obafemi and Josh Cullen, John Egan and Sam Curtis from Sheffield United and Luton’s Chiedozie Ogbene.
In terms of the approaching season, how is it likely to fare? With the transfer window only closing on the 30th of August, there’s room for more Irish transfers in both directions. It’s plausible that certain Irish players such as Andy Moran from Brighton, Joe Hodge of Wolves and Gavin Kilkenny of Bournemouth might find themselves back on loan.
Goalkeepers
Following the promotion of Southampton, home club of Gavin Bazunu, last season, there are currently three senior Republic of Ireland goalkeepers operating in the Premier League, the other two being Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool) and Mark Travers (Bournemouth). However, questions over the extent of their playing time remain. Kelleher is still with Liverpool amidst rumours of a move, but speculation about their interest in Georgia’s Giorgi Mamarsashvili may indicate a possible exit for him. If he stays however, he will likely continue to act as back-up to Alisson.
The Achilles injury that Bazunu suffered in April implies he’ll still be out of play for a while. Yet, on his return, he has a strong shot at pushing Alex McCarthy out of the main spot, as he did for much of the previous season. Meanwhile, it could be a tougher challenge for Travers to take over from Bournemouth captain Neto, despite Travers emerging in the preseason due to the former’s back injury.
Defence
Seamus Coleman, at 35 years, is preparing for his 16th season with Everton despite sustaining an injury during preseason training. Alongside him at the club is newcomer Jake O’Brien who transferred from Lyon this summer at a cost of €18 million. Breaking into the well set central defensive duo of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite might require some patience from O’Brien. But he could receive an early opportunity due to Branthwaite’s absence at the commencement of the season.
When Andrew Omobamidele transferred from Norwich City to Nottingham Forest a year ago, he found game time in the league scant during the first half of the season. His aspirations this year are to see his circumstances change. Conversely, Nathan Collins thrived at Brentford, just behind Dara O’Shea, a fellow player from The Republic of Ireland in terms of Premier League game time.
Matt Doherty might find it tough to replace Nelson Semedo in the right-back position at Wolves. Similarly, Ryan Manning faces hard competition for the position of left-back at Southampton although he has seamed to impress Russell Martin, the manager, when tried as a defensive midfielder.
In the midfield, Will Smallbone may be the only Republic of Ireland player to consistently start this season, given his strong record with Southampton last season. Amongst his compatriots are Jack Taylor from Ipswich Town, who in spite of making 33 appearances last term, was predominantly used as a substitute. Additionally, Joe Hodge and Andy Moran could feasibly be sent on loan again.
In front of goal, the past season was a challenge for 19-year-old Evan Ferguson, who only managed six goals in 27 league games. Despite this, there is ongoing speculation linking him to high-value transfers to top clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United. Back in training with Brighton following an ankle injury last season, it remains to be seen how he will develop under the guidance of new manager Fabian Hürzeler. Also with hopes of progression is fellow Irish teen striker, Mark O’Mahony, who made three appearances last season.
After clinching the title of top scorer in the Championship last season, it was evident that Sammie Szmodics was bound for a Premier League opportunity sooner or later. That opportunity has now arisen with his transfer to Ipswich. Similarly, Tom Cannon, who kick-started his senior career representing Ireland this year, now forms part of Leicester City’s squad, having moved from Everton just this past September. Whilst a loan transaction could still be on the cards for 19-year-old Franco Umeh, the ex-winger from Cork City continues to impress at Crystal Palace.