The transfer window allows out of favour/young players a chance to secure a move away from their clubs onto greener pastures, whether it be permanently or temporarily. Some Irish players have struggled for game time so far this season. The reopening of the transfer window in January may lead to first team opportunities for those players, dependant on the right move.

Players will have a month to secure a move with the window closing again at the end of the January.

In a window that is sure to see movement between clubs, here are some Irish players which may benefit:

JAYSON MOLUMBY – BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

After his impressive loan spell at Millwall last season, many expected Jayson Molumby to take up a role as squad player at Brighton. So far, that’s not been the case.

The midfielder has received limited first team minutes for his club this season. His appearances have mainly come in cup competitions, with just one appearance off the bench in the Premier League.

At international level, things have been more positive for Molumby. He made his debut in September and has since gone on to earn 5 caps. It will, however, be difficult for him to solidify himself as a starter for Ireland without first team minutes under his belt.

A loan move would be perfect for Molumby at this stage of his development. Another move to the Championship may be beneficial for the Waterford man.

Millwall were rumoured to be interested in taking him for a second loan spell at the beginning of the season however nothing materialized. Perhaps a move to the Lions in January is on the horizon?

RYAN MANNING – SWANSEA

Although Manning only moved to Swansea in October, he may well be vying for a move in January. The left back has only made 3 appearances since joining the Swans having left QPR – where he was a regular starter – over an apparent dispute over wages.

Manning had arguably his best season yet during 2019-20, playing a part in 41 Championship games and registering a number of goal contributions. He was linked with a number of Premier League clubs, but Swansea captured his signature in the end. A move which Manning is likely regretting.

He looks unlikely to displace current starting left back Jake Bidwell as it stands, meaning a move away from the club may be needed.

Swansea are unlikely to let Manning go for less than they paid for him – £2.16 million – meaning suitors may be limited. A loan move could be a possibility; however Swansea may want to keep him at the club as a backup option.

Either way, it’s clear that Manning needs improved playing time.

MICHAEL OBAFEMI – SOUTHAMPTON

Michael Obafemi’s omission from recent Ireland squads have upset certain sections of the Irish support, particularly given the limited striking options.

The Southampton academy graduate had his best season to date last term, netting against both Manchester United and Chelsea. However, this season he’s struggled for playing time in the first team. In fact, he has played just 13 minutes of Premier League football this season.

His minutes aren’t likely to change anytime soon, either. Southampton are in exceedingly good form, meaning Obafemi is unlikely to displace their current starting strikers.

His lack of playing time at club level will do him no favours in terms of making his way into future international squads.

A loan move to a Championship or lower Premier League club may be just what Obafemi needs at this stage. Southampton obviously see a future for the striker so a permanent transfer away seems unlikely.

SHANE LONG – SOUTHAMPTON

Shane Long is another Southampton striker in need of first team opportunities. Once one of Ireland’s best players, Long’s status has dropped over the years due to his decreased playtime.

At 33 years of age, Long is in/approaching the twilight of his career. He has been a great servant to Southampton over the years, but it may be time for a move.

Long hasn’t been included in an Ireland squad since October despite being one of the most experienced players available.

A transfer would be ideal for the Tipperary man. A host of Championship or lower Premier Division clubs should be lining up for the services of long.

Long played for West Brom for 3 years at the start of the decade and there’s every chance they could make a move for the striker in January. His Premier League experience could be just what the club need to avoid relegation.

The post Which Irish players need a move in January? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ireland u21s played Luxembourg u21s this evening in the final game of a long European Championship qualifying campaign. After a disappointing result against Iceland on Sunday, Ireland bounced back by defeating the Luxembourgers 2-1.

Goals from Joshua Kayode and Jamie Lennon propelled Jim Crawford’s side to a much-needed victory. The scoreline reflected how the game played out as Ireland dominated for large periods.

It took until the 35^th minute for the opening goal of the match. Joshua Kayode was the goalscorer in what was his first u21 start, after impressing as a substitute against Iceland. Darragh Leahy whipped an accurate cross onto the head of the Carlisle loanee who finished with aplomb into the right-hand corner.

Jamie Lennon scored the winning goal in the 65^th minute. Danny Mandroiu swung in a dangerous free kick from wide and after a scuffle in the box the St Pat’s man found the back of the net.

Luxembourg struck back in the 84^th minute, but it would only prove to be a consolation as the scoreline finished 2-1.

Despite this evenings victory, Ireland will not be appearing at the 2021 u21 European Championships. Sunday’s loss against Iceland proved decisive for their qualification chances. It would have been the first time in Ireland’s history to qualify for the tournament.

The squad can, however, hold their heads high after a competitive and impressive campaign. The crowds seen pre-coronavirus demonstrated the reignited interest in Irish youth football after a disappointing few years.

The post Ireland u21s victorious against Luxembourg but fail to qualify for European Championships appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

On what was a fair day in Pisa, goals from Riccardo Sottil and Patrick Cutrone propelled the Italian u21 team to a 2-0 victory over the Irish. This result means that the Irish drop down to second in the table with Italy going top with a game in hand. Ireland’s qualification chances have taken a bump as Iceland and Sweden are just one point behind, with Iceland also having a game in hand.

The Italian team, although still impressive, were forced to field their u20 team – along with u21 players Patrick Cutrone, Samuele Ricci, Riccardo Sottil and Sandro Tonali – as there was a coronavirus outbreak in the initial squad. They postponed their game against Iceland last Friday over coronavirus fears but they were determined to complete today’s fixture, even if it meant fielding a “weakened squad”.

Ireland were not without their absences either, with Jason Knight and Dara O’Shea being called up to the senior squad and Neil Farrugia being ruled out due to injury. Bohs’ winger Danny Grant was called up to replace Farrugia but there were no further replacements for Knight or O’Shea.

The Italians went with a fluid 5-3-2 formation while Ireland shaped up in a 4-4-3 formation as they had done prior to Jim Crawford’s appointment. Conor Masterson was appointed captain for the day.

STARTING XI | #ITAIRL

First #IRLU21 game for Jim Crawford
Captain’s armband for Conor Masterson
Debut for midfielder @WSmallbone

Arena Garibaldi, Pisa
KO 16:00 (Irish Time)
@UEFAUnder21 pic.twitter.com/HAxnw7LW1B

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) OCTOBER 13, 2020

Before the game all eyes had been on Italian deep lying playmaker Sandro Tonali, who recently sealed a loan move to AC Milan after coming through the Brescia academy. A midfielder in the mould of Andrea Pirlo – who coincidentally also came through at Brescia – Tonali has exceptional vision and possesses the unique ability of controlling the balance of play seamlessly.

Tonali’s showed glimpses of his quality as he demonstrated his impressive passing range, but the show was stolen by Ricardo Sottil. Sottil was a constant thorn to the Irish backline as his impressive close control and good runs off the ball consistently caused problems. He was involved in both goals as he scored the first and assisted the second. The winger already has considerable senior experience after appearing for Fiorentina on multiple occasions as well as a brief loan at Pescara. The Fiorentina winger is currently on loan at Cagliari in what he’ll be hoping will be his breakthrough season. He certainly did his reputation no harm with today’s impressive performance.

Both teams showed what they were capable of in the first half in what was a tight affair.

The Italian left hand side in particular caused major problems for the Irish, with Frabrotta and Sottil providing the spark. The first chance of the match came in the 5^th minute as left back Frabrotta went on a marauding run which resulted in a shot blocked by the captain, Conor Masterson.

Ireland had an opportunity of their own not long after. A poor headed clearance by the Italian centre back afforded Jack Taylor an opportunity on the half volley, but his shot sailed wide of the post. Taylor had another opportunity minutes after with a tame effort from outside the box that was easily gathered by the keeper.

Ireland played some good football in the first half, with many of their opportunities coming down the left side due to Elbouzedi’s pace and directness. He consistently caused problems for Birindelli as he bolted past the right back on several occasions. Michael Obafemi had an opportunity in the 32^nd minute after a brilliant run and squared ball from Elbouzedi, but he failed to sort out his feet in time for a shot. Moments after, a dangerous cross from Darragh Leahy nearly reached Lee O’Connor but he was shielded well by his man.

A dangerous back pass in the 35^th minute from Conor Coventry resulted in a Riccardo Sottil interception but he failed to capitalize on Coventry’s mistake as he blazed over the bar.

Sottil was perhaps Italy’s most dangerous player in the first half and his efforts paid off in the 42^nd minute as he hit the back of the net. It was all too easy as he was played in behind after a good off the ball run, before he cut inside and placed the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. There wasn’t much Gavin Bazunu could do as he was let down by poor closing down by Masterson.

The first half ended 1-0 to Italy. The scoreline probably reflected the way the half went as Italy had the bigger chances but that’s not to say that Ireland played poorly. Ireland actually enjoyed more possession than the Italians but failed to turn their control of the play into chances.

There were no changes made at the start of the second half as both teams lined up as they had started.

The first opportunity of the second half came after an Irish corner which fell to Connor Ronan inside the edge of the area, but he failed to connect properly on the half volley and the ball was cleared to safety. Ronan also hit a hopeful effort from 30 yards on 52 minutes which went straight into the Italian keeper gloves. Ronan had been one of Ireland’s standout performers throughout the campaign, but he failed to provide the creativity he had done previously in what was an unremarkable showing.

Italy extended their lead in the 61^st minute through Patrick Cutrone. Once again, Riccardo Sottil was involved as he made another fantastic run in behind the Ireland back four before squaring to Cutrone who tucked the ball into the bottom corner. Darragh Leahy was caught out of position in the build-up which made life easy for Sottil.

Ireland’s only other opportunity of the half came in the 64^th minute. More impressive play by Elbouzedi resulted in a deflected effort which went out for an Irish corner.

Ireland made their first and only subs in the 74^th minute as Jim Crawford looked for more options. Mandroiu came on for Jack Taylor, Danny Grant came on for Connor Ronan and Jonathan Afolabi came on for Michael Obafemi.

Michael Obafemi had been talked about a great deal before the game after his exclusion from the Ireland senior squad, but he failed to live up to expectations as he was consistently shut out by the Italian defence before being hooked off. He did demonstrate glimpses of his quality as his pace and pressing caused problems on occasion, but overall it was a disappointing appearance from the Southampton striker.

The match finished 2-0 to the Italians as Ireland failed to take advantage of their coronavirus struggles.

FULL-TIME | #ITAIRL 2-0

Goals from Sottil and Cutrone prove to be the difference as Italy join Ireland joint-top of Group 1

Next up…
Nov 12 | (h)
Nov 17 | (a) pic.twitter.com/xLanwgwof1

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) OCTOBER 13, 2020

There were no standout performers from the Ireland side, but Zach Elbouzedi and Nathan Collins showed what they’re capable of throughout the match. Elbouzedi’s directness allowed him to get into advantageous positions but his final ball was often lacking. He’ll be hoping his performance impressed Lincoln boss Michael Appleton, as he has struggled for minutes since joining the club earlier this year. Nathan Collins, on the other hand, was brilliant at times. Stoke fans have been raving about him in recent week and it’s easy to see why. He constantly broke down Italian attacks with his commanding presence and looked very assured on the ball despite his towering appearance.

Jim Crawford will now put his attention towards the remaining two group games. Both fixtures are being played next month with Iceland coming up on the 12^th and Luxembourg on the 17^th. The result against Iceland would be crucial to the u21s qualification chances, as they stand one point behind Ireland with a game in hand.

Ireland will be hoping results go their way in the remaining fixtures, as they would then stand a good chance of qualifying for the u21 European Championships for the first time in what has been an impressive campaign thus far.

The post Review – Ireland u21s suffer 2-0 loss against impressive Italians appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Jim Crawford’s first game as u21 manager is arguably the most important of the entire qualification campaign. A win —or even a draw— would leave the u21s in a great position to finish top of the group. Ireland have been incredibly impressive so far in their qualification efforts under the guidance of Stephen Kenny. They’ve won 5 of their 7 games in qualification which included an impressive draw against an Italian side with accomplished players such as Moise Kean, Manuel Locatelli and Sandro Tonali. 

However, this time around the fixture is being played under very different circumstances. Since the last fixture, Coronavirus has become a global pandemic, changing the way we consume and play the game. Players and spectators will have gotten used to playing under the changes made in accordance with health and safety regulations, but the virus still affects the game in other ways. In fact, the game between the two nations is in doubt due to Covid protocol. Three members of the Italy squad have contracted the virus and tested positive. Because of this, the Icelandic health authorities have called off Italy’s game against Iceland and the entire squad have been placed in quarantine. The status of the fixture is still up in the air with a decision likely to be made in the next few days. 

Nevertheless, the Irish squad will be fully focused on the game ahead in the hope of gaining 3 points. Jim Crawford will already be familiar with many of the players in the squad, having been coach of the Ireland u18s previously. He also held a training camp with the squad last month, so lack of preparation shouldn’t be a problem. The Italians will be no pushovers, though. Their squad is stacked with talent in every position, Serie A regulars Sandro Tonali, Alessandro Bastoni and Patrick Cutrone in particular could cause serious problems for the Irish at both ends of the pitch.

To make matters worse, many of Ireland’s key performers during the campaign won’t be available due to senior squad selection or separate reasons – namely Adam Idah, Jayson Molumby, Aaron Connolly and Troy Parrott. This is not to say the current u21 squad should be starstruck by the Italians, though. There are several bright young prospects included in the squad, many of which are getting regular minutes in the Premier League, Championship and League of Ireland. Many players can also count themselves unlucky not to make the squad which shows the quality of Irish players coming through, something which Irish fans have been starved of in recent years.

This u21 squad is certainly not lacking in terms of quality, leaving Jim Crawford with plenty of decisions to make when selecting his starting 11. Here’s a look at one possible line-up he could go for: 

GOALKEEPER

Gavin Bazunu

One of the two goalkeepers included in the squad, Bazunu came through at the Shamrock Rovers academy, playing 4 league games and appearing in Europa League qualifiers at the age of 16. The occasion clearly didn’t get to him as he performed admirably in each match, one of which included a penalty save against current Rotherham United man, Kieran Sadlier. Bazunu has appeared for Ireland at numerous age levels. He has battled with Caoimhin Kelleher for the no.1 spot during the u21 campaign, but with Kelleher’s call up to the senior team, Bazunu will look to establish himself as the undisputed first choice keeper. He has earned himself a loan move to League One side Rochdale this season and has already made some vital saves for the team. He recently made a stunning save against Ipswich in a performance that was lauded by Rochdale fans. Known for his reflexes and commanding presence, Bazunu will be looking to establish himself in the senior squad sooner rather than later.

RIGHT BACK

Lee O’Connor 

The two noticeable right backs in the squad are Lee O’Connor and Danny McNamara. While McNamara is a useful player, Lee O’Connor should be nailed on to start. Particularly after his pivotal role in the u21 campaign as well as having senior international experience. O’Connor spent 3 years at Manchester United before moving further up North to pursue a move to Celtic in search of first team football. That has not gone to plan for O’Connor so far, which seems to be a common theme for young Irish players at Celtic. He spent last season on loan at Partick Thistle in the Scottish Championship and currently finds himself on loan at League 2 side Tranmere Rovers. Perhaps not the career trajectory he would have wanted so far. Nonetheless, O’Connor is a very talented, modern full back. He’s exceptional at finding open spaces and whipping crosses into the box, he’s also competent defensively having spent a portion of his youth career at centre back. His versatility isn’t limited to defensive positions though, he also makes an effective holding and central midfielder and has played in the middle of the park numerous times at underage level. He’s been vital in the u21 qualification campaign so far, particularly against the Swedes where he scored an equalizer on the half volley to spur his team onto a 4-1 victory.

CENTRE BACKS

Dara O’Shea

A product of St Kevin’s Boys and West Brom, Dara O’Shea is another versatile defender, capable of playing all across the back 4. He has operated as a right back for West Brom since his breakthrough last season, but many would say he’s at his best at centre back. A position which he has regularly played in for Ireland. O’Shea has started 6 of the 7 games in the campaign so far and we would expect him to start on Tuesday as well, especially given his form for West Brom. He’s a technical, ball playing centre back who also has bags of aerial ability. In truth, he was unlucky to miss out on a senior call up given that he’s starting week in week out in the Premier League. He shouldn’t worry too much, though. Given his development over the past year, it’s likely he’ll be an integral member of the senior squad for years to come. 

Conor Masterson

Like O’Shea, Masterson has started 6 of the 7 qualification games. During that time, he’s established a formidable central defensive partnership with O’Shea, conceding just 2 goals in the 5 games they’ve started together. A product of the Liverpool academy, Masterson moved to QPR at the start of last season after being released. He impressed at times for QPR last season, notching up 12 league appearances and scoring a goal in the process. He’s of a similar mould as O’Shea, a ball playing centre back with aerial prowess. He displayed his aerial ability in the qualification campaign, scoring a precise header in a 3-1 win against Sweden. Masterson will want to kick on this season with QPR, having failed to make an appearance so far.

LEFT BACK

Thomas O’Connor

The starting left back spot will likely come down to two players; Thomas O’Connor and Darragh Leahy. Although Darragh Leahy has started more games throughout the campaign, Thomas O’Connor’s consistency at club level should get him over the line. The Kilkenny man is spending his second season with League One side Gillingham, after impressing on loan from Southampton last term. O’Connor is a technical full back with a wand of a left foot. He’s capable of creating problems from dead ball situations and from open play with whipped crosses into the box. One of the few accomplished set piece takers in the squad, he’ll be hoping he can create problems for the Italians with his delivery.

CENTRE MIDFIELDERS

Conor Coventry

Having started every game of the campaign so far, it would be harsh to leave Coventry out of the starting XI. Therefore, he should retain his starting place. Coventry is a bit of a throwback; he operates as a deep lying playmaker who isn’t afraid of doing the dirty work in midfield. He doesn’t have much senior experience under his belt, with just the one loan at Lincoln last season. Additionally, he’s made a handful of EFL cup appearances for West Ham’s senior team and u21s. He probably would have been hoping for a loan this season, but it doesn’t look likely at this stage. He’ll have to bide his time with the youth squads and hope his performances can attract lower league clubs. He done himself no harm in the way of attracting clubs by scoring a screamer against Colchester recently. Another solid display for the u21s would also be helpful in increasing his profile.

Jason Knight

The other central midfield position is a toss up between 3 players; Jason Knight, Will Smallbone and Danny Mandroiu. Knight has started the last 2 qualifiers and we would expect him to do the same on Tuesday. He had a magnificent breakthrough season last term and has continued his form into this season, scoring a goal against Preston and playing a key role in Derby’s last win against Norwich. An industrious, goal scoring midfielder, Jason Knight could be the box to box midfielder Ireland need to unsettle the Italians.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER

Connor Ronan

The creative spark of the team, Connor Ronan has been one of the most impressive players throughout qualification. Ronan is a player in the mould of Wes Hoolahan, a creative midfielder capable of operating in tight spaces and drawing defenders out of position. 3 years on since he impressed against De Bruyne & co. in the Carabao Cup, things haven’t panned out the way Ronan would have wanted. Currently plying his trade on loan in the Swiss second division, many would argue that Ronan should be playing at a higher level. The Wolves man has had several loan spells over the past few years, failing to settle at any club. His last loan in England was a brief but impressive spell at Blackpool, where he scored one of the goals of the season against Bolton. A player of Ronan’s quality should be playing regularly at a higher level, let’s hope he can find his feet at a club whether it be in England or abroad. He will have to be at this best if Ireland are to get anything out of the Italians.

RIGHT WINGER

Zach Elbouzedi

Given the lack of options Ireland have on the right wing, it’s likely that Elbouzedi will be chosen despite his lack of playing time at Lincoln. Elbouzedi has been one of the surprise performers of the campaign so far, starting most of the games while impressing on both wings. His career has been a rollercoaster. Once on the books of West Brom, he was seen as a bright prospect but failed to break into the first team. He was released and picked up by Inverness Caledonian where he made few appearances and was again released after a year. His career seemed to be on a downward slope, that is until he signed for Waterford. At Waterford, Elbouzedi gradually established himself as one of the best wingers in the league which earned him a spot in the u21 team and a move back to England. Since moving back to England, his playing time has been limited. He’ll be hoping to have a good game against the Italians to capture the attention of his club manager. Elbouzedi is a quick, skilful winger who likes to sprint towards the byline before crossing. He’ll be hoping to use his pace to evade Italian defenders on the way to setting up his teammates. 

LEFT WINGER

Michael Obafemi

There are several more options for Jim Crawford to choose from on the left wing. It could be any one of Michael Obafemi, Will Ferry or Neil Farrugia that gets the nod. Realistically though, Michael Obafemi should start. His Premier League experience should prove a deciding factor in terms of selection. Although not a natural left winger, he has played a handful of matches for Ireland on the left. Obafemi is a man with a point to prove. He was left out of the last two Ireland senior squads, reacting angrily at one occasion which wouldn’t have pleased Stephen Kenny. Kenny doesn’t seem to rate him too highly regardless, Obafemi also struggled for minutes when he was u21 manager despite having more first team experience than most in the squad. Obafemi’s pace and directness should cause problems for Italy, we wouldn’t bet against him finding the net. He had a fairly good Premier League campaign last term, scoring against Manchester United and Chelsea. He’s struggled for playtime so far this season but should make a good impact player off the bench for Southampton.

STRIKER

Jonathan Afolabi

Big boots to fill, Jim Crawford must select a striker to replace arguably the brightest talent from Ireland U21 starting team, Troy Parrott. As it stands, there are three natural strikers for Crawford to choose from; Michael Obafemi, Jonathan Afolabi and JJ Kayode. Seen as Michael Obafemi has already been selected, we’ve gone with Jonathan Afolabi. Afolabi is a pressing forward with bags of pace. He possesses great work rate and determination and uses those traits to pressure opposition defenders into making errors. He was a name few Irish fans would have heard of prior to the 2019 u19 European Championship. Before the tournament, he turned down a new contract at Southampton in order to find first team football elsewhere. His performances at the tournament certainly would have attracted many suitors, as his goals and overall play earned him a place in the team of the tournament. In the end, after months of rumours circulating, he would choose to sign for Celtic. He’s currently in a similar situation as his Celtic and Ireland teammate, Lee O’Connor. Both joined Celtic with the hope of playing first-team football and both have failed to accumulate any minutes at the club. He’s on loan at Dundee F.C. this season after a brief loan at Dunfermline last season. He’s already shown his eye for goal in preseason against Peterhead with a thundering shot from outside the box. He’ll be hoping he can catch the eye of Celtic manager Neil Lennon against the Italians and for the remainder of the season.

This is just one of the many possible line-ups Jim Crawford could come up with. Whatever the XI chosen, the manager and fans alike will be hoping for a spirited and positive display come Tuesday evening.

The post Detailed analysis of possible Republic of Ireland U21 starting team appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.