Stars Of the Future

As we look towards Irelands friendly against Norway On Wednesday Night,i feel it is necessary to look a bit further down the road to future of Irish Football, to those who are shining very brightly and though noted one of our chosen players has made his debut in the national team and by Wednesday night one or two of our subjects may be added to that illustrious list,it is time to gaze into the crystal ball at the future stars of our National Team.

Greg Cunnigham Age : 19 Club : Man City  


Greg Cunningham played his first senior international match for Ireland when he contributed to the 3-0 win over Algeria at the RDS, Dublin, on May 28, 2010. Calm and collected on his debut,it was truly remarkable that it was in fact Cunninghams first game,starring in an Irish defence that afforded the World Cup finalists precious few scoring chances.Greg, from Galway, impressed Ireland's manager Giovanni Trapattoni in training and showed a maturity beyond his years when he played for Ireland after just three games for Manchester City in the 2009/'10 season. 


Seamus Coleman  Age : 22 Club : Everton 


The Donegal Native was quickly snapped up by Sligo Rovers' manager Sean Connor from Donegal Premier Division Side St. Catherine's Of Killybegs. Impressive form led to former Sligo boss Willie McStay tipping off David Moyes, and Coleman moved to Everton in January 2009. On loan at Blackpool at the tail end of last season,he played a major part in helping them to clinch promotion to the Premier League. The FAI U21 Player of the Year signed a new four year deal with Everton and has impressed since his return to the Toffees.David Moyes was quoted recently as saying that Coleman would be the ideal successor to Phil Neville in the Right back position at the club when the stalwart finally retires.


Ciaran Clark Age : 21 Club : Aston Villa

Born In Harrow, London, Clark is eligible to play for Ireland due to his Irish mother and paternal grandparents.A product of Villa's renowned academy system,he captained the U-17 Aston Villa Academy side to the 2008 Academy Premier League. The  Defender has proved on numerous occasions that indeed he is a star in the making.Clark also lead England out on many occasions in the under-19 ranks.Proving himself this season as more than an able central midfielder as well as his natural role as a central defender.In October 2010 Clark declared himself for the Irish National Team and is due to make his debut this coming Wednesday night at the Aviva.

Conor Clifford Age : 19 Club : Chelsea 

Conor joined Chelsea from Dublin District Schoolboys League Crumlin United In 2007,and played in the Chelsea youth team.The midfielder, 19, captained the Chelsea FA Youth Cup side last season, and smashed home the winner against Aston Villa in the final with a fantastic long range strike.An unused substitute for Chelsea's Carling Cup game against Newcastle.This Highly Rated Dubliner is on a one-month loan to League One outfit Plymouth Argyle Until November 19 and has made his debut with the Devon Club.