Courtney Duffus eyes Ireland striking gap

Everton’s Courtney Duffus is interested in solving Ireland’s long-term striker shortage.

The 20-year-old will this evening earn his third U21 cap by starting up front against Serbia at the Waterford RSC (5.45pm) in the concluding Uefa qualifier. While Ireland cannot qualify, the chance of international progression is an incentive for a clutch of wannabes.

Midfielders Jack Byrne and Alan Byrne have already sufficiently caught the eye of Martin O’Neill to warrant call-ups to senior training. Given the dearth of forward options, Duffus has a chance of furthering his credentials.

Adam Rooney, though not named on the bench last night, was the youngest striker in the squad but at 28 the Aberdeen man has limited scope to develop into a genuine candidate to lead the line.

Duffus, meanwhile, has already been part of Everton’s first-team squad and won the Barclays U21 Player of the month in March after bouncing back from a long-term anterior ligament injury.

The Cheltenham-born prospect could have declared for his homeland or Jamaica but instead chose the country of his grandmother. Mary Lodge from Limerick was an influential part of his upbringing and her daughter, Georgina Duffus, had a natural preference for her son representing Ireland.

“I’ve made my family very proud by playing for Ireland,” said Duffus, whose younger brother Tyrone is also on the books of Everton and keen to represent Ireland.

“Seamus Coleman at Everton is always asking me about how I’m getting on with Ireland and I would like one day to be in the full squad.”

Here’s a little extra sport. BallTalk TV look at Liverpool’s chances of success this season.