Young, gifted and green

TODAY attention turns towards next summer’s European Championships and Ireland’s first presence at a major tournament for ten years.

But, with Giovanni Trapattoni’s team backboned by a core of ageing players, it’s only natural that an eye should be cast upon their likely successors for the campaigns ahead.

Richard Dunne and Damien Duff will both be in their 34th year by the time the qualification quest for Brazil kicks off in the autumn of next year, with record goalscorer Robbie Keane only a year behind.

Though the trio are expected to treat the campaign as their last, there is no guarantee that Premier League clubs will share the awe which Irish fans have towards the veterans.

Shay Given, Keith Andrews and John O’Shea are three other regulars approaching their top-level twilight years, offering opportunities for others to occupy the places they’ve nailed down in the past two campaigns. Here, we take a look at the contenders to make a breakthrough into Trappatoni’s plans for the 2014 World Cup campaign and further beyond.

2014 WORLD CUP (HOST NATION BRAZIL).

David Meyler (Sunderland): But for a couple of successive knee injuries, the powerful Cork midfielder wouldcertainly have been capped at senior level. Now back in the first-team squad at Sunderland, the 22-year-old’s credentials as a steady holding midfielder is sure to be to the liking of the Italian.

Conor Henderson (Arsenal): Just turned 20, the Londoner has had his injury problems too but Arsenal’s granting of a new long-term contract recently underlines the store Arsene Wenger places in the playmaker. The U21 international made his Gunners debut in the FA Cup last season and will look at next season to make his mark at the Emirates and on international duty.

Robbie Brady (Man United): Still only a teenager, Brady is considered the shining light in the current Ireland U21 squad. It’s questionable whether stardom will arrive at Old Trafford for the winger but, for now, a clutch of Premier League outfits want to take him up a level on loan from his current temporary home of Championship club Hull City.

EURO 2016 (HOST NATION FRANCE)

Jeff Hendrick (Derby County): A first-team regular at Pride Park this term, Hendrick has caught the eye of several top-flight suitors. Another midfielder in the Trap mould, the 19-year-old could move through the ranks quicker than even he expects.

Stephen Henderson (Portsmouth): Sunderland’s Keiren Westwood appears poised to follow the peerless Shay Given into the No 1 spot. However, Henderson’s growing status in the English game – he’s only now establishing himself in the Championship at the age of 23 – makes him a candidate to press his claims.

John Egan (Sunderland): A thorough professional both on and off the pitch, the Cork defender made a surprise elevation to the Black Cats first team squad the weekend before last when he made the bench for the Old Trafford visit. Steve Bruce is expected to reward the captain of Ireland’s U19 team at the summer UEFA finals with a new contract.

2018 WORLD CUP (HOST NATION RUSSIA).

Paul George (Celtic): The Belfast teen only switched allegiance form Northern Ireland last season but has featured in both the U17 and U19 campaigns for the Republic since. At club level, Neil Lennon granted the 17-year-old his competitive debut in September in the Bhoys’ League Cup victory at Ross County and has selected him as a substitute for a few of their Europa League games.

Sam Byrne (Man Utd): Alex Ferguson’s charm played a major part in convincing the Naas-born striker to choose his professional club last season and he’s already nailed down a place in United’s Academy team. His power and pace has resulted in promotion to international teams above his age group and the forward has captained the Ireland U17s this term.

Jack Grealish (Aston Villa): The FAI have won the initial battle in fending off interest from England for the wing wizard and it may work out an astute move. Blessed with a bag of tricks, Grealish’s presence in Villa’s ‘Champions League-style’ Next Generation Series team this season has had their fans purring with excitement.

AND FURTHER BEYOND...

Alex O’Hanlon (Liverpool): The 15-year-old opted for Liverpool after being invited to a trial by Real Madrid.

Craig Donnellan (College Corinthians): U16 Cork midfielder currently attracting plenty of cross-channel interest.

Noe Baba (Castlebar Celtic): Man City and Arsenal are currently battling for the services of the Ireland U16 captain.