Four contenders in Ireland's search for a hitman

Four prospects for the World Cup qualifiers...

Scott Hogan (Brentford)

Yet to be capped at any level, Salford-born Hogan is eligible through his grandparents and hit the headlines in April by scoring five times in just three games for the Bees. Hogan had only returned from a long injury lay-off, immediately attracting the interest of Martin O’Neill, who sent his assistant Roy Keane to watch him.

“When I got an U21 call-up two years, I was at Rochdale and my manager didn’t want me to go, so I didn’t,” said the 24-year-old.

Joe Mason (Wolves)

Joe and his brother Anthony declared for Ireland during their time with hometown club Plymouth Argyle, Joe featuring all the way up to U21 level in the same age-group as Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick. Their Irish upbringing was influenced by Mayo-born mother Attracta.

Having helped Cardiff gain promotion in 2013, he went on loan to Bolton before a permanent Wolves move in January.

Conor Wilkinson (Bolton Wanderers)

Noel King’s U21 side is short of firepower but Wilkinson holds the mantle of his main striker during the current qualification campaign. Highly-rated during his teens at Millwall, the 21-year-old was offered a long-term lucrative deal by Bolton before financial troubles hastened their relegation to League One in April. Will need to find a higher level than League Two, where he spent a couple of loan spells last season.

Anthony Stokes (Blackburn)

Hardly a new name but Stokes is seeking another revival following his summer move back to England with Blackburn. He’s been on the fringes of the Ireland squad for a decade, earning just nine caps, but Stokes has the ability to generate a scoring streak to push his claims for a recall. Roy Keane knows all about his qualities from their time at Sunderland but the 27-year-old is running out of chances to make a lasting impression.