Teenage kicks: The latest generation of Irish gems providing hope for our football future

 It’s become a national pastime to predict the next big thing in Irish football.  While nothing is guaranteed, the strides so far of these young emeralds can brighten our hopes.

Evan Ferguson during a Republic of Ireland Men's U21 portrait session at the Carlton Hotel in Tyrrelstown, Dublin. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

It’s become a national pastime to predict the next big thing in Irish football, especially when the loss of Robbie Keane’s firepower has contributed to the major tournament drought.

The search for Ireland’s record goalscorer’s successor was well underway before he retired in 2016, soon falling on the young and slender shoulders of Troy Parrott.