Ryan Manning sees the value in having many strings to his bow

The 25-year-old Galway man has seen his position evolve from being a No 10 to a left wing back and feels his versatility helps him see more game time

International Friendly, Aviva Friendly, Dublin 29/3/2022 Republic of Ireland vs Lithuania Ireland’s Ryan Manning and Rolandas Baravykas of Lithuania Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

A first Ireland U21 trip to Azerbaijan in 2017 was occasioned by Declan Rice’s debut at that level but it was always supposed to propel Ryan Manning’s career as an attacking force.

Manning bagged a brace in the 3-1 Euro qualification win, acting as the quintessential No 10 that Queen Park Rangers had two years earlier recruited him as from Galway United.