Not only talented, work-rate is the driving force for Hoffenheim-bound Matthew Moore

City manager Colin Healy knew Moore had the work rate as well as the talent to play at the highest level one day.

FULL PACKAGE: Matthew Moore of Republic of Ireland with the Victory Shield after the match between Republic of Ireland and Scotland at Tramore AFC in Tramore, Waterford. Pic: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

It came as a surprise to many when Cork City announced on Monday that one of its underage stars had agreed a move to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

But for everyone that tuned into the Republic of Ireland’s triumph in the victory shield back in November, they knew Matthew Moore, who captained the side to glory, had the talent to play at a high level.