O'Mahony very much at home in Turner's Cross — and Fratton Park

So much of his football education is centred around Cork City and Friday night’s venue for a crucial qualifier clash with Norway 

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS: Mark O'Mahony poses for a portrait during a Republic of Ireland U21's photocall. Pic Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Loan moves are laced with risk. Designed to fast track a player’s career, they can turn suddenly into dead ends. Managers can come or go, faces might not fit, styles of play could prove to be completely unsuitable.

You roll the dice and you take your chances.