'Josh's attributes are not League of Ireland, they are elite' - Bradley calls for Honohan recognition

Shamrock Rovers defender Josh Honohan. Pic: Nick Elliott/Inpho

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley insists the League of Ireland is on a par with at least the English League One when it comes to players challenging for Ireland squad places.

Bradley last month slated Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson for suggesting his players should move abroad to push their cause despite the Hoops reaching the Conference League knockout stage.

It’s believed that Cork man Josh Honohan, the 23-year-old defender, has been included on the 40-man provisional squad for the upcoming Nations League promotion/relegation playoff against Bulgaria but that doesn’t guarantee making the final cut of 23 when it's unveiled next Thursday.

While Graham Burke and Jack Byrne from his team won caps as domestic players, others like Liam Scales were only recognised after leaving for the UK.

“If you're eligible to play for Ireland and perform well enough, doors should be open for you,” said Bradley.

“That should be the message, I feel, for every Irish player 'Liam was not in Ireland squads until he moved to Celtic, so what has happened in those two months?

“You're talking about playing against the standard - that's nonsense.

“I understand players that are playing in the Premier League, high level Championship or with Celtic in the Champions League - that's elite levels.

“But don't tell me that League 1 or League 2 is better than what these players were playing at last year.” 

Honohan proved an undoubted success after joining from Cork City, operating principally on the right but also on the left, as he did at Stamford Bridge in the December Conference League phase game against Chelsea.

“What I said about the league last year not being overall quality as a whole, I stand by that,” Bradley reasoned.

“I believe that there were still individual performances within that that were high level stuff.

“You look at Josh. Are you saying Josh last year wasn't performing at an elite level? I would argue with anyone that would tell you that.

“You look at his attributes, they are elite attributes, they're not League of Ireland attributes, they are elite attributes.” 

Another contender is midfielder Dylan Watts. His creative instincts have led to calls for his elevation.

“I believe in myself that I could (play for Ireland) but that's out of my control,” said Watts ahead of Friday’s league game against St Patrick’s Athletic.

“If they are watching matches or whatever and pick me off the back of that, then brilliant."