'Josh’s biggest attribute is his versatility': Ireland debut on horizon for Corkman Honohan

Josh Honohan of Shamrock Rovers in action against Owen Lambe of Drogheda United. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Heimir Hallgrímsson says Josh Honohan’s versatility could be the key to the Corkman making his Ireland breakthrough next month.

The defender was named in the squad for the upcoming double-header friendly against Senegal and Luxembourg, having previously got as far as the provisional squad.

The 24-year-old started his career at hometown club Cork City before joining then-champions Shamrock Rovers at the start of last season.

He excelled during their run to the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League and has been tipped for a move abroad.

Although the Icelander has excluded his Championship regulars Josh Cullen, Finn Azaz and Mikey Johnston on foot of their long campaign, Robbie Brady is included due to a shortage of left-back options.

Honohan appears best placed as cover and may make his debut either at home to the Africans on Friday, June 6 and away in the Grand Duchy four days later.

“One of Josh’s biggest attributes is he is a versatile player”, noted Hallgrímsson.

“He can play on the left and the right so he gives flexibility in in-game changes. That’s one of his biggest advantages.

“We want to see him in our environment with these players which in mostly Premier League players. Normally good players can step up when they are with better players.

“His manager Stephen Bradley shared information about his team when we met. I always ask coaches about their team, is there someone I should have my eye on etc?.

“We had Josh in our preliminary squad last month and had been watching him for some time. It shouldn’t be a surprise that he’s in the squad.” 

A defender at the opposite end of his career, Séamus Coleman, is also part of the 25-man panel. 

There have been doubts over the 36-year-old’s future due to his lack of gametime for Everton and Ireland but the manager insists he’s back in with a view to the World Cup qualifiers kicking off in September. Ireland share a group with Portugal, Hungary and Armenia.

“I don’t think anybody is questioning Séamus’s quality as a player,” he explained, stressing no imminent plans on the player’s behalf to retire.

“He gives a lot on the other side as well. He is a big leader, helping the players, there are young players coming in and he can assist them as well. He gives on many layers.

“No he didn’t (say he was retiring) and if he did I wouldn’t tell it to you. Because It would be his decision to announce. He is in our plans (for the qualifiers) - otherwise we wouldn’t be selecting him.”