3 eligible wingers worth keeping tabs on
The Granny Rule has taken a battering in recent times and understandably so. However perhaps not rightly so.
Despite the shenanigans of Jack the lad and Declan ‘up the ra’ Rice, it is worth acknowledging that plenty of footballers in the UK and further afield have very strong Irish heritage that they are proud of. They should not have their potential desires of playing for Ireland tarnished or muddied by two selfish Englishmen who have essentially undermined the trust of Irish fans.
It is also worth mentioning considering that our two best players at present are indeed granny rule AND ex-England underage internationals in Josh Cullen and Callum Robinson. The greater depth we have the better and even if a Granny Ruler does declare, there is never a guarantee that they will be picked anyway. Just think back to talents like Jermaine Pennant and Lee Trundle who were willing and able but were never selected!
Many feel Ireland go heavy on the Granny Rule but compared to countries like Morrocco, Turkey and Wales who have a far greater percentage of players born outside those countries representing them at present, we are perhaps underutilising a rule that we are entitled to. There are Irish all over the world and they have every right to play for us.
In recent years, Ireland seem to be producing a lot less wingers with defenders and central midfield becoming a stronghold, even centre-forwards seem to be in a healthier supply compared to half a decade ago. Stephen Kenny does have the likes of Chiedoze Ogbene and James McClean at his disposal but arguably his best winger Robbie Brady has gone off the grid. At underage level,there is also bareness to the quality out wide with Armstrong Okoflex a genuine talent who Jim Crawford’s has radiculously overlooked.
Festy Ebosele could make the transition but despite all his flair and power, does lack some of the technical ability and control just now to play as an international winger. Undoubtably, this will develop in time with Callum Robinson and Aaron Connolly also capable of deputising on the wing.
With this lack of depth in mind and openess to the granny Rule, we look at three Irish eligible wide-men who could come into the reckoing for Stephen Kenny’s side.
Mikey Johnstone (Celtic)
A name that will be familiar with most Celtic fans, the pace, skilful and technically excellent Mikey Johnstone remains eligible for ireland having not won a senior Scotland cap. Still only 22, the youngster may follow in the footsteps of fellow Glasweigens Ray Houghton, James McCarthy and Aiden McGeady in pulling on the green of Ireland. He was famously pictured draped in the Tricolour a couple of years ago, fuelling speculation about his eligibility.
Paul Nebel (Mainz 05)
19 year old German-born Paul Nebel came onto the radar of Ireland fans last year when he stated his eligibility for the Boys in Green. A part of Mainz’s first team, Nebel is a small but powefull winger who is full of flair and creativity. Capped up to under-19 level for Germany, Nebel stated that Ireland is ‘like a second home to him’ which may indicate an openess of switching eligences. Nebel could certainly be an option for Jim Crawford and could team up with fellow German born prospect Conor Noss.
Josh Martin (Norwich City-On Loan at Doncaster Rovers)
Having burst onto the seen with Norwich in the Premier League in 2020, Josh Martin has since gone off the radar somewhat despite spells with MK Dons and Doncaster. Martin can operate as a winger and wing-back and is still only 20. May need to reestablish himself a bit more but has time on his side and given the high regard he is held in at Norwich, is certainly a player the Irish setup should keep an eye on.
Honourable mention….Nathan Redmond (Southampton)
Still eligible by virtue of only winning a cap for England in a friendly but the ship has surely sailed for the 27 year old. Contacted last year by the Jamaican FA and despite having a Dublin mammy is more likely to play for the Reggae Boys than England or Ireland.
Nick, The Green Machíne Podcast
