With the news that Jack Grealish has decided to declare for England, a few Irish fans have been lamenting the lack of talent at the top level that can make it through to the national side.
While there's no doubt that young Irish players in the Premier League are few and far between, there are a few out there that may be making waves over the next few months at the highest level.
Daniel Cleary - 19, Liverpool
Named in Liverpool's Europa League squad for this season, there's no doubt that Cleary is a real talent and that manager Brendan Rodgers has hopes for him, saying that he would be "in and around the squad" for their second game against FC Sion.
Image: Mike Egerton / EMPICS Sport
Cleary also featured on the club's preseason tour, and while the Liverpool manager stated that the most likely thing would be for the Dubliner to go out on loan and get some game time, he has been playing very well for the U21 side, adding "I have seen developments in all aspects of his play over the last couple of years. I've seen him improve".
Jack Byrne - 19, Manchester City
A huge talent, Byrne has been sent on loan to SC Cambuur in the Dutch Eredivisie this season, so that he can hone his skills even further on a European stage. Patrick Vieira, who has worked closely with him in the past, was pleased with the move, saying that he was glad he went to Holland as it will help him with the physical side of the game, but "on the ball, he is technically very good. He understands the game quicker than anyone else. I've worked with Jack for the last few years and he really improved in the last year. It was fantastic, especially in the last three or four months, he was one of my best players".
Those who are hoping to watch the career of the young man develop don't need to worry about that seemingly odd move however, as he signed a three-year deal to stay on the books at the Premier League giants for the next while anyway.
Tommie Hoban - 21, Watford
Despite not being fancied by many pundits to stay in the Premier League this year, Watford have shown serious defensive solidity, highlighting the strength they have along the backline and the organisational skills of their manager, Quique Sanchez Flores.
Image: Scott Heavey / EMPICS Sport
One of that selection of talented defenders, Hoban is rated highly both at club and underage international level, where he is captain of Noel King's side. Only time will tell on whether or not he makes the cut at the top level, but he has definitely shown that he's made of the right stuff at underage, even finding the back of the net in the U21 team's win over Andorra.
Fellow Irish U21 international Sean Murray is also on the books at Watford, although he has been loaned out to Wigan for the season, where he's already made seven appearances for the club. He made a huge impact in his first season with Watford, scoring seven goals but has since failed to replicate that sparkling form. A chance to find his feet again at Wigan may indeed bring that back.
Ian Lawlor - 20, Manchester City
Another hot young prospect at Manchester City, he could join a long line of talented Irish goalkeepers who have been stalwarts for their clubs in the English top flight.
Image: ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
At 6'4", the Dubliner is tall enough in stature to impose himself on the opposition at set pieces and command the box, and while he is yet to feature for the senior side, he is expected to make a real push this year to claim the goalkeeping position as his own with the U21 side at the Etihad.
Reece Grego-Cox -18, Queens Park Rangers
Although QPR have been relegated to the Championship, the London-born striker did make a few appearances for the side at the highest level before they dropped down at the end of last season.
Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
His style of play has been compared to team-mate Charlie Austin, giving defenders no time on the ball and little chance to compose themselves. Although he hasn't featured yet for QPR this season, a recent injury to Austin that will rule him out for at least a few weeks could mean he gets some time on the pitch.
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