Royals gems proof that Ireland well worth a look

Saturday 22 November 2008

Paul Jewell points to Derby County’s Championship rivals Reading as proof that gems can be picked up from Irish football.

Derby are keen to sign Galway United winger James O’Shea who has been training with them this week.

O’Shea has impressed and scored twice in a private friendly against Notts County on Tuesday afternoon.

The Rams have agreed a fee for the 20-year-old who helped Galway escape relegation in the eircom League this season and who was pipped by Derry City winger Niall McGinn for the PFAI Young Player of the Year award.

Reading have been successful in capturing players from the Republic of Ireland.

Striker Kevin Doyle was signed for £80,000 from Cork City in June 2005 and has scored 52 goals in 138 appearances for the Royals. He helped Steve Coppell’s team win promotion to the Premier League in 2006 and is a key player as Reading look to bounce back to the top flight following relegation.

Another striker, Shane Long, also arrived from Cork at the same time while brothers, Stephen and Noel Hunt, are both in the Republic of Ireland squad.

Reading have turned down bids from Premier League clubs for Stephen, one as high as £5m.

Noel started his career at Shamrock Rovers before joining Reading from Dundee United for an undisclosed fee.

“Reading have done well bringing players in from Ireland,” said Jewell.

"There are some hungry players in Ireland and years ago Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal had the crop of the Irish lads but they now seem to be looking at continental players.

"The likes of the two Hunt brothers at Reading, as well as Doyle and Shane Long have done tremendously well and Reading could have a big return on those players, either financially or by winning promotion.

“Reading have been very successful when it comes to bringing in Irish players.”

Jewell will be at the RDS in Dublin tomorrow for the FAI Cup final between eircom League champions Bohemians and Derry City, holders of the League Cup.

Other stories on this day

• Barazite is happy to stay with Rams for rest of season
• Chance just too good to turn down, says Darren
• Commons still buzzing!