1. Jeff Hendrick (Derby County)
THE ST KEVIN’S Boys youth product has come of age in this tournament.
The 24-year-old has showed that he is more than capable of playing in a variety of positions across the midfield, whether that be in a deep-lying position, out wide, or in a free role – without it hindering his eagerness to get on the ball, and start Irish attacks.
Not to mention his willingness to have a shot from distance, if the opportunity arises.
An injury-hit campaign last year restricted the Dubliner to just 22 starts in the Championship last year, coming off the bench on a further 11 occasions, as their then manager Paul Clement struggled to find the right formula for his Derby County side.
For one still relatively young, Hendrick does have experience on his side after raking up 184 league appearances since making his debut in 2011, on top of his 24 Ireland caps.
It was reported during the week that former Ireland assistant manager, Marco Tardelli recommended him to several Italian teams during his time with Ireland, but because he wasn’t a high-profile name, they turned any chance of signing him down – but his stock is certainly rising in Euro 2016.
2. Robbie Brady (Norwich City)
Some commentators have suggested that Ireland’s goal hero against Italy is technically too good to be playing at left-back for club or country and to a degree, Martin O’Neill’s hand has been forced to due to the lack of options in that position for the national team.
When Brady returned from injury late last season, he played in a more advanced position on the wing for Norwich, having started the campaign in the defence, but it could be argued that the 24-year-old looks most comfortable in the centre of the pitch, where he can help pull the strings, like he did against the Italians on Wednesday.
The former Manchester United player has suffered back-to-back relegations from the Premier League over the past two seasons, but that has been despite of, not due to his performances for Hull City and then Norwich.
One thing is for sure, no matter what position Brady plays in, he’s too gifted to be playing his football in England’s second tier next season.
3. Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City)
The 34-year-old has proved at these championships that he is still more than capable of playing at the highest level.
His goal against Sweden was technically as good a goal as we’ve seen during the group stages, while he continues to offer a different dimension to the Irish side.
Over the course of his 15-year career, the former Shelbourne man has made only 112 appearances in the Premier League, despite being one of the most technically skilled players in the Irish squad – with his small frame putting off British clubs in the past.
On Wednesday night, when Hoolahan found himself straight through against Italy only to tamely hit a side-footed effort for Salvatore Sirigu to easily gather on the second occasion – the words of BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce “the chance of his life” could have haunted him forever and we would be wondering if he would ever get over it – but he did, just 40 seconds later to set up Robbie Brady for the winner.
A move outside the UK may suit Hoolahan better, but whether he is willing to make the move at this stage of his career remains to be seen.
4. Shane Duffy (Blackburn Rovers)
Martin O’Neill said Duffy looked like a defender that had played over 30 internationals when praising his performance against Italy, with the Derry native showing plenty of composure on the biggest night of his career.
It’s not just Duffy’s defensive qualities that would attract potential suitors, he also offers a constant threat from set-pieces in the opposition’s box too, as he displayed against Italy on Wednesday, showing he’s not afraid to attack the ball.
The former Everton youth player struggled to establish at Goodison Park, but has been a fan favourite at Ewood Park after making 60 league appearances in the last two seasons – more than the rest of his career combined.
The 24-year-old has already caught the eye of Crystal Palace but the Eagles could have a fight on their hands if they want to sign the Irish defender.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!