IRISH YOUNGSTERS KAMERON Ledwidge and Nathan Collins have both been included in The Guardian’s Next Generation 2017 series, their annual focus on the 20 best young players in the Premier League to watch out for.
Tommy Dickson / INPHO
Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO
The 16-year-old duo are both defenders with Ledwidge plying his trade with Southampton while Collins plays for Stoke City. In May, they were both in action for Ireland in the European U17 Championship in Croatia, exiting at the hands of England with a 1-0 loss at the quarter-final stage.
Ledwidge was formerly with Dublin club St Kevin’s Boys, which has produced current Irish senior internationals Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick, along with Irish soccer great Liam Brady.
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Ireland's Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick. Tommy Dickson / INPHO
Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO
Collins continues a rich family tradition with his father David and uncle Eamonn both having featured in the European Youth Championships for Ireland. He joined Stoke in June after previously featuring for Cherry Orchard in Dublin.
The series has been successful previously when it comes to crystal ball gazing. In 2014 Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford was signaled as one to watch with Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold included in 2015.
Ben Woodburn hits the net for Wales. PA Wire / PA Images
PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images
Last year Liverpool striker Ben Woodburn was a notable selection. Last month he made his senior debut for Ireland’s World Cup qualifying group opponents Wales and netted the crucial goal in their 1-0 win over Austria.
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Two Irish youngsters selected in list of young Premier League talents to watch
IRISH YOUNGSTERS KAMERON Ledwidge and Nathan Collins have both been included in The Guardian’s Next Generation 2017 series, their annual focus on the 20 best young players in the Premier League to watch out for.
The 16-year-old duo are both defenders with Ledwidge plying his trade with Southampton while Collins plays for Stoke City. In May, they were both in action for Ireland in the European U17 Championship in Croatia, exiting at the hands of England with a 1-0 loss at the quarter-final stage.
Ledwidge was formerly with Dublin club St Kevin’s Boys, which has produced current Irish senior internationals Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick, along with Irish soccer great Liam Brady.
Collins continues a rich family tradition with his father David and uncle Eamonn both having featured in the European Youth Championships for Ireland. He joined Stoke in June after previously featuring for Cherry Orchard in Dublin.
Previous Irish players to feature on the list include Bournemouth’s Gavin Kilkenny in 2016, while Aston Villa’s James Finnerty and Crystal Palace player Kian Flanagan made the cut in 2015.
The series has been successful previously when it comes to crystal ball gazing. In 2014 Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford was signaled as one to watch with Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold included in 2015.
Last year Liverpool striker Ben Woodburn was a notable selection. Last month he made his senior debut for Ireland’s World Cup qualifying group opponents Wales and netted the crucial goal in their 1-0 win over Austria.
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COYBIG Kameron Ledwidge Nathan Collins Premier League Ireland Republic Southampton Stoke City