MARTIN O’NEILL HAS emphasised the importance of the League of Ireland, while praising Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers, who made the bench for Ireland’s friendly with Holland last night.
While no active member of the league has represented the Boys in Green since then-Cork City midfielder Joe Gamble in 2007, O’Neill acknowledged the vital role domestic football plays as a breeding ground for young talent.
“When I came into the squad a couple of years ago, I think there were nine in the squad at that time who’d come through the League of Ireland — that’s not bad at all
For instance, Gary Rogers came in and has had a great couple of days for us. He was excellent in training session yesterday where the goalkeepers were being stretched to the limit.”
O’Neill added, jokingly: “He lied about his age. He told me he was 21… He didn’t, that’s not true. I don’t want him suing me. He told me the truth — 49 (in case you’re actually wondering, Rogers is 34).
“I bet he’s disappointed that he didn’t get on the pitch tonight, but he got his shirt.”
And while Gamble’s record remains intact for now, O’Neill hinted that another player from the league could get a chance at some point.
I think the league itself is still very important, and there’s always the possibility of people being able to come through.
“I work on the assumption that if some of the League of Ireland managers say to me ‘such and such a person is really worthwhile,’ there’ll be one of us going over to look at (them), and I’m sure there’ll be one or two who’ll come through in the next year.”
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