Watford
Tommie Hoban – Age: 21 Position: Centre-half
A REGULAR NOEL King’s Ireland U21s team, Tommie Hoban is a product of Watford’s youth set-up having joined them from Arsenal as a 15-year-old, and made 30 appearances last season as they clinched automatic promotion by finishing second in the Championship.
The London-born defender, who qualifies for Ireland through his Dublin mother and his paternal grandparents, has been monitored by Martin O’Neill in recent times and a promising maiden campaign in the top flight would almost certainly earn him a place in the senior set-up.
Connor Smith - Age: 22 Position: Midfielder
After finishing runner-up on Sky One reality TV show Football’s Next Star, the Mullingar native was signed by the Hornets in 2010. Also capped at U21 level for Ireland, Smith made his Watford senior debut in 2012 and spent the second half of 2013-14 on loan at Gillingham in order to gain experience.
Didn’t make a single first team appearance last season, but will be hoping to play his way into new manager Quique Sanchez Flores’ plans after scoring in the Spaniard’s first game in charge.
“Everyone’s got a clean slate, so hopefully if I do well enough the gaffer will take notice and give me more opportunities and minutes in pre-season,” he said after that 4-0 win over St Albans.
Rene Gilmartin - Age: 28 Position: Goalkeeper
Fans of the League of Ireland will know the name Rene Gilmartin from his brief spell at St Patrick’s Athletic in 2013-14. The Dubliner saw 45 minutes of league action for the Saints and made nine appearances in total before rejoining Watford — where he had previously spent two seasons.
Gilmartin now finds himself as back-up to first choice goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes after signing a new two-year deal in June and being handed the number 13 shirt for the season ahead.
Sean Murray - Age: 21 Position: Midfielder
Sean Murray made a name for his himself as ‘the next big thing’ to come out of Watford after bursting onto the scene as a fresh-faced 18-year-old in 2011-12. He scored seven goals in 19 appearances from midfield that year and enjoyed an even more regular run in the team two seasons ago, but was restricted to just nine in all competitions last term.
Eligible for Ireland through the ‘Granny Rule’ and an U21 international, Murray has been farmed out to Wigan on an initial one-month loan deal.
Bournemouth
Harry Arter - Age: 25 Position: Midfielder
Former Charlton youth academy player Arter was one of Bournemouth’s most consistent performers with nine goals and four assists as they surprised more than a few by clinching the Championship title.
He also caught the eye of Martin O’Neill and made his senior Ireland debut in the 0-0 friendly draw against England at the Aviva Stadium. Sadly, he also picked up hip and groin injuries during that game and is a doubt for the Cherries’ first top flight fixture — a home match against Aston Villa this Saturday.
Eunan O’Kane - Age: 25 Position: Midfielder
The Derryman has found his way to the promised land with Bournemouth via Everton, Coleraine and Torquay United and is now aiming to seize the opportunity by forcing his way into the starting line-up, having made a total of 17 appearances last season (11 Championship, 4 Capital One Cup, 2 FA Cup).
Again, regular Premier League football could lead to him following in the footsteps of Arter and receiving an Ireland call-up.
Norwich
Wes Hoolahan - Age: 33 Position: Attacking midfield
By now, we’re all well aware of what Wes Hoolahan brings to the table. The Dubliner endured a difficult time at Norwich in the lead-up to and following their relegation in 2014 after the club prevented him from joining Aston Villa.
However, he was an ever-present in the Canaries team last season as they earned promotion through the play-offs and is sure to be a key player again.
Robbie Brady - Age: 23 Position: Left-back/left wing
Ex-Manchester United youngster Brady made further strides in his development last season — emerging as Ireland’s first choice left-back and one of the few players who could hold his head high despite Hull’s relegation.
In a time when Ireland possess fewer and fewer players holding down positions at Premier League clubs, it was encouraging to see his move to Norwich in the summer and hopefully he can kick on again.
