With the publication of the senior and academy levels’ released and retained lists in recent weeks, the Owls have already indicated alterations. It indicates that both the more junior teams and the top end will be busy with efforts to bolster the first squad.
When talking about the plans of new academy chief Jonathan Pepper, first team manager Danny Röhl stated that new ideas for recruiting younger players had been put forth at Middlewood Road.
In light of this, Wednesday-supporting analyst @TWFootball1867 has selected a number of the most talented young players from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland who the Owls may find useful. In recent years, championship clubs have had considerable success bringing in young players from across the Irish Sea, and the team already has two promising possibilities in Killian Barrett and Gabriel Otegbayo.
TW has identified 13 promising young players from the island of Ireland, some of whom are currently being considered by EFL teams.
Vinnie Leonard – Dundalk – CB – 17
Following a successful preseason playing for his nation at the U17 level, the Republic of Ireland youth international has made an impact for Dundalk. Leonard is gaining attention throughout the United Kingdom and will soon make his journey across the Irish Sea. This season, he has a strong defensive record and averages 60 passes per game as a center-half. With an early move, Wednesday could outperform the competition.
Daithí McCallion – Ballymena United – CB – 20
Last season, McCallion made more than 30 appearances in the Northern Irish Premier League. McCallion is displaying promise as a ball-carrying center-half by averaging a growing number of runs every game. His remarkable 7 interceptions per 90 provide as evidence of his ability to read the game.
Zach Nolan – Bray Wanderers – LB – 19
The adolescent left back fits the data profile of Sunderland full-back Trai Hume, who won a promotion. He has a powerful tackle game, winning more than 71% of defensive duels, making a lot of interceptions, and contributing to attacks. According to rumors, Nolan is looking for a team in England after turning down a contract because the League of Ireland ended at the beginning of the year. Bray offered to give the child a new contract, but a minor compensation money would be required. Shall Wednesday look into it?
Cathal O’Sullivan – Cork City – FWD – 17
The left-footed wonderkid has just been selected for the Republic of Ireland U21s and has caught the attention over the previous two seasons at Cork. Making his debut last season at the youthful age of just 16, the prodigy went on to score seven goals in his breakout campaign. With four assists since the league’s inception in February, he has had a strong start to the season for Cork. There are rumors that Crystal Palace is considering a relocation.
Gareth McElroy – Sligo Rovers – CB – 17
Sligo, who began the Irish Premiership in February, has seen the 17-year-old center-back start 12 of 14 games this season. He leads the League of Ireland in blocks per game with over two per 90 and has the most clearances per 90, with eight. The young player enjoys defending, and his 39 passes per game demonstrate his confidence with the ball. According to the Good Friday Agreement, players must be 18 years old to move from the Republic of Ireland to the UK, but a pre-contract agreement can be made before then.
Kaylem Harnett – Wexford – Several positions – 18
Three seasons ago, at the age of 15, the newly turned eighteen-year-old earned his Irish First Division debut. Playing as a utility man in a number of positions, including striker, right-back, winger, and central midfielder, the young player has gained a great deal of experience during that time. With 40 effective passes per game, two progressive runs, three dribbles, and three interceptions per 90, Harnett has started every game this season and is undoubtedly prepared for a move up. Could the Owls give him a look now that he’s old enough to be moved under the Good Friday Agreement?
Christopher Atherton – Glenavon – RM – 16
Last season, the 16-year-old Northern Irish kid played in 23 games and accrued 1,700 minutes while juggling his academic obligations. The nimble winger, who wasn’t 17 until later in the year, finished the previous season with two goals and four assists (the NI league runs August to May). With five dribbles every game, of which more than half are successful, the child will soon be gaining notice. In Northern Ireland, no such Good Friday Agreement is necessary.
Gideon Tetteh – Athlone Town – Winger – 19
With an average of eight dribbles per game, which is among the highest in Irish football, the League of Ireland teenage winger is full of tricks. What’s more impressive is that more than half of them are successful. The Ghanaian also doesn’t hesitate to work hard against the ball, averaging four recoveries per game and an xG higher than his goals output. Tetteh’s data shows a player with a lot of potential who could flourish with some coaching.
James Douglas – Glentoran – CM – 19
Last year, the towering teenager played 29 games in the Northern Irish Premier League. The teenager has an eye for breaking down play from the middle of the park, as evidenced by his eight defensive duels per game, four interceptions, and eight recoveries. acting older than his years.
Victor Ozhianvuna – Shamrock Rovers – WB – 16
With ten appearances from the bench this season, the just turned 16-year-old is making a breakthrough in the Irish Premier Division. The tape supports the tremendous output in the cameos. The speedy, wide player, who is confident on both feet, averages four progressive runs per 90 and four dribbles with a remarkable 70% accuracy rate. The adolescent will undoubtedly become well-known around the Irish Sea after landing a major part soon.
Sean Keogh – Dundalk – LB – 19
With eight defensive duels a game, 5.5 interceptions, and 12 recoveries, the teenage left-back also fits the Trai Hume profile. He also poses an offensive threat with four progressive runs per 90, four dribbles, and three crosses per game. The tape is easy on the eye. Capped by the Republic of Ireland at underage level, he is another who will undoubtedly make the trip over the water shortly.
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