Euro glee can coax in talent
JOE REDMOND believes the League of Ireland could attract high-level foreign talent if sides keep producing in Europe.
The St Pat’s captain is on a high after the Saints held their nerve in a penalty shootout in Slovenia to knock Mura out of the Europa Conference League (below).
Mura beat Tottenham in the group stage last November but were second best against St Pat’s over two legs.
Tim Clancy’s men now face Bulgarian giants CSKA Sofia away next Thursday, while Sligo Rovers go to Viking FK of Norway after sending Motherwell packing.
Shamrock Rovers are still the Irish side likely to go deepest into Europe when they host Shkupi of North Macedonia in the Europa League on Thursday.
But Redmond feels this week’s results can help retain players after the recent talent drain - and potentially attract some from outside.
The Saints skipper, who slotted home the Inchicore club’s decisive penalty, said: “The performances have shown how good the standard in the league is.
“It’s showing in the attendances and puts out a statement for the league.
“European competition entices players into the league. If you go to a lower league club in England you don’t get this exposure to European football.
“It’s a whole different level that players can learn so much from and we all learned a lot from Thursday night.”
Redmond, who only made his European debut in last week’s home leg, was coolness personified, sticking away his penalty.
And he said: “I knew where I was going with it and wanted to hit it hard and hoped the keeper would dive across the way. Thankfully he did and we won the shootout. I’ve never been involved in a game that’s been that long.”