WAITING FOR ANNOUNCEMENT
Yes, at the moment most sporting bodies are waiting for the government’s paper on living with Covid-19. When this is announced then maybe the league can plan something going forward. At the moment we are all guessing as to what can happen.
No doubt with some lifting of level 5 after March we all my have a better idea on where we are going.
When one looks at the weather over the last number of weeks and the amount of rain that has fallen we could not have played many games. This again has brought up the subject of calendar football and no doubt we will hear more on this once the lockdown is over and most people will have received the vaccine. Maybe then will we see everyone going back on the fields and games taking place. We are going to remain positive looking ahead.
IRISH STARS
Last week we mentioned some young Irish players who may or may not advance to the Irish squad. No doubt Stephen Kenny will be keeping an eye on these players.
A player I did mention last week who seems to be heading for stardom is Derby County’s Jason Knight. Captain of Derby, Jason was wanted by five Premier League teams prior to transfer deadline day. Derby did not let him go.
Aaron McEneff of Shamrock Rovers has joined Hearts of Scotland, a big boost for Rovers’ coffers, around €200,000. Defender Nathan Collins of Stoke City is another player in demand at the moment. The Potters (Stoke) have an asking price of €16.5 million.
Brian Barry Murphy has signed Conor Shaughnessy, the Galway boy has joined at least six other Irish players.
Aaron Connolly, after a very bright start, is now finding it hard to get a start for Brighton and Hove Albion. Hopefully this will change in the second half of the season.
Robbie Brady is back again for Burnley and again he will be looking to get back to his best form. Speaking of Burnley, Kevin Long is on the first team panel but his game time is short.
To finish I go to Liverpool and Corkman goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. He has done very well in his games to date but it’s hard to see him getting in front of Alisson.
Next week we will look at the first team players and how they are doing before once again we go back to our young boys. Then what about Celtic, a club with a big Irish following. Where do they go from here?
MICK DOING WELL
Yes indeed he is. The Mick I speak about is Mick McCarthy, who has taken over as Cardiff boss and what a turnaround Mick has made inside a month. Four wins and two draws in his first six games. A great start and if Mick can keep getting results then it may be back to the Premier League for Mick and Cardiff.
THE BLUES
The Blues are still signing players and have made some terrific new signings, with more to come. It does look like games will take place behind closed doors. This will be a shame but it’s hard to see fans being allowed in until August at the earliest. Then again, things can change fast and with another vaccine on the way in March then we could yet see some good news coming our way.