Scored a lovely goal this evening on his home debut for Latvia. They have few decent wingers so he will be a big part of the team in the future. A great night for him and Bohs!
Interesting words from the manager on Thursday. Only being released today due to media embargo I would presume.
Any word on what the transfer fee would roughly be if he goes?
Yes Anderlecht have European football whereas Strasbourg don’t, but it seems an odd move on the surface.
Maybe a falling out with Strasbourg managment?
Hi all, thought it would be interesting to post an update on how some lesser-known Irish players (yet still in the realm of international contention at some level) are doing so far this season.
1. Armstrong Okoflex
After winning the league with Levski Sofia last season, Okoflex has continued his good form with Bulgaria's biggest club with a goal or assist roughly every 80 minutes so far this season. He will also be playing Europa League football this year and will play against the likes of AC Milan.
- 4 goals in 7 league games
- 2 goals in CL qualifiers (albeit against Borac, whom Shamrock Rovers beat 3-0 in 2024)
2. Callum O'Dowda
Already an established international dating back to the days of Martin O'Neill, O'Dowda made a move to the continent after Cardiff City's relegation at the end of the 24/25 season. Since joining Ferencvaros, O'Dowda has enjoyed regular minutes at LB, LWB, and LM in both league and European competitions. Despite Robbie Keane's recent departure, O'Dowda looks to be more than happy to stay (and play!) in Hungary.
- 1 goal against Salah's Trazbonspor in Europa League qualifying last week.
- Will play Europa League football once again this season
3. Matteo Egan
The 18-year-old Ireland U19 international has started the season well with Empoli, albeit in Serie B. While the standard of football isn't fantastic, he will get plenty of minutes and first-team football this year at both RB and RWB. Plus, with Sam Curtis playing at a comparable level in League One, it wouldn't be a surprise if he makes an U21 squad sometime this year.
- 1 assist in 3 Serie B games
4. John Patrick (yes, I know)
The one cap wonder more or less dissappeared from international relevency following Stade Reims' relegation at the end of the 24/25 season, and has endured a tough spell with the club since. Not that he was exactly a groundbreaking player, but to be fair any midfielder will catch the eyes of Irish fans. Fittingly, Patrick was awarded with his first start of the season today with Reims as they look to return to Ligue 1. The club are 2nd in Ligue 2 however it is still very early in the season.
5. Anselmo Garcia MacNulty
MacNulty suffered an injury towards the end of last season, otherwise he would have likely been involved for the Qatar/Canada camp. The 23-year-old had a very solid few years with Zwolle, before making the move for the 2. Bundesliga with Magdeburg this summer. While at first glance a sideways move, Magdeburg will be challenging for promotion to the Bundesliga, and MacNulty could be playing in Germany's top flight this time next year. Plus, he'd be on significantly more money than in Holland so fair play.
After a horrorshow first game, Magdeburg have won their last three without conceding a goal -- with MacNulty playing nearly every minute.
Honourable Mentions
Alex Murphy is now playing with Kaiserslauturn on loan from Newcastle, and will also be looking to help his club return to the German top flight.
Aaron Ochoa Maloney would have been another Irishman to play in LaLiga this season along with Troy Parrott had it not been for a freak miniscus injury. He will be out until December at worst, but will be hopefully be playing plenty in the new year (Malaga have signed him on until 2029 so no worries about him getting turfed aside... yet).
Hi all -
I was just wondering earlier today how some "supporter-owned" clubs are able to survive financially, especially in the First Division -- the likes of Wexford, Harps, etc.
Between gate reciepts and members dues, it doesn't seem like much at all. Not to mention prize money for league placement and cup runs are very low (in the thousands).
Between him and Owen Elding, Sligo have done well selling strikers to Scotland 😂
Probably the most frustrated I’ve felt after a game in years. We give away a stupid penalty and then miss an open goal like twice. In true Wexford form, we miss a golden opportunity and receive a red card in the span of thirty seconds.
Personally I don’t think we’ve a chance at the playoffs unless we get something from Cork next week, which will be a tall ask based on the last two games anyway…