Cathal O'Sullivan and Co. have shown they 'belong' after stepping up to Ireland U21s

Irish Examiner

2 days ago

The young talents that exist within the League of Ireland have become integral to Jim Crawford's Republic of Ireland under-21 set-up of late.
With a substantial chunk of his current squad actively playing for or having progressed through the ranks at domestic clubs, that is no different this time around.
The three latest to graduate to this level while still plying their trade on these shores are Cork City starlet Cathal O'Sullivan, Shamrock Rovers' Cory O'Sullivan and Drogheda United's Warren Davis.
Much like Spurs-bound wonderkid Mason Melia - who misses out through injury - and more before the St Patrick's Athletic front-man, they've not only fit right in at under-21 international level, they "belong" at the standard.
Crawford has testified to that, having seen the trio up close and personal in Zagreb ahead of their meetings with Croatia on Friday and Qatar under-23s next week.
"They've been great, they really have been," Ireland boss Crawford said. "It's been no issue to them, they haven't looked out of place and I think what they've said, without them knowing, is: 'I belong here.'
"I've said it to Cathal. Last year when he was playing in the First Division, I thought he was outstanding and then when they got promoted, I said 'great', He has that taste now of being in a league-winning team so now it's going to be a serious challenge at Cork City, knowing the resources that they have regards budgets.
"Are they going to be at the top of the table? No, so it was going to be a challenge for him and it was one that I was certainly excited to see and he's grabbed it with both hands, he's been excellent, he really has. He's exciting crowds, the way he plays, and I'm excited to see him playing for us."
Outside - and inside - noise on the 18-year-old's ability and his potential going forward has been rife. His departure to England is now a case of when, not if, with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace closing in.
Former City boss Tim Clancy previously referenced the €2 million fee garnered for Melia, noting that the City winger would be worth five times that amount. Current teammate Seani Maguire recently dubbed him "the best teenager in the country".
With that aforementioned noise comes a need for a cool head and a focus on the day-to-day goings on. Crawford is in no doubt as to O'Sullivan's credentials in that regard.
"He's a very level-headed chap, which is hugely important with all that noise that goes on when somebody is playing well. I've seen it with players, where players lose the run of themselves with all that external stuff coming from social media, or from other people around the game.
"He's a well-balanced individual... He's played some big games for Cork and he's been excellent, he really has. He works exceptionally hard on the training ground, there's no airs and graces about him."
If O'Sullivan has shone for City at the wrong end of the table, his namesake Cory O'Sullivan (19) at Rovers, and Davis (20) - scoring at will up-top for high-flying Drogs - have done equally as well in the upper echelons of the Premier Division.
"Cory, for somebody so young, playing with the top team in the league and looking so comfortable, he's been excellent. It's when you get up close to him and have a conversation, you realise how young he is, but he certainly plays with a maturity and a know-how that merits his inclusion.
"Warren's been having a great year. He knows that he's at a stage where this will help him develop even more. What I love about him is his hunger to become a better player; he's worked tirelessly. It's been a great season for him so far.
"The lads have represented the league unbelievably well," Crawford concluded.