
Two young Lincoln City players have been called up to represent Ireland Under 21 as they face Gabon, Ukraine and Kuwait in June.
There’s little surprise that Sean Roughan is on the list. The 19-year-old has had a solid season in Imps colours, and is currently reviewing his options for the future as he’s come to the end of his current contract. Any club wanting to take him on would have to pay a good six-figure compensation sum, and each Ireland call-up helps as it is likely to inflate a potential transfer fee further.
Roughan appeared 40 times for City last season, coming off the back of a successful spell playing for Drogheda in Ireland. He bagged a couple of goals, one a super finish at Accrington, and many felt he could form part of our first XI this season, playing on the left side of defence. His form led to him being capped twice for the Under 21s, and his further inclusion is proof of his potential and reputation in the Irish game.

The second player to be called up is a new cap, and it’s our January capture, Dylan Duffy. 20-year-old Duffy appeared three times for Shamrock Rovers before moving to UCD in 2022, where he impressed us enough to sign him in the winter window. It was felt, at least by supporters, that he was one for the future, but he clearly impressed Mark Kennedy in training and got his debut as a late sub away at Fleetwood. He made his first start as we drew at home with Barnsley and then got the first goal in an impressive 2-0 win away at Wycombe.
He’s called into the squad for the first time, which is huge for us. We’re being linked with young players from Ireland, and we can prove a track record of helping them progress on the international stage. Zack Elbouzedi and Anthony Scully are two more players from the Emerald Isle who earned international honours at some level under us, as has Oisin Gallagher in recent months. With Duffy achieving that feat after joining us, it shines a positive light on the development Lincoln City can offer these exciting young stars.
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