Calls for Jack Moylan to be involved in the Ireland squad are growing after his outstanding season for the Imps.
Moylan, the first Imp to get to ten league goals this season, has been the catalyst for our outstanding form of late. He made his League One return from injury in the last game we lost, coming on at half-time against Wycombe with us 2-0 down, and saw us win the second half, 2-1.
Since then, we haven’t been beaten, and the magic man was thought to be on a long list for Ireland inclusion ahead of their recent failed World Cup qualifiers. Now, they’re set to put together a squad for a training camp ahead of the World Cup, with games against Grenada, Qatar and Canada in May.
Keith Treacy, a former Ireland international who played for Blackburn, Preston and Burnley, believes that Moylan should be called up for the friendlies and training camp.
“I would like Jack Moylan to come in,” he told the RTÉ Soccer Podcast.
“Lincoln have obviously gone straight up. He’s had a brilliant season, ten goals and four assists.
“League of Ireland fans will know him from his time at Shelbourne. And this is not me saying ‘Jack needs to be in the starting XI for Ireland and he’s the one moving forward’.”
The camp is unlikely to feature League of Ireland players, so it’s likely those on the fringes of the squad, or having breakout seasons from England and other countries, will get the nod. With Moylan thought to be in manager Heimir Hallgrímsson’s thoughts prior to the Czechia defeat, he is surely one who deserves recognition.
“I think there are certain players throughout a season who might not be on the radar,” added Treacy. “This is the time to pat them on the back and say, ‘We are having a look at you, you are in our plans. Although you might not be the number one, come in, have a look behind the curtain, we want to have a look at you as well’.
“This would be a big pat on the back. He’ll be playing Championship football next season, it’ll be another big step up.”
Indeed, it will be a step up for Moylan, but he pairs his skill and ability with a good, honest work rate, never one to shirk a tackle or to wander back when an attack breaks down. Those attributes are surely going to see him impress in the Championship, but why not on the international stage as well?