Michael Skubala will take charge of his last League One game as Lincoln City boss tomorrow at Port Vale, knowing there is still a bit to be decided, not least for Jack Moylan.
There is an unbeaten run to extend to 29 games, a divisional record. George Wickens is vying with Filip Marschall for the Golden Glove award, and internally, Jack Moylan and Reeco Hackett are vying for the Golden Boot.
Both have been eye-catching this season, but Moylan is the name on everyone’s lips right now. The 24-year-old has been in sensational form, and recently, Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson has been to the Bank to cast an eye over him.
Ireland have a friendly with Grenada on May 16th, then another against Qatar on May 28th, matches that could see Moylan get his first call-up. The squad is due on Tuesday, and Moylan is widely expected to be called up, according to the Irish press.
Speculation was rife he could make the wider squad for their last game, the World Cup Play-Off, and having failed that, he’s now in line for the friendlies.
Michael Skubala believes Moyaln deserves the call up, based on his heroics with the Imps.
“Well, for him personally, a really proud Irishman who would love to play for his country, I think he deserves it,” he said in his pre-match press conference.
“I think he deserves a call. I think he’s been exceptional since he’s come back in from his injuries. So, I think we’d all be very proud of him. I think his family would be very proud of him.”
Of course, everyone would be proud, supporters as well as his family and colleagues, but if he does get a call-up, it won’t be a token gesture. Ireland have players of significant standing, and it is unusual for a League One player to make their squad, but if anyone has earned it this season, it is Moylan, as Michael explained.
“I think he’s earned it. It’s not being given to him. I think if you look at his journey with us and before, if anybody’s earned a call-up to their national team, I think it’s Jack Moylan.”
Moylan has 11 goals and five assists this season for the Imps, including the winning goal at Reading, which sparked the famous ‘Moylan, Championship’ commentary, which still gives Imps goosebumps. He is set to be honoured in the city next week, as he’s been included on a mural being prepared at the Treaty of Commerce pub celebrating Lincoln City heroes throughout the ages.
Could we see him take that adoration to the international stage?
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