Rocco Vata

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 PaddyMaddenIsCounty! wrote:

Early breakthrough at 17/18 no garuntee of successful career, likes Jason Gavin, Keith Foy, Michael Keane (Preston), Billy Clarke, Owen Garvan etc didn’t get a cap between them despite early breakthrough at PL/CH level at 17/18. Further back to Andy Turner/Willie Boland. Always been teenagers breaking through, easier in 90s with less European places and less to play for majority of teams so always saw few players get run out towards end of season. Now with more money and more at stake only elite young players getting a game especially when lot to play for right up to last games. I think our young players are way behind in S&C compared to other 16/18 yrs olds who have been in their clubs academies and sub academies from 5/6 years old is the issue. They are playing catch up and their bodies not handling it. Similar to original Ronaldo, change of diet and more intense training meant his muscles and body grew at a faster pace in a short time frame and and his knee couldn’t cope with extra mass and caused his so much issues.

Ireland had much stronger midfield options during the time that those players were making their way in the game. Owen Garvan world be on multiple caps if he came through today.

No way was it easier in the 90's. The game was more physical. Players are much more protected now. Less aerial duels, slide tackles, etc. If anything, more European places means that teams need to have bigger squads to manage the extra games and fixture congestion. Connor Coventry got some games at West Ham last season because of their Europa Conference League involvement.

Nearly every good Irish international over the past 20-30 years has been involved with senior football from an early age. There will be the occasional later bloomer like Wes Hoolahan who was at least playing senior football in Ireland at 19. 