Rocco Vata

No, they're not related. But all three of them trace their routes back to the same town in Albania - Shkodar.

Edited by You Tell Me - 07 Jul 2022 at 10:49pm

Apparently they're not actually related - it was wrongly reported that they were cousins in a newspaper article once and the story grew legs from there. But seemingly that's not the case.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/kevin-zefi/profil/spieler/741225

Not disputing the assertion they are not cousins but interestingly Transfermarkt seem to think that Zefi has another footballing cousin in Sergio Kalaj, an Italy born, Albanian under 21 centre half at Frosinone. It was widely reported he had family in Italy.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergio_Kalaj

t_rAndy wrote:

Eoink21 wrote:

kevin100 wrote:

Same applies to Ferizaj and Zefi Albania wont be nice about it they will be ruthless in there quests to get all 3 lads on board with them long term.

See Broja for this brought him straight into the senior fold before he even made an appearance outside kids football!

All 3 boys playing for us now that's all you can ask for. Pointless worrying about it after that. Be interesting to see will this rear it's head if Albania get to Euro 2024. All 3 boys look like coming up to men's football at a young age 3 fantastic prospects!

Have a look at Ferizaj's father's Twitter. He is absolutely flat with the tri colours. Similar to Vata, these guys are part of relatively successful teams and have embraced playing for Ireland.

https://twitter.com/ALTINFERIZAJ7?t=IBXyPTCuxC9EtwVzxec8-Q&s=09

I dont have any worries about Ferizaj or Zefi, they are born and bred in ireland and look two of our best prospects.

Vata is a bit different in that he is born and raised in Scotland, his dad was captain of Albania and the pull of ireland might not therefore be as strong.

I see no reason to have any worries about any of the 3 as this stage. All happy to play for us currently. It is something to bare in mind long term.

3 fantastic prospects anyways lucky to have them. I would agree that Ferizaj would be the least likely of the 3 to have his head turned

They've got a qualification group in Wales during the international window in September for the 2023 finals - it's for players born after 1/1/04.

Group 4 (21–27 September): Republic of Ireland, Hungary, Wales (hosts), Gibraltar.

Top two go through to the elite phase in spring 2023 but they'd want to be winning that group to get a better draw for the elite round and a better chance to make the finals.

Finals are in Malta next summer so the heat probably wouldn't suit our lads if we got there.

Good win for the lads against the local pub team. Big game next week against the lads from the Dog and Duck inn.

J89 wrote:

Good win for the lads against the local pub team. Big game next week against the lads from the Dog and Duck inn.

Good to see him on the first team bench tonight.

First time in the league anyway.