By:
Mark Hendry
Luca Connell is a Republic of Ireland star in waiting, says Barnsley striker Andy Dallas.
The Tykes captain has become one of the key players for his club in recent seasons since making the permanent move from Celtic in 2022.
Connell was named player of the year in 2023 and before that was young player of the year for the club.
Since that period of time the 24-year-old has only gone from strength to strength.
Barnsley are enjoying a decent season so far in League One and Connell has been at the heart.
All good things seem to run through the midfielder and teammate Andy Dallas reckons he’s a star.
Dallas – currently on loan at Southend – has known since he arrived that Connell is vital to how the club play.
But it is more about leading by example on the pitch where Connell shines as opposed to being the ranting and raving type.
Luca Connell tipped for Republic of Ireland call-up
It seems to work for the Republic of Ireland under-21 star and his efforts have caught the eye of Dallas and others.
“I’m not surprised by how well he’s doing,” Dallas told Pundit Arena exclusively about his pal who has played 24 times this term so far in all competitions, scoring twice.
“I watched him play in a pre-season friendly against Rangers and their full first team.
“He was the best player on the pitch that day.
“He is quite unassuming as a player but he’s got a great left foot and always takes the ball.
“He likes to break lines with forward passing and he has played in a few big games.
“Luca has never seemed too fazed by it all and he takes it in his stride being a captain at a young age playing in playoff semis and finals.”
But what is Connell like off the pitch?
“Well, he’s one of the guys who drives standards every day,” Dallas added.
“Never in a negative way, he knows how to get the best out of his teammates.
“He has the respect of all the boys and that’s just through being a good professional.”
Ireland face Czechia in the World Cup playoff semi-final in March and Connell may well have one eye on a call-up.
His form with Barnsley at Oakwell will surely, at least, have him in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s thoughts.
For Dallas, the ex-Rangers youngster is convinced Connell can make the jump to the full international scene.
And he hopes his mate is given the chance.
“Can he play for Ireland? Yeah, definitely,” Dallas added.
“He has played over 100 games in League One as captain of one of the biggest clubs in the league.
“He was also named in the team of the season at 22.
“It might potentially be a surprise to a few fans (if he did get call-up) who don’t keep an eye on EFL football.
“But to all coaches and players he has worked with or played against, I don’t think many would be surprised.”
Could Connell play Premier League level?
Connell is destined for big things having skippered a big club from such a young age.
But Dallas won’t be urging him to jump ship any time soon.
The 26-year-old does, however, feel the Irishman will eventually move on to bigger things down the line.
“I think that’s up to him.
“Captaining a massive team in League One and hopefully getting an Ireland call-up will mean the list of teams after him will only get bigger.”
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