By:
Conor Martin
Chelsea-bound Liam Delap could soon be following his dad Rory’s footsteps in pulling on an Ireland jersey.
Delap impressed for Ipswich Town last season and was one of the handful of bright talents in the Tractor Boys’ squad as they failed to beat the drop.
The 22-year old made 37 appearances in the top-flight in 24-25, scoring 12 times and picked up two assists.
Following his successful season on a personal note, the youngster is set to move to Chelsea after the Stamford Bridge triggered his £30 million release clause.
Chelsea target Liam Delap has a decision to make
Winchester-born Delap has underage international experience, having played for England at U16-U21 level. The reaction to his breakthrough season saw calls for him to be called up to the England senior team in the near future.
Those shouts are likely to get louder should Delap sign for the Londoners and make an instant impact in SW6.
In contrast to the English side, Ireland have underachieved on the international stage in recent years. The Republic’s last tournament outing was back in Euro 2016.
Stephen Kenny’s reign was a naive disaster and now it’s up to Heimir Hallgrimsson to steady the green ship at last.
There is also a vast difference in the quality of the two countries, so it wouldn’t be hard to blame Delap if he chose to stick with his native England.
Discussions with Ireland manager
However, Hallgrimsson has admitted there have been discussions with Delap about ditching the Three Lions for the Boys in Green.
“Liam has good qualities; everybody knows that,” said Hallgrimsson, speaking to the media in Dublin on Thursday.
“His father played for the Republic. Obviously, we are always hoping the good players will join us. He is now in the England U-21 squad in the [Euros] finals.
“That is his focus at the moment. What will happen after that we will have to wait and see.
“We have sat with him yeah,” added the manager. “Just told him we would love to have him in our camp. But, like I said, the focus in the England U-21s.”
Naturally conversation turned to whether or not the young striker showed any interest in playing for Ireland. Which was met with a chuckle from the Icelandic manager: “Well, he didn’t say f*** off.”
Laughter aside Hallgrimsson is aware only Delap can decide his international allegiance. But should Delap opt to play for Ireland we could see other players of similar skill, ability and background follow in his footsteps.
It would certainly increase the appeal of playing for the national side and that could be the shot in the arm Irish football needs if Hallgrimsson is to help make Ireland a respected force on the international stage once again.
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