Josh Cullen could not be doing more to impress Manuel Pellegrini even with the close season in full swing and it being as quiet as it gets.
The midfielder – having produced a great season at Charlton on loan which saw the south Londoners win the League One play off final against Sunderland – could soon be making a big impression on the international scene.
Cullen is desperate to stay at the Irons and get a first team place having been recalled to the club with the prospect and with a big pre-season ahead which is likely to include a trip to the Asia Cup in Hong Kong.
And with midfield being an area the manager is looking at he must have a chance although he face from very stiff competition from those in the squad and with the possibility of new players arriving.
However, his international boss Mick McCarthy has been talking him up in a big way and the boy can’t be without a chance given the obvious progress he has been making over the last year.
Cullen still has to make his full international debut after 17 Republic under 21 appearances and McCarthy said: “”Josh Cullen has been excellent and has made a valid case to get a game
“But you could argue that the midfield has been as good as any party of the team with the likes of Glen Whelan and Conor Hourihane and Jeff [Hendrick] doing well.
“He’s making a case for himself against some really good players, he’s impressed everybody.”
Captain Seamus Coleman added: “He’s been different class, he is just very brave wants to get the ball back and pass it forward, he has been impressive and he’s a great lad around the camp as well.
“Hopefully he can go back to West Ham and play there too.”
Hugh, I love your loyalty but the lad is no where good enough. We can be loyal and keep fighting relegation or we can be honest with these players and just move them on to a team at a lower level. We should sell Cullen to Charlton this summer for the lad to develop at the right level.
Yep he is a great prospect and deserves a chance at breaking into the first team squad ..but at the end of the day it’s MP’s eye he has to catch in pre season but by then little time of the window left!! Reese Oxford hit the ground running a few years back but now 3 – 4 Mil. ..
Can’t see why he can’t play an Obiang role next season. Does anybody really think he’ll do much worse? Obiang had 2 or 3 very good performances all season and was adequate to poor in every other game he played. Can’t see why a young academy player desperate to play for the badge would do a worse job. Might even surprise a few.
It will be good to see him in pre-season see how much he has developed, if he is ready give him some games if not let Charlton have him for another season so he can improve.