Pellegrini midfielder may be under his nose
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.”