Some of the most welcome news this week was the inclusion of five League of Ireland players to the Ireland Under-21 squad to face Turkey tonight. Admittedly, it is due to extenuating circumstances that these five are present in the final squad, but – in an atmosphere of limited exposure and scant domestic representation on the senior side – it is nice to see some of the younger boys being given an opportunity on a higher stage.

Daniel Kearns – 19 – Dundalk

Kearns has recently returned to Ireland, following a few years with London side West Ham United. Having reached the headlines a lot recently, Kearns was at the centre of a political storm between the FAI and its Northern Ireland counterpart, the IFA.

Kearns, originally from Belfast, was eligible to play for both national sides, and indeed represented both at youth levels already. His decision to opt for the Republic brought scorn from up north, but was eventually ratified by the Court of Arbitration of Sport.

Kearns, a midfielder, has already become a regular in the Dundalk set- up and scored on his Under-19 debut for Republic of Ireland against Poland back in April.

Shane McEleney – 19 – Derry City

Shane McEleney has failed to break into the Derry side this season as the northern club chase promotion back into the Airtricity Premier Division.

Highly regarded by a few people here at extratime.ie, there has been some surprise that he is not playing more at Derry this season. Perhaps a little light, McEleney seems to have enough about him to come good in the years to come.

A defender, McEleney has been a regular in the Under-19 setup, playing in the recent wins over Ukraine and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Seamus Conneely – 22 – Galway United

Seamus Conneely is now an integral part of the Galway United squad and is capable of playing in many roles, both in defence and midfield. Connemaradonna is his nickname according to his clubs website, however Conneely feels his best position is at right-back, not a roving, raging and medicine-taking attacking midfielder as the name may suggest.

Speaking back in July of his Under-21 experience, Conneely was quick to promote the young talent on this island. “Playing for the U-21’s was a great experience. It was a little unnerving being the only League of Ireland player in the squad but the lads were welcoming. I do think that there are other young players in this league good enough to be included though,” he said on galwayunitedfc.com.

Also a full-time student in Galway, Conneely has shown a huge amount of professionalism to mix his studies with his sport already in his young career.

Karl Sheppard – 19 – Galway United

Karl Sheppard is another who has returned from a spell in England, himself having gone over to Everton after emerging with Shelbourne a few years back.

The striker signed for Galway United at the start of the season and has made his mark on several games this season, most notably scoring a brace at Dalymount back in April as Galway beat reigning champions Bohemians on their own turf.

A striker who benefits from being on the shoulder of a defender – rather than dropping deep to get involved in the build-up – Sheppard has six goals to date in the Airtricity Premier Division.

Paddy Madden – 20 – Bohemians

Paddy Madden is perhaps the most recognizable of names on this list. A regular with Bohemians since his breakthrough – following a successful loan-spell at Shelbourne – Madden hit the headlines recently as a rumored bid from Celtic failed to materialize with a life-changing transfer for the youngster.

Having impressed with six league goals for Shelbourne, Madden returned to Bohs for the second half of last season and continued his scoring form. Ten goals already this campaign, Madden has been tipped by many as having a very bright future indeed – if he was to stay in the League of Ireland. Given Bohs’ current financial issues, a move abroad may come soon however. Already with an Under-21 appearance, Madden is certainly one to keep an eye on.