Greg . 2 days ago

'He was levels above' - Why Shamrock Rovers' Honohan is making a strong Ireland claim

As Shamrock Rovers embark on another European adventure in the Conference League, one thing is becoming crystal clear: Josh Honohan's maiden Ireland call-up in May won't be his last.

The attacking wing-back is starting to make a real impression and is in a different league to his peers.

Shamrock Rovers have moved one step away from reaching the UEFA Conference League for a second season in a row after defeating FC Ballkani 4-1 on aggregate in qualifying.

After the disappointment of losing the first leg in Kosovo, an electric 4-0 win at the Tallaght Stadium in the second leg on Thursday night books Shamrock's place in the playoff round.

Rovers will now play Portuguese side Santa Clara in the playoff round for a place in the group stages.

 Why Honohan might be ready for 'elite level'Justifiably, 35-year-old Rory Gaffney took all the plaudits for scoring a brace and receiving the player of the match award.

However, after Shamrock manager Stephen Bradley heaped praise on Gaffney (more to come there), the post-match press conference quickly turned its attention to the brilliant Josh Honohan.

The 24-year-old scored Rovers' third goal of the night, and where Gaffney displayed classic striker's instincts for his two, Honohan's goal was pure technique as his perfectly timed volley cannoned into the top corner.

The goal was special, but it was his performance throughout which stood out, and Bradley was right when he said 'he was a level above' everyone else on the pitch.

 For Bradley, Honohan is destined for bigger things than Conference League qualifiers: "Tonight I think he showed why he can play at the elite level, there is no doubt in my mind about that.

He's six-foot, lightning quick, he has good quality on both sides and is good defensively.

" That is what you call an endorsement from your manager.

Honohan's threat down the left wing was so immense in the first half, Ballkani changed formation at half-time to try and stop him from causing them more trouble in the second period.

 "They changed their whole system to try and stop Josh.

.

.

He was levels above and is a brilliant player.

"It turned out to be a naive approach, however, as moving to a back three allowed Shamrock to take control of possession and Honohan and Gaffney showed their quality.

 Does Honohan have a big future with Ireland?It is obvious how important Honohan's quality is to Shamrock's chances domestically and in Europe.

However, it is not just Bradley who sees the potential in Hoohan.

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson handed the wing-back his first national team call-up in May for friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg.

 When asked whether Honohan should be called up again for the World Cup qualifiers in September, Bradley didn't hesitate.

"Yes, I have said it from day one, it is not a reaction to the goal.

Over the two legs, he was our best player by a mile.

"The sense that Honohan has outgrown Shamrock should be a consideration for Hallgrimsson going forward.

He may not be in the Premier League yet, but all the evidence points to a future at the top of the game as Honohan continues to reach new heights in 2025.

 Aside from the clear talent, though, Ireland's current system is perfectly suited for Honohan's attacking quality.

In the two June friendlies, Hallgrimsson changed his system to a back five and deployed Robbie Brady at left wing-back.

 Brady has been a regular starter under Hallgrimsson and is clearly trusted by the Icelandic head coach.

Yet at 33, the full-back is becoming more and more injury-prone.

That could provide Honohan with opportunities in the 2025/26 season to stake his claim and convince the former Iceland manager that he is good enough for a starting berth.

His ability to make dangerous overlapping runs, find pinpoint crosses and score goals whilst also being defensively sound makes Honohan a well-rounded wing-back who, given a opportunity, might well excel for Ireland.

 The thought of him floating in crosses for a resurgent Evan Ferguson in crucial World Cup qualifiers coming up certainly has potential on paper, but will Hallgrimsson take that gamble?Another call-up in September would be a step in that direction, and with Brady injured and confirmed unavailable, the stars might just allign for the former Cork City player.

All Honohan can do for now is more of what he did last night, proving he is in a different league to his teammates and opposition alike.

Follow the Conference League LIVE this season