AZ Alkmaar-Irish striker Troy Parrott maintains his scoring run, tallying in a draw, and Josh Cullen impresses for Burnley with shining performance
Ireland's Premier League Contingent Shines Amidst Competitive Season
The 2025-26 Premier League season is off to a competitive start, with three promoted clubs - Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland - returning to the top flight. Amongst the excitement, a modest Irish contingent is making its mark, with a few standout players poised to deliver solid performances.
Key Irish Players to Watch
Caoimhín Kelleher, the newly-acquired goalkeeper for Brentford, is set to make a significant impact this season after his move from Liverpool. Kelleher is expected to be a regular starter for Brentford, following years of being a reliable backup at Anfield. His experience and proven skills position him well to handle Brentford's challenges.
Nathan Collins, another Brentford player, made a club-record €26.6 million move in 2023 and has quickly become a key defensive player. He was the only outfield player to play every minute in the Premier League last season and has been made club captain by Brentford’s new manager, Keith Andrews. Collins' consistency and leadership have attracted interest from bigger clubs such as Tottenham and Liverpool.
Matt Doherty's career has been revitalized under Wolverhampton's current manager Vitor Pereira, and he is expected to feature regularly in the Wolves lineup this season.
Charlie Cullen, Burnley's captain, and Jake O'Brien, Everton's hopeful, aim to secure regular appearances this season under their respective managers.
However, Séamus Coleman, despite being a veteran at 36 years old, may struggle to overcome injury issues and play regularly this season. Goalkeeper Mark Travers is behind Jordan Pickford in the pecking order at Everton and unlikely to start many games. Young prospects like Andrew Moran might be loaned out again for further development due to limited first-team opportunities at their clubs.
Irish Players Making Waves in Other Leagues
Elsewhere, Troy Parrott is in red-hot form, scoring nine goals this season, including a winner in the Conference League playoff round. His performances suggest he is beginning to look like the striker Ireland have been seeking.
James Collins scored a brace for Lincoln in their 3-2 win over Plymouth, while Ollie O'Neill scored a dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser for Leyton Orient in a comeback 2-2 draw with Stockport. Finn Azaz returned from injury and set up Middlesbrough's third goal in their 3-0 win, potentially boosting Ireland's national team ahead of September internationals.
In the Championship, David McGoldrick scored a goal for Barnsley, and Corey O'Keeffe provided an assist for Stockport in their 2-2 draw with Leyton Orient.
Brentford's New Manager and a Rocky Start
Keith Andrews managed his first competitive game as Brentford manager, but they lost 3-1 to Nottingham Forest. Despite the loss, the focus remains on Kelleher and Collins as the brightest hopes for strong impact performances.
In summary, the Irish contingent in the Premier League this season is modest in number, with a few standout players like Kelleher and Collins poised to deliver solid performances and enhance their prospects at the highest level. The competitive nature of the Premier League, particularly with the return of promoted clubs, may influence playing opportunities for Irish players in these squads.
Football is a popular sport in the European leagues, and the Premier League is no exception. Caoimhín Kelleher, the newly-acquired goalkeeper for Brentford, and Nathan Collins, who has demonstrated consistency and leadership with the Bees, are two notable Irish players shining in the Premier League this season.
