Irish Forward Jack Moylan Makes Case for National Team Call-Up Following Lincoln City's Promotion Success

Irish Forward Jack Moylan Makes Case for National Team Call-Up Following Lincoln City's Promotion Success

With nine goals already in 2025, Jack Moylan has been absolutely sensational since the calendar turned, and football pundit Keith Treacy believes Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson would be making a mistake not to give him a look this May.

The Lincoln City striker — a native of Dublin who developed through Shelbourne's academy before crossing to England — wrapped up his League One campaign with 10 goals and four assists, playing a crucial role in the club's promotion. With his club season finishing on May 2nd, the timing lines up perfectly for Ireland's training camp in Murcia ahead of a May 16th friendly against Grenada.

Perfect Timing Meets Red-Hot Form

Hallgrimsson has already indicated that League of Ireland players won't be available — the camp conflicts with a busy domestic calendar. First-team regulars at European clubs are also off limits. Players competing in Championship playoffs won't receive call-ups either. Moylan doesn't fall into any of those categories. His season is complete, and he arrives on the back of the finest stretch of his professional career.

Treacy laid out his reasoning clearly on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast: "He's enjoyed a fantastic season, ten goals and four assists. This is the perfect opportunity to acknowledge them and say, 'We're keeping tabs on you, you're part of our plans.'"

This isn't about crowning Moylan as Ireland's next number nine. The point is more straightforward — this camp exists to expand the player pool, and someone performing at this level deserves the chance to experience the international setup. Come next season, he'll be competing in the Championship. The progression continues.

Additional Prospects Worth Considering

Former goalkeeper Barry Murphy identified several other candidates worth exploring. Sheffield Wednesday left wing-back Tayo Adaramola received particular praise for his aggressive style and compatibility with Ireland's tactical approach. Rocco Vata and Andy Moran — who found the net against Leicester recently — were also highlighted as players who could contribute during these experimental windows.

Murphy's strongest opinion concerned Jaden Umeh, the Benfica winger and Ireland youth international. "I believe we're being too cautious with these fixtures," he stated, suggesting that friendlies should address future challenges rather than simply repeating what's already established.

  • Jack Moylan — Lincoln City, 10 goals/4 assists, helped secure League One promotion
  • Tayo Adaramola — Sheffield Wednesday, left wing-back, considered an ideal fit for Ireland's approach
  • Jaden Umeh — Benfica, Ireland youth international playing on the wing
  • Andy Moran / Rocco Vata — emerging options showing recent promise

The Nations League fixtures this fall are the ultimate objective, and Hallgrimsson requires greater depth across the squad. If Chiedozie Ogbene becomes unavailable — Murphy's specific scenario — who fills that void? These May friendlies represent the ideal opportunity to answer those questions, not when competitive points are on the line.

"We need to develop match-ready substitutes who've had some international experience," Murphy emphasized. It's difficult to dispute that reasoning.