English transfer window highlights big challenges for Irish players

The summer transfer window has yielded little for Irish fans to get excited about. The only Irish newcomers to the 'promised land' of the EPL  have come from the promoted clubs, where David Meyler, Paul McShane, Robbie Brady, Owen Garvan, Damien Delaney, Paddy McCarthy and Joe Mason may struggle to make an impression - if they even manage to get a run in their starting XIs. Meanwhile, expected transfers for James McCarthy and Kevin Doyle have not yet materialised - and if both are to remain in situ by September 1, it would represent a frustrating stall in their careers. For Doyle, remaining at Wolves would seriously curtail his already flagging international prospects.

From an Irish point of view, some of the more significant transfers may not even involve Irish players. Stoke's signing of Dutch international Marc Pieters and Barcelona prospect Marc Muniesa will stymie any chance of Marc Wilson playing at left-back this season - a position where he is badly needed for Ireland. Wilson may be moved into his more natural midfield position, but that could have a knock-on effect on Glenn Whelan's game-time. Similarly, Norwich's signing of Leroy Fer and Ricky van Wolfswinkel may impact on Wes Hoolahan's game-time, while Sunderland's signing of the impressive Italian international Emanuele Giaccherini will surely relegate James McClean to the bench. It serves to show the increasing difficulty for Irish players to achieve regular first-team football, in what is increasingly a billionaire's playground.

Added to the malaise, three of Ireland's more talented and high-profile youth players from recent years - Conor Henderson, Derrick Williams and Conor Clifford - have been let go by Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively. Williams and Clifford have been picked up by Southend and Bristol City, while Henderson remains without a club after a trial period with Ipswich. Additionally, centre-back Sean McGinty was released by Manchester United, with disciplinary problems reportedly being an issue. His signing for Tranmere would appear to be a 'last-chance saloon' for the U-19 defender. This downward trajectory of talent is a disappointing trend, which looks set to continue for young Irish players across the water.

In slightly more positive news, winger Alan Judge moved back to Blackburn after an impressive couple of years at Notts County, while Chris McCann earned a move to Wigan from Burnley. Noel Hunt moved to Leeds from Reading, while forgotten man Daryl Murphy made his loan move permanent at Ipswich. Striker James Collins moved from Swindon to Hibs, where he should be looking to immediately score goals. Darren O'Dea was shipped out of Toronto FC, as they could not afford his wages - but the Dubliner somehow ended up at Metalurg Donetsk, presumably on the back of his performance for Ireland in Moscow a couple of seasons ago. One would imagine that the lifestyle may not be a step up for the centre-back, in the industrial hub of eastern Ukraine - but the league is ranked seventh-best in Europe, so the standard of football will be a bigger challenge than the MLS, and his club will also compete in the Europa league. Other Irish players could do well by following O'Dea's example, and expanding their horizons beyond the comfort of Championship and SPL football, as the EPL is offering fewer and fewer opportunities for Irish players to develop and play regularly.