Ireland’s emerging striker Tom Cannon is among the growing group of players who, according to John O’Shea, must factor international prospects into their club decisions.
Last August, Cannon, 21, left his boyhood club Everton and the Premier League to join Leicester City for £7 million, quickly helping them achieve promotion.
With higher divisions come higher stakes, and Leicester is likely to navigate Financial Fair Play rules to recruit an experienced goalscorer.
Cannon, who had Ireland’s sole second-half chance against Portugal when he made his debut in the final 40 minutes, is currently in a period of uncertainty.
Without a permanent manager for club or country—Graham Potter is a leading candidate for the Leicester role—Cannon’s top-flight playing time will depend on the new leadership.
Tuesday’s defeat highlighted not only the quality gap but also fitness differences. Callum O’Dowda noted his last game was the final Championship series a month ago, whereas the well-prepared Portuguese had recently played in Europe’s top leagues.
Portugal’s match against Ireland was the last of three friendlies before departing for the Euros. O’Shea emphasized the need for players to secure Premier League moves to close this gap.
“Enzo Maresca signed me for Leicester, which I’m very grateful for, but he’s now gone to Chelsea,” said Cannon, who is also waiting for the FAI to appoint a new full-time manager.
“It will be interesting who we appoint. All I can do is go back, try to impress in pre-season, and go from there.
“We are back in pre-season on July 8, so I will try to get in a few holidays, stay fit, and be ready to go when I return.”
