Search icon

Sport

15th Feb 2017

Clamour for teenage sensation to switch allegiance but, sorry, it’s too late

Going to regret this one

Conan Doherty

Connor Ronan is going places.

The 18-year-old has come into Paul Lambert’s good graces in recent weeks at Wolverhampton Wanderers and he’s making every second count.

Two weeks ago, the midfielder sprang from the bench during Wolves’ famous FA Cup win at Anfield.

Then, he played over 70 minutes in the win at Barnsley – setting up a goal in the process.

On Tuesday night, he got a full game against Wigan and, although they lost 1-0, the fans are raving about him.

Yep, he’s going places, but he’s going there in an Ireland jersey.

https://twitter.com/tonywolf51/status/831767302559395842

https://twitter.com/tonywolf51/status/831634529353920513

https://twitter.com/ClarissaL93/status/831625334005043203

As the fans raged about the result but raved about the performance of their new rising star, manager Paul Lambert singled out the Irish underage international for some special praise.

“Connor Ronan was very good,” Lambert said.

“I’ve said before he’ll have a big career in the game. His general game was outstanding.”

Ronan was born in England, the grandson of a Kilkenny and Galway native. He played for their under-17 side before switching to the Ireland underage setup.

There, he felt more content.

He has since played in the European under-19 championship with the Irish and, two years ago, he told the Irish Daily Star that he was happy with his decision – and keen to show England what they were missing.

“Going away with England, that went well. But when I was away with England I knew I was going away with Ireland the week after, so it was just to see what it was like,” Ronan said.

“I wanted to get an experience and to see which one I’d prefer to play for.

“It’s the atmosphere in the group. With Ireland, it felt like more of a team. Everyone is more together, and you feel more involved.”