Ipswich Town have been the great success story in the Championship this season and two of their Republic of Ireland-qualified players are heading to the Premier League.
Marcus Harness and Jack Taylor helped Ipswich secure promotion and playing in the top tier next season could see them earn an elusive first cap for Ireland.
Harness Won’t Give Up On Ireland Dream
Previously called up to the Ireland senior squad in November 2020, Harness failed to make the matchday side. Getting set to play some of the biggest teams in Europe, the 28-year-old will be preparing for the step up to the Premier League next season.
The likes of Manchester City, who are 4/11 with a bet on football with Paddy Power to win the title, Arsenal and Liverpool all lie in wait for the Tractor Boys.
Ipswich will feel the step up in quality against teams like City, who won’t retain their European crown this season after losing to a Real Madrid side who are 6/5 in the betting on Champions League to win the title.
Facing some of the biggest stars in football will be a daunting task but one Harness and Ipswich should relish going into next season.
Harness has certainly earned his shot at the big time, having worked his way up the football pyramid after starting his professional career at Burton Albion.
Spells at Ilkeston, Aldershot Town and Port Vale on loan followed before, as reported by the Irish Mirror, catching the eye of the Republic of Ireland management back in 2020 during his time on England’s south coast at Portsmouth.
Hoping to earn a first cap against Bulgaria, the unfortunate winger missed out on the matchday squad. Now with a chance to show his abilities at Premier League level next term, a second call-up might be on the horizon for Harness after impressing in the Championship at Portman Road.
Taylor Looks Ready For The Step-Up
Having previously represented the Republic of Ireland earlier in his career, Taylor is pushing for a first call-up to the senior squad. With a grandfather from County Longford, Taylor will be hoping he can play for the Boys in Green at full international level in the coming years.
Taylor made 33 appearances for Ipswich in the Championship and was an important part of the squad for manager Kiernan McKenna.
Having only just been promoted from League One the previous season, Ipswich beat some stern competition to finish in the top two places alongside champions Leicester City.
Leeds United and Southampton both battled for the second automatic promotion place but neither could prevent Ipswich from finishing in that coveted runners-up position, as covered by the BBC.
Having only joined the Tractor Boys last summer from Peterborough United, it has been a whirlwind spell for Taylor, who can now look forward to life in the Premier League next season.
The Republic of Ireland will likely be keeping a close eye on Harness and Taylor at the start of next season and both players will be hoping their efforts in the Premier League with Ipswich Town can see them earn that first senior cap and a run out at the Aviva Stadium in the near future.
