Irish Premier League Stars Ready to Shine in 2026/27 Season

As the echoes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup fade, the focus shifts to the upcoming Premier League season and the Irish talent set to grace the pitch. Over the past decade, an average of 26 Irish-eligible players have been in the league each year, with 18 making appearances. Last season, however, those numbers dipped to just 12 players in total, with only seven seeing game time, none at the traditional top six clubs. While this may raise eyebrows, there is a wave of young talent waiting in the wings of English youth systems, ready to break through.

Ex St Pat's attacker Mason Melia became the first million-pound player from the League of Ireland, making his senior debut for Spurs in a pre-season friendly. Victor Ozhianvuna is set to join Arsenal from Shamrock Rovers in January, while Brentford's Conor McManus, Newcastle's Rory Finneran, and Manchester United's Jacob Devaney continue to push for opportunities. Whether these prospects will make an impact remains to be seen, but here we look at the 13 established stars most likely to feature this season.

Caoimhín Kelleher: The Brentford Wall

Age: 27 | Team: Brentford | International Caps: 32 | Total Premier League Appearances: 62 | Clean Sheets: 18 | 2025/26: 37 Appearances, 10 Clean Sheets

After leaving Liverpool for more playing time, Caoimhín Kelleher has proven his worth at the highest level. Under fellow countryman Keith Andrews, he excelled in a Brentford team that overperformed, finishing 9th when many predicted relegation. He played the most minutes of any Irish player in the Premier League last season and is now a first-choice for both club and country.

Nathan Collins: Captain Leading by Example

Age: 25 | Team: Brentford | International Caps: 40 | Goals: 3 | Total Premier League Appearances: 150 | Goals: 6 | 2025/26: 35 Appearances, 1 Goal

Nathan Collins, another Irish regular under Keith Andrews, faced scrutiny after Christmas but showed resilience to reclaim his spot. As club captain, he led Brentford to a lofty league finish and regularly wore the armband in a memorable year for Ireland. The Leixlip man will be central to Brentford's efforts this season.

Eiran Cashin: Waiting for His Chance

Age: 24 | Team: Brighton & Hove Albion | International Caps: 0 | Total Premier League Appearances: 2 | Goals: 0 | 2025/26: 29 Appearances (on loan), 1 Goal

Born in Nottinghamshire, Eiran Cashin qualifies for Ireland through his Leitrim-born grandmother. After 144 appearances for Derby County and a move to Brighton in 2025, he spent last season on loan at Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers in the Championship. He is currently with Brighton for pre-season, hoping to break into the first team.

Evan Ferguson: Overcoming Adversity

Age: 21 | Team: Brighton & Hove Albion | International Caps: 26 | Goals: 8 | Total Premier League Appearances: 68 | Goals: 13 | 2025/26: 16 Appearances, 3 Goals

Evan Ferguson, one of Ireland's most talented young players, has faced difficulties since his 2022/23 breakthrough. After 13 Premier League goals with Brighton and West Ham, including a hat trick, persistent injuries and form dips led to a loan at Roma last season. Public criticism from Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini and an ankle problem limited his impact. He recently underwent successful surgery and is determined to return stronger.

Mark Travers: Stuck Behind England's Number One

Age: 27 | Team: Everton | International Caps: 6 | Total Premier League Appearances: 24 | Clean Sheets: 6 | 2025/26: 0 Appearances

After a move to Everton last summer, Mark Travers has been unable to make a single Premier League appearance, kept on the bench by England's Jordan Pickford. His patience will be tested as he seeks game time.

Jake O'Brien: A Secret Weapon at Right Back

Age: 25 | Team: Everton | International Caps: 17 | Goals: 0 | Total Premier League Appearances: 57 | Goals: 3 | 2025/26: 37 Appearances, 1 Goal

Jake O'Brien has settled into Everton's team, missing only one game last season. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, he has become a secret weapon at right back, aided by veteran Seamus Coleman. With Coleman's departure looming, O'Brien's grip on the jersey could tighten.

John Egan: Leading Hull's Premier League Return

Age: 33 | Team: Hull City | International Caps: 38 | Goals: 3 | Total Premier League Appearances: 73 | Goals: 2 | 2025/26: 45 Appearances, 3 Goals

John Egan moved from Burnley to Hull City in February 2025, making 42 appearances and featuring in all three play-off games as Hull secured promotion. An appearance-based contract extension keeps him at the club until 2027. With no new centre-back signings, Egan is set for a busy season.

Dara O'Shea: Reliable as Ever

Age: 27 | Team: Ipswich Town | International Caps: 45 | Goals: 0 | Total Premier League Appearances: 96 | Goals: 3 | 2025/26: 46 Appearances, 1 Goal

One of four Irish players at Ipswich, Dara O'Shea was joint top for minutes in the Championship last season, completing every game without a single card. Despite the signing of two centre-backs, the Ipswich captain will hope to continue his form.

Jack Taylor: Midfield Engine

Age: 28 | Team: Ipswich Town | International Caps: 11 | Goals: 0 | Total Premier League Appearances: 32 | Goals: 1 | 2025/26: 39 Appearances, 2 Goals, 4 Assists

Jack Taylor was a regular in Ipswich's promotion-winning squad, with 39 games last season. His high work rate and aggression in midfield yielded two goals, four assists, and nine yellow cards.

Kasey McAteer: Late-Season Surge

Age: 24 | Team: Ipswich Town | International Caps: 8 | Goals: 1 | Total Premier League Appearances: 19 | Goals: 1 | 2025/26: 28 Appearances, 3 Goals, 1 Assist

McAteer made 28 appearances last season but never played a full 90 minutes. His longest run was six consecutive games at the end of the season, scoring two goals in that period.

Chiedozie Ogbene: Seeking Stability

Age: 29 | Team: Ipswich Town | International Caps: 35 | Goals: 5 | Total Premier League Appearances: 35 | Goals: 4 | 2025/26: 13 Appearances, 1 Goal

After just two appearances for Ipswich, Ogbene moved on loan to Sheffield United, where he played 10 consecutive matches before a hamstring injury. He is currently linked with a move to Derby County, which could see him team up with Sammie Szmodics in the Championship.

Alex Murphy: On the Cusp

Age: 22 | Team: Newcastle United | International Caps: 0 | Total Premier League Appearances: 4 | Goals: 0 | 2025/26: 2 Appearances, 0 Goals

Alex Murphy has made four Premier League appearances, all off the bench. The full-back has represented Ireland at youth levels and was called up to the senior squad for recent friendlies.

Alan Browne: Premier League Debut in Sight

Age: 31 | Team: Sunderland | International Caps: 39 | Goals: 5 | Total Premier League Appearances: 0 | Goals: 0 | 2025/26: 41 Appearances, 4 Goals, 3 Assists

Alan Browne is the only Irishman set to play in the Premier League this season who has never made a top-flight appearance. A mainstay in Middlesborough's midfield last season, he played 38 matches and three in the playoffs. A good run in the Premier League would be a great achievement.