The striker from Bettystown played a crucial role in helping Roberto De Zerbi’s team secure European qualification for the first time in their history last season. Andrew Moran, an Irish U-21 midfielder, made a couple of appearances for the first team last year but did not feature in the pre-season matches for the Seagulls.
Ogbene, who recently joined Luton, is eager to make a strong start with the Premier League newcomers.
After failing to make an impact at Brentford, the 26-year-old forward moved to Rotherham in 2019 and made 136 appearances. He also played a key role in helping the club secure promotion to the Championship just over a year ago.
Despite an improved contract offer from Rotherham, Luton Town won the race to sign Ogbene, who described playing in the Premier League as a dream come true.
Erik ten Hag does not regret Man Utd targeting Rasmus Hojlund over Harry Kane
Sheffield United’s John Egan will lead the team in their opening match against Crystal Palace, having guided the club to automatic promotion.
Egan played the most minutes for the Blades last season as they secured second place in the Championship. Their priority this season, like any newly-promoted team, will be to ensure their survival in the Premier League, and Egan is determined to make it a lasting one.
Séamus Coleman’s Everton, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, will begin their campaign at home against Fulham. Unfortunately, the Ireland captain, now entering his 15th Premier League campaign, is still recovering from knee surgery he underwent in May and will be unable to play.
Tom Cannon, an Irish U-21 forward, had an impressive loan spell at Preston North End last season and will be looking to continue his progress. He is also considering his international future as he has received interest from England.
Nathan Collins, who joined Brentford for a record fee of £23 million, will face Tottenham Hotspur in his first match of the season. The center-half was a regular starter for Wolves in the first half of last season but lost his place when Craig Dawson, an experienced defender, arrived.
Matt Doherty, starting his Wolves campaign, will travel to Old Trafford for a match. The native of Swords recently returned to the Molineux club after a frustrating spell at Tottenham Hotspur and a short-lived stint at Atletico Madrid.
Wolves’ pre-season featured significant involvement from Joe Hodge, the captain of the Irish U-21 team. However, with the departure of Julen Lopetegui, the manager who gave him his Premier League debut, Hodge will need to impress new boss Gary O’Neil.
Conor Coventry, a former captain of the Irish U-21 team, will face off against Gavin Kilkenny when West Ham goes to Bournemouth. Both players are still working towards establishing themselves in their respective clubs, although they did get some playing time in pre-season.
The future of Jeff Hendrick, who has been out of favor at Newcastle, remains uncertain. Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, praised the performance of Alex Murphy, a 19-year-old from Galway, during their pre-season.
Caoimhín Kelleher, the Irish goalkeeper, currently holds the position of second choice at Liverpool. It is unclear whether the 24-year-old will secure a move before the transfer window closes on September 1. Meanwhile, Troy Parrott of Tottenham had his chances to impress new manager Ange Postecoglou disrupted by a groin injury, and he may go out on another loan when he returns to full fitness.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
