It has been quite a while since Sean Scannell was mentioned as a potential candidate to break into the Republic of Ireland squad, but after scoring in midweek for Crystal Palace he has shot straight back into the spotlight.

The 19-year-old was once heralded as 'the next best thing' in Irish football after Giovanni Trapattoni surprisingly included him in the extended squad that went to Portugal for a training camp two years ago.

That should have been the start of great things for the London-born attacker, but niggling injuries, loss of form and limited opportunities have restricted his progress.

Just like Terry Dixon, who was destined to be the talent that Steve Staunton discovered, that call-up to the senior set-up perhaps came a little too early for Scannell. He still has a lot of maturing and developing to do.

However, his goal in the 3-1 victory over Watford on Tuesday evening went some way to suggesting that he could be on his way back to his best. He really needs a strong finish to the season.

Out wide or up front?

Perhaps the biggest problem that Scannell still battles with is his best position. He is a quick player who is a threat with the ball at his feet when attacking defenders and can score a range of different goals.

Although due to his pace, he is often deployed as a winger. This probably doesn't suit him as much as it should as his crossing, tracking back and link-up play are not very good.

It is only when he is further forward that he really gets involved in the game. So that would suggest that he should be played as a striker......but.......his goals ratio doesn't help him in that department.

While he scored goals for fun in Academy and Reserve games, it was worrying to see that he only scored three goals last term and has just two so far this year. If he wants to be known solely as a striker then he needs to start scoring on a regular basis.

The Irish Connection

One of the other pleasing things about Crystal Palace's mid-week triumph was that Paddy McCarthy played the full 90 minutes, which is his second game after returning from a long injury lay-off.

The Dubliner has been sorely missed by The Eagles and his comeback could be perfectly timed as the club attempt to drag themselves out of the relegation zone in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Fellow Irishman Alan Lee was an un-used substitute in the Watford game, but he is another player that has been consistently superb for Palace. They will need all three of their Irish players on top form for the remaining games.
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