Adam McDonnell has already impressed Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy, despite the youngster not even being a household name in the Republic of Ireland.

The 17-year-old has been with Town since last September, but the Blues have been unable to field the youngster, even in age group games, because of FIFA red tape.

Town may have to wait until the midfielder is 18 before they finally get the go-ahead to play McDonnell, who only spent a short period of time with manager Kevin Doherty at Shelbourne.

“Adam’s talent was fantastic, he wasn’t with us for long and probably only played three or four first-team games,” explained Doherty.

“I would have loved to have kept him, he is an excellent talent who gets around the pitch and who is technically very good.

“He has developed physically as a player and although he is shy enough, he is quite aggressive without being a dirty player.

“He has been playing against lads in their twenties which is massive for him in terms of his development.

“Dylan (Connolly) has been playing in the League of Ireland and was nominated for the league’s Young Player of the Year award, the only player from the First Division, whereas Adam was only really just getting into the team. This move will raise his profile though.”

Both players have received age group honours at international level and will hope to follow in the footsteps of the likes of the Hunt brothers, Daryl Murphy and numerous other players that made the trip across the Irish Sea.

“It’s a massive move for them both and I really hope they do well,” revealed Doherty.

“I see no reason why they shouldn’t.

“I will be really proud if they do go on to be successes and it will be a boost for Shelbourne in general too, in terms of hopefully helping us attract young players for the first team and beyond.

“The club seems to have a good relationship with Ipswich, I have only been manager a couple of months, but I hope that can continue.”