67 Hail Hail understands that Celtic have been keeping a close eye on the upcoming talent at the ongoing U17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The tournament is currently in its knockout phase, with Portugal, Mali, France, Switzerland, Mexico, the Republic of Ireland, Brazil and Morocco, the teams that have so far booked their last-16 tickets.
Celtic have a deep-rooted Irish history, and several top stars from that nation have put on the famous green and white colours.
So, it wouldn’t be a surprise to know that Celtic scouts have been watching two rising Irish stars pretty closely at the U17 World Cup – Michael Noonan and Vinnie Leonard.
Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesCeltic have scouts at the U17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
GRV’s Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, has told 67 Hail Hail that Noonan and Leonard have ‘caught the eye’ of Celtic’s scouts.
On Friday, the Republic of Ireland’s youngsters beat their Canadian counterparts on penalties to progress to the next round of the U17 World Cup, with Noonan opening the scoring during that match.
Centre-forward Noonan turned 17 in July, and he plays for Shamrock Rovers.
We have been told he has ‘Premier League interest’, but just like Leonard, he won’t be allowed to officially join until they are 18 due to ‘rules around U18 players joining clubs.’
Who are Michael Noonan and Vinnie Leonard?
Whilst Noonan is a goalscorer, his Irish counterpart plays for Dundalk and is a centre-back, and they have both racked up quite a strong number of senior appearances at their young age.
Noonan has played for the Republic of Ireland up until the U21 age group, whilst Leonard has played for the U16s up until the U18s.
Leonard’s games for Dundalk: 40Clean sheets: 16
Johnny Kenny was recently on loan at Shamrock Rovers, and now he is scoring goals under interim coach Martin O’Neill, so there is no reason why Noonan couldn’t make the step up if Celtic wanted to push forward with a deal.
Noonan’s games for Shamrock Rovers: 44Goals: 9Assists: 4Noonan’s total games for Ireland’s younger age groups: 49Goals: 27