Michael Noonan: Everton send scouts to watch Irish u17 record breaker

Everton have sent scouts to watch Shamrock Rovers striker Michael Noonan at the u17 World Cup, according to some reports.

The reports come from GRV media, which owns Everton.News, so must be taken with a pinch of salt. However, the interest in the young striker would make sense for Everton.

The club has previously scouted in Ireland and Northern Ireland, bringing in Braiden Graham at the age of 17 after he made his club debut for Linfield. They also snapped up Scottish 16-year-old striker Cieran Loney after he made his debut for Partick Thistle in the Scottish Championship.

Everton would have to wait until Michael Noonan turns 18 but it is clear there will be a long list of clubs seeking his signature. He has already played for Shamrock’s first team and earlier this year made history when he became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Conference League when he scored against Molde.

The goal made news headlines everywhere and clubs such as Manchester United have been linked with interest in Noonan.

The left-footed striker has impressed at the u17 World Cup for Ireland, scoring a good header in the 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan. He could have scored another after some neat footwork in the box to beat a defender but the angle of the shot was tight and he couldn’t force the chance past the goalkeeper.

Noonan looks like an exciting striker option. Tall and strong, he is an excellent finisher on the floor and in the air. He would also be affordable. Fellow Irish striker Mason Melia was recently signed from St Patrick’s in Ireland by Spurs for just £2m.

Everton have also been rumoured to be watching England u17 striker Brian Madjo, who has already played for Metz in France’s Ligue 1.

There could be a spot for a young striker in Everton’s youth system. Martin Sherif and George Morgan are the current u21 encumbants with Sherif enjoying a promising loan spell at Rotherham. Sherif would likely be loaned to a higher level next time out, while Morgan is likely next to be sent out to gain first team experience.

Braiden Graham is a hot prospect at u21 level but is seen as more of a second striker at the club. He has often played in the number 10 role and on the wing as a more creative outlet for the team. It means there is a gap up front for the u21s at the moment.

Everton have a slight advantage when approaching young players from Ireland. The club boasts Irish legend Seamus Coleman, while Liverpool is the closest English city to Dublin, where a large number of top Irish club sides are based.