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The Reason Why Ireland Could Have A New Striker Out Of The Blue For Euro 2016

PJ Browne
By PJ Browne
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Roy Keane was on a scouting mission in Huddersfield at the weekend.

A fruitful visit to the John Smith's Stadium in turned out to be too.

After 18 months out injured, Scott Hogan returned to action for Brentford back in March. He was not on the scoresheet in his first three games but since breaking his duck against Bristol City three weeks ago, he has been in red hot form.

On Saturday, he scored twice, his sixth and seventh goals of the season.

Right now, Shane Long is one of Ireland's most important players. Hogan looks like a Shane Long clone. The 24-year-old qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents.

Martin O'Neill is scheduled to name his 23-man squad for the Euros in 19 days. Could Hogan be a bolter?

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Here's Hogan in action against Huddersfield at the weekend.

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Apart from his two goals, there was also a brilliant first touch to set up a chance after a ball over the top from Nico Yennaris - an electrifying moment.

A week previous to the Huddersfield game, he also scored a brace against Fulham.

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Eleven days prior to playing against Fulham, he scored twice as Brentford beat Cardiff 2-1.

Here's the goal against Bristol City which sparked this remarkable goalscoring run.

Apart from Shane Long, Martin O'Nell's options up front are weak. Robbie Keane is mainly going to Euro 2016 for his leadership and experience and to be an option off the bench. Daryl Murphy is nowhere near the form which saw him finish as the Championship's top scorer last season. At the moment, Jonathan Walters is probably Ireland's second choice to lead the line for Ireland, though O'Neill would likely prefer to play him on the wing.

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Given his form and the paucity of options, Hogan could certainly be given a chance to show what he can do in the friendly against the Netherlands later this month.

He was called up to Irish U21 side a few years back but at the request of his manager at the time chose not to play.

 

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