Every year when FIFA and Football Manager's latest versions are released, one of the first things we do here at Balls.ie is scrutinise the ratings given to Irish players.
We can't help it.
Then of course, once the games have been out for a while, we look past what the current ratings are and see what the future supposedly has in store by finding out which teenagers grow up to replace the current crop of players as the most talented Irishmen in football.
Football Manager deploys thousands of real scouts from around the world, and EA Sports crowdsource their roster information to local experts, so looking ahead to the future potential of players in their games gives us a good idea as to which youngsters are showing the signs of going on and becoming a star.
While you can't take it as gospel, obviously, it is a fun way to get familiar with a few names that maybe we should keep an eye out for. With that in mind, we've looked at the potential growth of Irish players in FIFA 17 Career Mode and highlighted five League of Ireland teenagers and five kids at English clubs who grow into mainstays of the Irish team on the game.
League Of Ireland Teenagers:
Trevor Clarke - Shamrock Rovers - Winger
Having already made the breakthrough for Rovers' senior side, Clarke is tipped to develop into a very solid wide player.
Aaron Dobbs - Shamrock Rovers - Striker
Another Rovers youngster, Dobbs represents a great buy in lower league career modes and again is expected to grow into a fine striker.
Steven Kinsella - Dundalk - Winger
On-loan Everton winger Kinsella has represented Ireland at underage levels, 73 is what Jeff Hendrick is currently rated so promising development expected by EA Sports.
Eoin Porter - Wexford Youths - Striker
The young Wexford striker is the Irish player with the highest potential growth in FIFA 17.
Evan Osam - Shamrock Rovers - Full Back
Rovers fullback Osam is the League of Ireland player with the highest potential this year at 75.
Teenagers In England:
Reece Grego-Cox - Newport County - Striker
Always one tipped for the top in the last few years, the U21 international turns into a pace demon.
Adam McDonnell - Ipswich - Midfielder
Already impressing at club level with Ipswich, McDonell grows into a fine player on FIFA 17.
Louis Dunne - Colchester - Winger
Josh Barrett - Reading - Midfielder
Another youngster with a crazy amount of potential growth, Porter could reach 77 which makes him a career mode steal.
Conor Masterson - Liverpool - Centre Back
And the future captain of Ireland according to FIFA is Liverpool youngster Conor Masterson who has the highest potential rating of any Irish youngster this year.
