Manchester United legend John O'Shea has revealed how Jack Moylan impressed Republic of Ireland coaches in his very first training sessions, while international team-mate Dara O'Shea believes the Cardiff City star has an incredibly exciting future ahead of him.
Moylan has been one of the standout performers for Brian Barry-Murphy's Bluebirds this season, with his form in front of goal earning him admirers both domestically and internationally.
The 25-year-old has taken his game to another level in recent weeks, producing a hat-trick against West Ham before playing an influential role in Cardiff's 5-4 comeback victory over Burnley last weekend.
O'Shea praises Moylan's early impact
Former United defender O'Shea, who is part of the Republic of Ireland coaching staff, revealed that Moylan's impact has been evident from the moment he first joined up with the national team.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Ireland's UEFA Nations League fixtures against Austria and Kosovo, O'Shea admitted he had been impressed by how seamlessly the Cardiff man had adapted to international football.
"Yes, really impressed. Going back to even the May camp, I think that was the key," O'Shea said.
"When you think of a new player coming into an environment and understanding how he's going to react, how he's going to be around the group, and then ultimately how he's going to train and how he's going to perform.
"We were only speaking about it a couple of days ago, how he actually impacted the first couple of training sessions when we saw him. It was brilliant.
"He just had that quality, that work rate and, obviously, the finishing ability. He was able to bring all those aspects to the team."
Desire and growth at club level
O'Shea, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during his career at Old Trafford, believes Moylan's hunger to establish himself at the highest level has been as impressive as his technical ability.
The former defender explained that the midfielder's determination to force his way into the Ireland starting XI was apparent almost immediately, with his performances for Cardiff reinforcing the positive impression he had made.
"I think when you have that in a squad, a player that just shows that desire straight away — 'I want to be first and foremost in the squad, but then to be in the XI, stay in the XI, do everything you can.'
"Then, obviously, have a change of clubs in the meantime and have that impact for a new club.
"We hope there's more growth to come from Jack, without a doubt. It's a pleasing aspect when someone gets a chance like that, but takes it with both hands and then kicks on at their club as well."
Dara O'Shea on Moylan's style and journey
Ireland defender Dara O'Shea, who was sitting alongside his namesake at the press conference, offered an equally glowing assessment of Moylan, describing him as a natural footballer whose confidence and ability make him a pleasure to play alongside.
"I think Jack's a real joy to watch," the defender said.
"I think for any football fan, he's almost got that street footballer style about him. You can give him the ball in any area and he's comfortable to have it.
"I think even just speaking off the pitch since he's come into the group, he's been full of confidence and he's been a breath of fresh air in a way."
Dara O'Shea also pointed to Moylan's route into the Championship, through the League of Ireland and then Lincoln City, believing the experiences he has accumulated have contributed to the confident player thriving today.
"He's probably someone that got the success of football later on in life, obviously coming over in a different way," he added.
"I'm really happy for him. He's obviously flying at club level and he's doing really well for us at international level as well.
"I think what he can kick on to and what he can reach in his career is really exciting."
