Everton-linked striker Tommy Lonergan has been backed to make it in English football second time around, with a pundit declaring: “remember the name.”
A report from TEAMtalk states that scouts from a host of Premier League clubs were in attendance as Lonergan bagged a brace in the Republic of Ireland Under-21s’ 3-1 win over their England counterparts in Cork last Tuesday. The England side was managed by former Everton favourite Lee Carsley.
Despite the visitors being packed with Premier League talent, including Everton’s Tyler Dibling, Archie Gray of Tottenham Hotspur and Josh King of Fulham, the hosts hit back from being a goal down to record their first ever victory over the Three Lions at that level.
Scouts circle after brace
The article adds that Everton, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United and Sunderland were among the teams represented at the game to check on Lonergan. The 22-year-old is enjoying an impressive rise since returning to Ireland, with his form for Waterford attracting growing attention.
Hailing from Dunboyle in County Meath, some nine miles northwest of Dublin city centre, Lonergan came through the academy at St Patrick’s Athletic before earning a move to League One Fleetwood Town. However, the Cod Army were relegated in his first season and he netted just once in 20 matches for them before returning to his homeland.
Pundit backs 'smart signing'
The League of Ireland season follows a spring to autumn calendar and in 2026, Lonergan netted 16 goals in 32 matches for Waterford. With last season’s top scorer Beto and their most creative force Iliman Ndiaye departing, David Moyes has been left short of firepower, with Thierno Barry his only recognised striker among a squad of just 18 outfield players.
Irish football expert Ronan Calvert of Ireland Radar, who has previously provided insights for the BBC, iPaper and MailOnline, reckons the Blues would do well to take a punt on the revived star. Speaking courtesy of Betway, he said: “Tommy Lonergan would be a very smart signing for Everton.
“He was always athletic, but Lonergan is now strikingly physical and he is using his frame to outmuscle defenders and get driven shots away or direct sweet headers past helpless ‘keepers on a pretty regular basis.
“Many technically sound players have crossed the Irish Sea before and not seen their form translate, but the sheer size and determination of Lonergan would make you fairly confident that he has what it takes to take on the challenge of English football.
“He’s a handful of a striker, and in this kind of form, there’s very little that he’s not able to do. He’s had to work really hard to get to this point, with some disappointments at St Patrick’s Athletic and Fleetwood Town along the way.
“But the last few weeks have shown us a player who has fully arrived and is ready for the next level. He came into the latest Ireland under-21 camp brimming with confidence as the League of Ireland’s top scorer despite playing his football for relegation battlers Waterford FC all year.
“That confidence fired Ireland to some massive results, including their 3-1 win against England at Turner’s Cross where he bagged a brace to seal a place in the play-offs.”
Ready to make his mark
Calvert also believes that Lonergan is now primed to have an impact across the Irish Sea after flopping in England first time around. He added: “On Friday, he was back in the blue of Waterford helping them to a first FAI Cup Final since 2004 with a goal against Bohemians.
“So, it’s fair to say he is in electric form for club and country. The last time he played in an FAI Cup Final was for St Patrick’s Athletic in 2023 when, as a relatively unknown teenager, he came on and scored the third Pat’s goal as they overcame Bohs in stunning style.
“Fast forward to this year’s final and you would have to say he comes into it as a completely different player. Remember the name because he’ll be making his mark in England very soon.”
