Paul Heckingbottom post-Wigan Athletic
PNE are reportedly closing in on their first January transfer addition.
PNE have been given a glowing reference over reported January target Cathal O’Sullivan.
The young Irish winger is believed to be closing in on a move to Deepdale, with the Irish Examiner revealing on Friday terms had been agreed.
O’Sullivan has impressed following his senior debut in 2023, which saw him go on to net seven goals and provide eight assist in 54 appearances before his departure from the Rebel Army in November.
And after earning a maiden call up to the Republic of Ireland’s U21’s side in March, he is an emerging talent on ‘everyone’s lips’ according to League of Ireland expert Darryl Geraghty, who has sung the youngsters praises ahead of his reported move to PNE.
Exciting verdict over winger closing in on PNE move
He said said: “Cathal O’Sullivan is the name on everyone’s lips at the moment.
“He turned 18 last March and celebrated it with his first inclusion in an Ireland Under-21 squad. He was called up by Jim Crawford to play Croatia and Qatar - and it was honestly no surprise.
“Those matches were another opportunity to bubble up hype before he moved abroad.
"He’s a left-footer but normally operates off the right side of an attacking three, cutting in to shoot.
“He came through Leeside United before joining Cork City’s academy.
“He played at pretty much every age group there before being massive in their promotion back to the top division. He got seven goals, three assists and he’s just a constant threat
"He got into the PFAI Team of the Year as well off the back of some stunning performances and a few absolute stunners as well.
"I think - thanks to his low centre of gravity and pace from a standing start - he then made the step up to the Irish Premier Division look easy.
“He’s got four assists before a serious injury last season.
"He’s got that Lamine Yamal or Mo Salah-style ability to drift inside or outside, burst away from his marker. Then he just seems to let fly whenever he gets the chance.
"What really stands out with him though - and it might not be the first thing you think of with a player like this - is his ferocious tenacity.
“He works back, does the ugly side of the game heading towards his own goal, and that’s something managers notice.
“Now, of course, like any young attacker, the final ball and his ruthlessness in front of goal will only get better with age."
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