John O’Shea’s former teammate makes Ireland case for Scottish Premiership based prospect

Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United side have lost just one of their opening seven league games so far this season.

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin hopes his connections with the senior Ireland management team help open the door to senior international recognition for his flying full-back Will Ferry.

Ferry (23) has made a storming start to life in the Scottish Premiership this season, having made the move from League One outfit Cheltenham during the summer.

He has featured in all seven of the club’s league games so far this season and has made 13 appearances in all competitions, and the Tangerines have recorded just one loss so far in the Premiership.

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With Heimir Hallgrímsson struggling to nail down a long-term left-back solution - Celtic centre-half Liam Scales is expected to start there against Finland on Thursday night - Goodwin reckons he has the answer.

And as a former Ireland teammate of current Boys in Green assistant manager John O’Shea, he hopes to get Will Ferry’s name into the conversation.

Bury-born Ferry has been capped at Under-19 and Under-21 level and has spoken of his ambition to make the senior side.

Goodwin, who was capped once in 2002 at senior international level - in a 3-0 win away to Finland - said: “Ireland are in a transitional period with the new manager, and we spoke to Will about that. We highlighted that in the summer.

“He has a far better chance of breaking into that full international team playing in Scotland opposed to playing League One football in England.

“He recognised that and I’m sure it would be a very proud moment if the opportunity does arise.

“I have good contacts within the FAI, people who are working close to the senior team. I am constantly updating them and keeping them in the loop.

“They are aware of the good progress these boys (Ferry and Emmanuel Adegboyega, a Dundalk native currently on-loan at Dundee United from Norwich City) are making.”

Goodwin has been impressed by the start that one-time Southampton prospect Ferry has made to life in Scotland so far.

“Will has been one of the outstanding left-backs and wingbacks in Scotland, when you look at his data. On the platforms we use, he is in the top three for his position in the league.

“That tells you how well he is doing. He has been a breath of fresh air since he has come to the club. Everybody can see why we brought him here and hopefully he can continue his development.”

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