FORMER DERRY CITY midfielder Stephen McLaughlin deserves to be in contention for the Republic of Ireland squad, according to Southend United manager Phil Brown.
McLaughlin has been in good form for Southend this season, scoring his sixth goal in all competitions in his side’s 4-1 win against Bury last Saturday, and his manager believes that he should be in Martin O’Neill’s international panel.
“It certainly wouldn’t surprise me if Macca (McLaughlin) was on the radar of the Republic of Ireland squad at the moment because he certainly deserves to be as far as I’m concerned,” Brown told the Echo.
“He’s in very good form and to have already scored six goals is excellent.
“We haven’t had any contact with the Ireland set up but if Macca keeps this up then he definitely has to be in with a chance of getting a call up.”
Now 26, McLaughlin followed in the footsteps of Ireland international James McClean when he left Derry City for England, joining Nottingham Forest in 2013.
The Donegal native struggled to make a breakthrough at the City Ground, featuring just nine times in the Championship, and joined Southend on a permanent deal in 2015 following loan spells at Notts County and Bristol City.
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Rip Sven. He always seemed like a gentleman.
Rest in Peace.
RIP
Very sad rip