Delap Lions Bolter: Ireland Call-Up Potential
- Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson is holding out hope that Liam delap, a highly touted striker, will choose to represent Ireland at the senior international level.
- Liam Delap's notable Premier League performance, scoring 12 goals for Ipswich, hasn't been enough to save them from relegation.
- Hallgrimsson acknowledged the challenge of attracting a player of Delap's caliber, especially given England's potential for deep runs in major tournaments. Still, he emphasized that the door remains...
Heimir Hallgrimsson is actively pursuing Liam Delap,the promising striker,hoping he’ll choose to represent Ireland over England. Despite DelapS appearances for England’s Under-21 team, discussions about his senior international future are ongoing, fueled by his remarkable Premier league performance for Ipswich, where he scored 12 goals. Delap’s eligibility stems from his father, former Ireland player Rory Delap, making this a compelling narrative for Irish football fans. News Directory 3 reports on Hallgrimsson’s persistence, even with a potential big-money move to Chelsea on the horizon. With amiable matches against Senegal and Luxembourg approaching, the manager hopes to integrate top talent. Will Delap’s allegiance lie with the Boys in Green? Discover what’s next.
Ireland Still Hopeful for Liam Delap’s International Future
Updated May 30, 2025
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson is holding out hope that Liam delap, a highly touted striker, will choose to represent Ireland at the senior international level. Delap, currently part of England’s Under-21 setup, is eligible to play for Ireland through his father, Rory Delap, who earned 11 caps for Ireland.
Liam Delap’s notable Premier League performance, scoring 12 goals for Ipswich, hasn’t been enough to save them from relegation. However, his talent has attracted important attention, with a potential big-money move to Chelsea on the horizon. despite representing England at various youth levels, Hallgrimsson confirmed that discussions have taken place with Delap about his international future.

Hallgrimsson acknowledged the challenge of attracting a player of Delap’s caliber, especially given England’s potential for deep runs in major tournaments. Still, he emphasized that the door remains open as long as Delap is eligible to declare for Ireland.
“Liam has good qualities, everybody knows that,” Hallgrimsson told reporters. “His father played for the republic.Obviously, we are always hoping the good players will join us.”
When asked if Delap showed any interest in playing for Ireland, Hallgrimsson quipped that the player “didn’t say f*** off.” He clarified that the ultimate decision rests with the player,and ireland will always welcome its best available talent.
shifting focus to upcoming matches, Ireland is set to play Senegal on June 6 at Aviva Stadium, followed by an away game against Luxembourg four days later. Hallgrimsson expressed relief that these are friendly matches, allowing him to experiment with the squad and assess players in a less pressured surroundings.
“we want the best players available, always playing for us,” said Hallgrimsson. “It is up to him. These questions you need to ask the player himself, not me. We always want the best players.”
Hallgrimsson highlighted the importance of team cohesion,especially the extended time spent together during major tournaments. He believes this is a key factor in the consistent success of certain national teams.
What’s next
Hallgrimsson believes Ireland has the necessary talent to qualify for next year’s World Cup,emphasizing the value of the time spent together as a team during qualifying campaigns and potential tournament appearances.
