Former Ireland International Kevin Kilbane believes that players in the League of Ireland are “undervalued” and “dismissed” despite having high levels of quality within the league.
Kilbane recently spoke about ex-St Patrick’s Athletic star Chris Forrester and him possibly becoming a member of the Irish International set up after a strong display for Peterborough United against West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup.
Kilbane knows how the League of Ireland is perceived by clubs in Britain and believes clubs will only pose out financially because of that.
“He’s (Forrester) gone over to England now and proved what a top player he is,” Kilbane told 98 FM in an interview. “One thing that’s maybe undervalued at times is the players in the League of Ireland. I think they’re dismissed at times and it’s totally wrong.
“I think [Peterborough] are trying to get a hefty price tag behind him so that if and when he does move on, they get a figure that recognises his talent and I think he’s got incredible talent.”
“We’ve had so many player that are established now, playing in our squad and team within the international side that have played in the League of Ireland,” added Kilbane.
“There’ll be more. There will be more playing League of Ireland now that will go over [to Britain] in the next few years and then establish themselves in the [Ireland] squad.
“I think that’s a good thing from the League of Ireland’s point of view, but I think, sometimes, the fees are not recognising the true quality of the player.”