Paddy McCarthy has been spotted reuniting with a player Crystal Palace sold in 2023.
The interaction occurred as the 40-year-old took Republic of Ireland training at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown.
So, which former Crystal Palace player did Paddy McCarthy reunite with? Let’s take a look…
Paddy McCarthy reunites with Jake O’Brien
Well, Crystal Palace sold Jake O’Brien to John Textor’s Lyon back in August for just £1m.
The sale came after the Irishman spent two years at Selhurst Park from 2021 to 2023 – having initially been signed from Cork City back in August 2021 after a loan spell.
O’Brien never actually made an appearance for Crystal Palace – just 28 appearances for the U21 side – although he has been superb at Lyon, earning a call up to John O’Shea’s Republic of Ireland squad ahead of a potential debut.
McCarthy was entrusted to take training at the FAI National Training Centre by O’Shea – who is currently holding the reins on an interim basis – where images showed Oliver Glasner’s assistant back alongside O’Brien, who he worked closely alongside in the Crystal Palace academy.
It speaks volumes that O’Shea opted to get McCarthy onboard to help him with the Republic of Ireland National Team – clearly, the Irishman is a very highly rated coach across British football.
Speaking about the decision, Marc Canham – Director of Football at the FAI – said: “Paddy has fantastic experience as a coach and is a great addition to the staff. Alongside his current role at Crystal Palace, his experience will prove invaluable to John and the team for these next two matches.”
Crystal Palace are missing out
Crystal Palace clearly saw potential in O’Brien when signing the central defender from Cork City – although the Eagles are seemingly missing out on the Irishman fulfilling that potential.
The 22-year-old has been a standout player for Lyon this season, scoring four goals in 22 appearances.
O’Brien’s efforts have caught the eye of Everton – according to Foot Mercato – and it is starting to feel like we perhaps should have kept the man from Cork onboard, amid doubts over the future of Marc Guehi at Selhurst Park.
