League of Ireland's rising talent: 20 under 20 for 2023

With 2023 stretched out ahead of us, we've picked out a rising talent from each of the 20 League of Ireland clubs that could flourish in the new season.

Last year James Abankwah (then at St Pat's, now at Udinese), Cathal Heffernan (then at Cork City, now at AC Milan ) and Alex Murphy (then at Galway United, now at Newcastle United) were three of the bright prospects who made our list.

This year we've taken another look at the best of the young footballers currently developing in the domestic game.

PREMIER DIVISION

1. James McManus (Bohemians) Age: 17 Position: Midfielder

One of Keith Long's last acts as Bohs boss was to hand tough midfielder McManus a three-year deal in August. Capped with the Republic of Ireland up to U-19s level, he's an all-action player with an eye for a pass and good energy. With so many faces leaving the Gypsies over the winter, McManus could have the opportunity to really catch Declan Devine's eye in pre-season.

2. Mark O'Mahony (Cork City) Age: 17 Position: Forward

The recently crowned Republic of Ireland U-17s player of the year made his first-team debut as a sub against Longford Town in March. After banging in the goals for Colin O'Brien's Ireland U-17s, he went on to play for the U-18s and U-19s, for whom he scored a hat-trick against Gibralatar in September. Cork have a conveyor belt of good talent coming through their academy - O'Mahony is one of their brightest products.

3. Daithi McCallion (Derry City)Age: 17Position: Defender

McCallion became the youngest ever Derry player to sign professional terms at the age of 16 a year ago and by April, Ruaidhri Higgins had fast-tracked him to the first team. McCallion has gone on loan to Finn Harps for 2023, where he'll get more minutes and more experience.