Stephen Elliott sees Premier League potential in Chiedozie Ogbene

Former Republic of Ireland striker Stephen Elliott feels Chiedozie Ogbene will be on the radar of some Premier League clubs after making a strong start to his Boys in Green career.

Since making his debut for Ireland last summer in Hungary, the Corkman has scored three goals in seven appearances, and had another one ruled out when he was offside against Lithuania.

Those caps have all been as part of Stephen Kenny's forward line, within either a duo or trio, which is in contrast to his right wing-back role at club level with Rotherham United.

Speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, ex-Sunderland and Wolves striker Elliott praised the 24-year-old but also explained where he can improve in an unfamiliar role up front.

"He's done really well since he's come into the international set-up. He's playing League One football albeit in a different kind of formation than Stephen Kenny is utilising," he said.

"But he's somebody I look at and I think he could potentially play through the middle himself as that kind of target man.

"Ogbene is quick, pacey but the one thing I will say is that he needs to be a little bit cleverer with his movement in the box.

"Sometimes you're watching his movements and he ventures into offside positions and that will take time. Even there in the Belgium game a couple of times he's a little bit eager to make that movement which he doesn't have to because he has that pace and strength to get across players.

"He's never really played through the middle but I do think there is something there (to build on)."

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