Why Wolves should reignite their interest in Irish starlet Andy Lyons
According to The Irish Sun, Premier League outfit Crystal Palace are keen on Bohemians right-back Andy Lyons, who impressed on trial at Wolves around this time last year.
The Eagles are set to run the rule over the 19-year-old defender in the U23 matches and they could make a move for the prospect in January if Lyons manages to impress the recruitment team at Selhurst Park (h/t Irish Sun).
This is not the first time that the teenager has attracted cross-channel interest. Lyons was handed a trial by Wolves last year while League One side AFC Wimbledon also had an offer turned down by the Gypsies (h/t Irish Sun).
A youth exponent of Bohemians, Andy Lyons progressed through various age-group ranks before making his senior professional debut against Derry City in April 2018.
Having made only 5 appearances over the course of his breakthrough season, Lyons has played a more substantial role in the League of Ireland Premier Divison this term, clocking up 14 appearances.
Lyon, who has also featured for the club’s U19 side in the UEFA Youth League campaign, has been developing at a rapid pace.
Indeed, Crystal Palace’s interest in The Republic of Ireland U19 starlet makes a lot of sense, given that the south Londoners are short of options at right-back after the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Man United in the summer.
To put things into perspective, however, Palace’s pursuit of Andy Lyons should put Wolves on red alert.
While there haven’t been any recent reports to suggest that the Black Country outfit are interested in going back for his services, Nuno would bag a massive coup by doing so.
As per the report, the 19-year-old has been listed among the players to have re-signed for Bohemians for the upcoming League Of Ireland Premier Division campaign but Wolves should reignite their interest in the talented right-back.
Lyons has progressed by leaps and bounds over the past 12 months and Wolves, who are short of cover on the right-hand side of their backline, should offer him another chance to impress.
Matt Doherty has finally shown signs of returning to his best. following a disappointing start to the ongoing campaign.
Notwithstanding the fact that Adama Traore has proven himself to be a handy alternative in Nuno Espirito Santo’s right wing-back role, grooming someone like Lyons for the future won’t be a bad idea.
Verdict
The 19-year-old has been making waves with his performances in the Irish top-flight and while that is hardly a test of his credentials in the highly competitive atmosphere of the Premier League, the right-back’s talent and potential can take him far.
With Wolves now competing in the Europa League, Nuno Santo needs to start addressing his squad depth issues sooner rather than later. After all, the right wing-back area has only Doherty as the specialist option.
Nuno Santo has shown his proficiency when it comes to extracting the best out of young players and Wolves would be left to scratch their heads if Lyon goes on to fulfil his promise somewhere else, especially at another Premier League club.
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With that in mind, Lyons is certainly worth a punt for Wolves and interest from Palace means that it is high time for them to decide their stance on the teenager.