Italian job: Festy Ebosele on Liam Brady comparisons and going against Wayne Rooney advice
Wayne Rooney is qualified to impart advice to teen bolters following his trail but a speedster from Enniscorthy was prepared to ignore it and plot his own path.
As Derby County’s financial implosion hastened an exodus of stars 19 months ago, Festy Ebosele assessed his suitors.
The views of fatherly figure Rooney on his next move were welcome but not consistent with his desire.
Rooney flourished on the local terrain of England at Everton before becoming Manchester United’s record goalscorer and the sense of familiarity was an ingredient he believed would serve this 19-year-old best.
"I think he should have stayed here, kept learning to play the game here then he really has a chance,” he said as the move to Italian club Udinese loomed.
“It is always difficult for a young player to go abroad."
Speaking as he was about his protégé he branded a potential superstar, the Rams boss was well-intentioned, yet found his recommendation met with civil disobedience.
“Yeah, I did discuss the move with him,” said Ebosele this week, in camp for Ireland’s final Euro qualifier in the Netherlands on Saturday.
“He asked that I consider all my options. And I did that but still felt Udinese was the best one for me.” Ebosele is not a history buff but he possessed the fortitude to create some.
Robbie Keane in 2000 ended a 14-year famine of the Irish in Serie A since Liam Brady’s departure and here was a Wexford man breaking a 22-year drought. His former manager in Ireland wasn’t surprised at the self-belief.
There’s been no contact from Rooney since they parted, not even a text after he earned the penalty that sealed victory at AC Milan two weeks ago, but John Bolger feels the current Birmingham City boss will, beneath his doubts, admire the
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