Giant decision looms in Daryl Horgan’s immediate future as big clubs take notice

The Championship, the A-League or the League of Ireland?

It has been a hell of a few days for Daryl Horgan. Premier Division trophy lifted on Friday, named in Martin O'Neill's extended Republic of Ireland squad on Wednesday, a goal against Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday and linked with Newcastle United (!) and Melbourne City (?) on Saturday. The 24-year-old Galwegian has had a monumental season for the Lilywhites. The tricky winger has picked up the attacking mantle from Richie Towell, becoming the go-to player for Stephen Kenny's men. On Sunday the three-in-a-row league champions face Cork City in the FAI Cup final, with a 'double double' on the line. Following that Horgan and his history-making team-mates have their remaining group games against AZ Alkmaar and Maccabi Tel Aviv, with a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League well within their grasp. With so much still to play for Kenny will be hoping Horgan will not be distracted by reports linking his star man with one of the biggest clubs in England and one of the biggest clubs in Australia. Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is keen on the PFAI player of the year, dispatching scouts to Tallaght for the first Europa League clash with Zenit. According to David Sneyd in The Irish Daily Mail Manchester City have also been monitoring the former Cork City man, on behalf of their Australian feeder team. Horgan's doppelgänger Damien Duff signed with Melbourne back in 2014 before finishing his career with Shamrock Rovers. Horgan's contract with Dundalk is up on December 8. We can expect the speculation and interest to increase before then. Who are the winners of the much-coveted 2016 Wooly Awards? Find out in our GAA Hour Special