Lincoln City have utilised the talents in the League of Ireland to their benefit in the past, and there are options for them again this summer.

The Imps signed midfielder Jack Moylan in January 2024, and he has grown into a quality Sky Bet League One footballer during his stint in Lincolnshire so far.

With the futures of City left-back Sean Roughan and captain Paudie O’Connor, a centre-back, still up in the air, The Deck asked Irish football expert Bill Gaine for five defenders in the Irish league that would be good recruits for Lincoln.

Josh Honohan – Shamrock Rovers:

The 24-year-old left-back Josh Honohan is one player recommended for Lincoln City. The right-footer could naturally play on the other side of defence too, making him a versatile option for the Imps.

Bill, who is the founder of the Irish Football Blog, said: “He would be the best signing Lincoln could make from the League of Ireland. He is about to make his international debut and is proven performer in Europe.”

Honohan is into his second season at Shamrock Rovers after moving from Cork City, and has featured in the UEFA Conference League after playing 35 league games in his debut campaign.

However, Bill noted that because of Honohan’s well-rounded skills both defensively and going forward, he would be unlikely to move to English if not for a Championship offering.

Zach Nolan – Bray Wanderers: 

Rapid youngster Zach Nolan has been the focus of reported attention from the English side of the Irish Sea before, and is now theoretically a free agent.

Bill spoke very highly of the 19-year-old, and said: “He’s in the mould of a Trai Hume at Sunderland, a duel winner with dribbling ability, and attacking prowess.”

Previously of the Shamrock Rovers Academy, Nolan has found first team football at Bray Wanderers.

Clocking speeds of 35kph in a match, he is sought-after and would be an excellent signing for Lincoln City with their proven track record of elevating young talent.

Ronan Boyce – Derry City:

Derry academy product Ronan Boyce may be predominately a right-back, but Bill believes he can be used in a more central defensive position.

“Ronan is a talented defender composed, good going forward but most importantly defensively. Though he is mainly used at right-back, he could potentially be used at centre-back or at least as a right centre-back in a three,” he said.

The 24-year-old brings versatility, having also covered at right-midfielder, left-back, and defensive midfield over the course of his career.

Despite his age, the former Republic of Ireland under-21s call-up has made over 150 senior appearances and could be in line for a step up in standards. That is something Lincoln City could offer him.

Cory O’Sullivan – Shamrock Rovers:

Young Cory O’Sullivan is grabbing headlines with a smash-hit season at Shamrock Rovers.

The 19-year-old centre-back, who can along play on the left, is noted for his athleticism, quality going forward, and pace.

Bill said: “This could, and likely would, be the biggest coup of all the names listed, and right now the former Ireland U16, U17 and U19 is having a breakout season for Shamrock Rovers and has now been called up the Ireland U21s.”

He has been described as the heir to the aforementioned Honohan’s throne, even if they have played alongside each other throughout their time in Rovers colours.

Kameron Ledwidge – Shelbourne:

Finally, former Southampton defender Kameron Ledwidge. The 24-year-old returned to the League of Ireland in 2021 after four-years on the south coast of England, and has seen his stock rise ever since.

That is a move Bill thinks highly off, noting: “It’s done wonders for his career. He is strong, athletic, and good with the ball at his feet.”

Ledwidge, who has been capped with Ireland at every level from under-15s to under-21s, now has over 130 senior career appearances at Shelbourne. That is the same club that Moylan excelled at before Lincoln City swooped in to sign him.

His gametime has come equally across both centre-back and left-back, the former being a real strength of his recent play under Shels manager and ex-Chelsea midfielder Damien Duff.