Finn Flanagan - The Irish Connection
The Energetic Mansfield Town Midfielder with a Republic of Ireland Connection…
Midfield has long been Ireland’s Achilles heel, questions over how the lack of midfield quality might just hinder Heimir Hallgrímsson Irish revival still remain.
League One has seen an influx of young Irish promising players emerge, and Mansfield Town's energetic 19-year-old midfielder Finn Flanagan is high up on that list.
Last Wednesday night, young Ben Quinn and Finn Flanagan both started for Mansfield Town as they exited the Bristol Street Motors Trophy following their defeat to Bradford City.
Finn qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through his Grandparents who are from Portlaoise, County Laois. He joined Derby County when he was 10, spending six years in their Academy before signing a scholarship with Mansfield Town.
Finn gained valuable experience at the Derby County Academy, an academy which pride themselves on the philosophy of focusing on a purposeful passing style of football, where they equip players with the technical and tactical skills that allow their teams to control and influence the game when in or out of possession. Finn was in an environment where he developed the athletic ability and mental strength to regain possession of the ball and consequently regain control of the game.
I recently spoke to Finn who guided me through his style of play;
“I’m a natural centre midfielder, where I can play as either a holding midfielder looking to get on the ball and dictate the game, or equally I can play as an 8 and get much more involved with attacks, creating and scoring chances when I get the opportunity.
Ultimately I like to get on the ball as much as possible, and help to dominate other teams by playing short, clever passes and long passes as well.”
Last season Finn had a strong season, playing regularly for the Mansfield Town u21s and made his debut for the first team against Doncaster Rovers.
If Finn can continue his good form this season and break into Nigel Clough's first team, he might just be a player to watch and one who might be knocking on the door for the Irish U21’s in 2025