Dan Crowley was once the Great White Hope.
For England. In fairness, the Three Lions have had many of them over the years and it doesn't take too much to get them going all yellow banners on Sky Sports News but this lad looked like the real deal.
A graduate of the Aston Villa academy, the Coventry born Crowley was one of their brightest prospects. So bright that Arsenal got wind of it and the Gunners' esteemed scouting programme didn't delay. Snapped him up as quick as possible at all costs. £209'000 was the exact amount it set them back.
The kid was only 16. The year was 2014.
Since, Crowley has played for both Ireland and his native England at underage level. The Irish Connection arises from his Irish granny. He moved to Dutch side Willem II in a bid to relight the fire after struggling to do so in north London and in Holland was where he enjoyed some success and began showing that creative, mercurial potential again.
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Well now, Crowley is moving back closer to home. It was in February when the 21-year-old pledged his
international allegiance to Ireland ahead of England and in May when Irish manager Mick McCarthy tripped over to the Netherlands with the intention of seeing this fella play.
Unfortunately, Crowley didn't start that day as Willem II lost 4-0 to Ajax in the cap but now his ambition of earning a senior international cap looks one step closer.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuLiuKmh1KE/?utm_source=ig_embed
That comes with the news on Wednesday morning that Crowley is moving from Holland to England after he completed a medical with Championship side Birmingham City. The midlands club finished in 17th in the League last year and are managed by Pep Clotet.
https://twitter.com/SamWallaceTel/status/1151380704221155328
Tweet: Sam Wallace, the Telegraph.
Here's hoping Crowley brings the magic back and boosts Ireland creative midfield options.
