Northern Ireland have suffered immensely over the past eight years due to their lack of one of the key components to any successful international side — a goalscorer.
Not since journeyman striker Kyle Lafferty’s goals took Northern Ireland to Euro 2016 has the Green and White Army had a reliable forward.
Strikers such as Dion Charles, Liam Boyce, and Josh Mageniss have all contributed through their overall quality, yet they lacked the clinical edge at the international level.
Northern Ireland’s fortunes may be about to change with the emergence of two new centre-forwards, though.
Ronan Hale of Ross County and Lee Bonis of ADO Den Haag have caught the eye of their respective new clubs since they moved from the NIFL Premiership.
Michael O’Neill has made it no secret that he’s monitoring their progress and that both could become regular squad members.
This tactical analysis and scout report aims to shine some light on why.
Ronan Hale Scouting Report
Ronan Hale has had a year to remember.
In May, the forward scored two iconic goals to help Cliftonville win their first Irish Cup in 45 years.
His goal contribution tally of 21 goals and eight assists last season caught the eye of Scottish Premiership side Ross County.
The 26-year-old has now become an integral part of the Staggies front line and is appearing to be making a significant difference in their quest to remain in Scotland’s top division.
Scoring five goals in 14 appearances, Hale sits second in the Scottish Premiership scoring charts.
Rumours are that the former Republic of Ireland u21 international is on the brink of getting his first call-up for the Northern Ireland senior squad.
Yet, Hale has had to endure a difficult journey to get to this point.
As a teenager, the 26-year-old moved from his native Belfast to play for Birmingham City’s U18 side.
He impressed, putting in some eye-catching performances in his two seasons at the Midlands club.
However, Hale suffered from homesickness and returned to Ireland.
He then spent time at a host of top clubs in both the NIFL Premiership and League of Ireland.
Failing to find his feet anywhere, he found himself dropping out of a full-time football setup to play semi-professionally for Cliftonville.
Scoring 32 goals in 62 appearances, Hale demonstrated that he could fulfil his potential and play at a far higher level.
Ronan Hale Goalscoring Ability
Strikers are bought with the expectation that they will score goals.
Hale has done that already.
He scored eight goals in 17 appearances across all competitions and’s been vital to Ross County’s attacking threat.
Hale has contributed 44% of County’s league goals this season.
Hale’s goalscoring exploits are even more impressive when you consider the context.
In the Scottish Premiership, Ross County sit lowest for crosses and key passes per 90, meaning Hale hasn’t been blessed with incredible service.
Despite this, Hale has still managed to have the most shots in the Scottish Premiership.
However, 44% of Hale’s shots have come from outside the box.
This has resulted in his xG per shot figure being only 0.08 per shot.
In this situation against Heart’s, Hale arrives at the edge of the box.
The ball falls nicely for him, and he curls it expertly into the bottom corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
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