It’s fairly common knowledge that the Imps were bidding for Josh Honohan this summer.
With Shamrock progressing in Europe and a title coming their way, the move didn’t materialise. However, it’s widely accepted that our interest in Honohan has not gone away, and the left back remains a live target ahead of the winter window.
City’s move for Honohan surfaced just before the summer deadline, and despite the window closing without a deal, the club’s admiration has not cooled. Recruitment plans for January will be monitored by form and fitness across the autumn, and Honohan is firmly in the conversation after a stellar 18 months in Tallaght.
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Big goals in the title run-in
Honohan has started adding decisive contributions at the sharp end of the field. Recently, he crashed in a superb second-half strike against Drogheda United at Tallaght, sealing a 2-1 win that nudged Rovers nine points clear and kept the title momentum rolling.
Days ago, he opened the scoring away at Waterford, arriving at the back post to finish from a long throw before Matt Healy’s long-range effort made it two, a 2-1 victory that pushed Stephen Bradley’s side ten points clear at the summit with the derby against Bohemians to come.
Rovers are within touching distance of another league crown, and Honohan’s knack for timely interventions has become part of the story.
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Republic of Ireland recognition
His outstanding domestic form has translated into international recognition. Earlier this month, Honohan was drafted into Heimir Hallgrímsson’s senior Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifier in Armenia, stepping up after the diving Sammie Szmodics withdrew. The call-up followed his involvement in June’s camp and underlines how far his game has travelled, with versatility across the back line and comfort stepping into midfield areas, marking him out.
Although he is yet to win a senior cap, being trusted to join the travelling group for a competitive away qualifier speaks to his standing with the national set-up and the trajectory Lincoln identified in the summer. He might get capped yet – the game in Armenia saw a defeat for Ireland, a result some outlets labelled as one of their worst ever.
Is a Move Still Alive?
From a Lincoln perspective, Honohan ticks a lot of boxes. He is athletic, can play on the right of a back three but mainly as a full-back, and has the knack going forward, as his recent goals show. His Ireland involvement adds another layer to his profile and suggests further growth ahead.
January deals are never straightforward, especially for players central to a title push, but if there is an opening, Honohan looks exactly the type Lincoln should be ready to move for, and seemingly are keen to pursue. Let’s hope Danny Mandroiu has good things to say about the club!