Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Sun 17 May 2026 17:10, UK

Mason Melia has been impressing in the Tottenham Hotspur youth ranks ever since recovering from an injury that stalled his start to life in London.

The young Irishman joined the Lilywhites back in January for a record fee for the League of Ireland of £1.5million, but a back injury meant he had to wait to start going.

Upon his return, he made an instant impact, scoring just three minutes into his first game for Spurs’ Under-21s.

Since then, he has made six appearances in the Premier League 2 and scored three goals. It is an impressive and quick start to life for Melia.

Now, those efforts have been rewarded with a chance to show his qualities at a more senior level and an opportunity to impress manager Roberto De Zerbi ahead of next season for Tottenham.

Mason Melia receives maiden Republic of Ireland call-up

Tottenham have had many injuries this season, which could have opened the door for more youth involvement.

However, with their precarious situation regarding relegation, turning to the youngsters over more experienced options would be a huge risk.

January arrival Melia is perhaps one player that could have made an impact, especially with the injury to Dominic Solanke earlier in the campaign. However, his own issues have prevented him from doing so as well.

Supporters will be eagerly awaiting to see the highly rated Irishman in action at the senior level, and it may not be for them to do so.

Melia has been called up to the senior Irish national team for the upcoming end-of-season internationals. It is his first time being called up.

The forward could have the chance to feature for the Irish national team when they take on Qatar on 28 May at 7:45 pm UK time.

And he will have a further opportunity in Canada against the Canucks on 6 June at 12:30 am UK time.

How likely is Mason Melia to make his Ireland debut?

Although the Tottenham forward has been called up, that does not mean he will be guaranteed to feature for the Boys in Green.

However, manager Hallgrimsson has not been shy about issuing a first cap to international players over the last few months.

The Icelandic coach has recently just put on an international friendly against Grenada, in which the nation won 5-0, in order to get a first viewing of potential players for his squad.

With friendlies against Qatar and Canada coming up, Melia has every chance of making his debut for the Republic of Ireland.

Melia could be in line for a loan out of Tottenham, but with impressive displays in the upcoming internationals, he could keep himself at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It will be an opportunity to show De Zerbi what he can offer.