In recent years, Torquay United have enjoyed a fruitful loan connection with Championship side Queens Park Rangers, which they have continued with the addition of young striker Cian Dillon.
The likes of Sinclair Armstrong, Stephen Duke-McKenna, Dillon De Silva and Arkell Jude-Boyd have all enjoyed their moments on loan at Plainmoor from Loftus Road, and certain parallels can be drawn with the aforementioned Armstrong and Dillon.
Both Armstrong and Dillon joined QPR from Dublin-based Shamrock Rovers and have both represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level, Dillon also has the caveat of having represented the Republic at Under-21 level.
Like Armstrong, who scored twice in nine appearances for United in the 2021-22 campaign, Dillon is now using a loan stint with the Gulls as a platform to showcase his talents.
After a promising debut away to Salisbury FC, where he was selected by manager Paul Wotton in place of experiencing striker Cody Cooke, Dillon is now in line for selection for his first home game against Dagenham & Redbridge, who may or may not feature former England striker Andy Carroll in their ranks.
However, it could be a young Irish hopeful who could end up stealing the headlines as the Gulls look to secure a record sixth successive home league win - which dates back 99 years to the 1926-27 campaign.
