Tom Cannon (footballer)

Thomas Christopher Cannon (born 28 December 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for club Leicester City. Born in England, he represents the Republic of Ireland national team.

Club career
Cannon is a youth product of Everton, having signed with the club at the age of 10. He signed his first professional contract in March 2021, penning a two-year contract until June 2023. He signed a contract extension in August 2022 which would take him to June 2025. He made his senior debut with Everton as a late substitute in a 4–1 EFL Cup loss to AFC Bournemouth on 8 November 2022. Cannon went on to make his Premier League debut as a 74th-minute substitute in Everton's 3–0 away loss to Bournemouth on 12 November 2022.

On 10 January 2023, Cannon joined Championship club Preston North End on loan until the end of the season. He made his Championship debut four days later, starting in a 4–0 loss against Norwich City. On 25 February, he scored his first goal for the club, in a 2–1 win against Wigan Athletic.

On 1 September 2023, Cannon joined Championship club Leicester City on a five-year contract. On 9 December, he made his debut for Leicester, as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 4–0 win against Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Championship. On 1 January 2024, he scored his first and second goal for the club, netting twice in a 4–1 home win over Huddersfield Town.

International career
Cannon received his first call up for the Republic of Ireland Under 19s squad in October 2019 and played in three Under 19 European Championship qualifier matches against Switzerland, Gibraltar and Denmark, scoring his first international goal against Gibraltar.

Cannon was next called up to an Under 20s squad in March 2022 and played in a friendly match against an Ireland Amateurs side.

His first call up for the Republic of Ireland U21 team came in March 2023, for a friendly against Iceland U21.

In May 2023, Cannon was called into a training camp with the Republic of Ireland senior national team by manager Stephen Kenny.

The FA have approached Cannon to try and convince him to play for England internationally rather than the Republic of Ireland.

On 28 May 2024, Cannon received his first official call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior national team for two friendly matches against Hungary and Portugal, making his debut appearance as a substitute against Portugal.

Honours
Leicester City
 * EFL Championship: 2023–24