Dara O’Shea says the first team football he has played this season is a massive factor in him getting his first call up to the Republic of Ireland under-21s.
The defender, who turned 20 last week, has played 26 times for the Grecians this season having joined on loan from West Bromwich Albion in August.
“Exeter have definitely helped me progress,” said Dara. “I have become a better player, I have learned a lot more and, I think, having been able to play first team football is the main reason why I have been called up.
“West Brom have been in touch with me and they are really happy for me. They are pleased that have got the chance to go and represent my country.”
Dara will join up with Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland under-21s on Monday as part of a week’s training camp which ends with a match against Luxembourg at the Tallaght Stadium at 5pm on Sunday, March 24. This does mean that Dara will miss City’s match away at Notts County on Saturday, March 23, but he is delighted about getting the chance to represent his country.
“It is amazing,” he said. “Every player’s dream is to represent their country so I am buzzing with the call-up and I am really looking forward to it.
“It will be a different work environment so I am going to learn different things. International football is a lot different to club-level football as well so it is nice to play a different type of football.
“Stephen Kenny (Republic of Ireland under-21 coach) has come down to watch me and I have met him. I had met him before and he seems like a really good coach and someone who I can get a lot of knowledge from. He understands the game really well and I am really looking forward to him.”
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