Taoiseach Micheál Martin has praised Chiedozie Ogbene after the Rotherham winger received his first senior international call-up.
Ogbene was named in Stephen Kenny's 27-man squad for the upcoming friendly internationals against Andorra and Hungary.
Mr Martin is a fan of Cork-based GAA club Nemo Rangers, and he first saw Ogbene playing Gaelic Football for them.
He tweeted: “So happy to see @EdozieOgbene called up to the Ireland squad. I remember him as a young teenager playing for Nemo Rangers. Very talented at soccer and Gaelic.”
So happy to see @EdozieOgbene called up to the Ireland squad.
I remember him as a young teenager playing for Nemo Rangers.
Very talented at soccer and Gaelic. https://t.co/muQ08IrMFG— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 31, 2021
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the upcoming games, Ogbene revealed his delight at a first senior international call-up.
He said: “I grew up in Cork, I see myself as an Irishman, but obviously I am Nigerian by birth, I can't forget that. I'm so happy that it's diverse [the Ireland squad], it's clear that everyone's together and that's the main thing.
“We all have one goal, and we're trying to learn football and do well for the nation, do well for the Republic and get the best results we can.”
