Derby County youngster Festy Ebosele has been called up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for the first time as manager Jim Crawford looks at the next flock of talent.
Ebosele joined Derby from Bray Wanderers in 2018.
The youngster told the Irish Sun in 2019 how he chose the Rams over bigger clubs due to Derby’s willingness to give their young stars a chance at first-team level.
Ebosele initially joined up with the U18s, before featuring regularly at U23 level.
But during the latter stages of the season, Derby pushed Ebosele through to the first-team squad and he made his Championship debut as a late substitute in April.
The 18-year-old went on to make another two late substitute appearances for the Rams, and his involvement at senior level has been recognised by Irish U21 boss Crawford.
Ebosele, interestingly, predominantly started his youth career as a right-back.
But Derby boss Wayne Rooney brought him on against Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End as a wide striker with Ebosele blessed with blistering pace.
The former Bray Wanderers man started the U23s final game of the season against Manchester United U23 also in an attacking role, grabbing an assist in a 3-1 victory.
It could be the way forward for the exciting Irish talent.
The Ireland U21s face three matches over the next week as preparation for their 2023 European Championship qualifiers against Bosnia and Luxembourg in September.
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