By Louis Hobbs
With the home nations and the Republic of Ireland releasing their squads for the upcoming international friendlies, it’s expected to see a few familiar faces from respective Yorkshire clubs on the national scene.
Ready for his first opportunity to represent his senior national side, Sheffield United’s Enda Stevens deservedly so has been called up to the Republic of Ireland senior side, the left-back has been pivotal in the Blades’ attempt to recapture a playoff spot.
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Additionally, fellow Blade Lee Evans has been recalled for the Wales’ senior team following his impressive league form.
Surprisingly for Leeds United, Winger Stuart Dallas has returned to Northern Ireland senior team, alongside Euan O’Kane who has been reselected for the Republic of Ireland squad.
When asked about both players, Editor of the Leeds United Mad website, Kevin Markey responded: “Dallas has been in and out of the Leeds team but is always reliable when picked. In previous years, he’s never let his national side down, so it’s expected that he gets the call-up despite poor club form.”
“O’Kane has had an indifferent season with Leeds. He hasn’t been the same since his red card at Ipswich. He definitely needs to improve and make a better impression if he’s to continue to get noticed by our new head coach, Ireland’s coach Martin O’Neil.”
Moreover, when regarding Hull City, long servants David Meyler and Allan Mcgregor have been recalled to the Ireland and Scotland national squad’s respectively. Whilst, Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson returns to the Wales squad.
With reference to Barnsley, Swansea loanee Oliver McBurnie has been promoted to the Scotland senior squad, succeeding his magnificent league form in February, where he claimed the Championship player of the month award. Other Barnsley call-ups include forward Tom Bradshaw and winger Ryan Hedges both return to the Wales senior setup.
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Sports editor at the Barnsley Chronicle Doug O’Kane said: “McBurnie is keeping Barnsley out of the relegation zone at the moment. He has six of their last eight goals and is only two behind top-scorer Bradshaw despite playing 25 fewer games. He’s added a verve to the attacking play and a goal threat badly lacking before.”
“I’m surprised about the two Wales call ups because Bradshaw has not scored in 11 and isn’t starting for Barnsley and Hedges has only started one of their last 21 games. But I suppose Ryan Giggs wants to have a look at them.”
Other international represents include Sheffield Wednesday’s Kieren Westwood, and Bradford’s Colin Doyle who will both join the Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming friendlies.