The Shamrock Rovers manager has urged Heimir Hallgrímsson to consider 17-year-old Victor Ozhianvuna for a senior call-up.
Stephen Bradley(Image: INPHO/Bryan Keane)
Enda Stevens has echoed his manager’s call for international recognition for some of Shamrock Rovers’ youngest stars.
Stephen Bradley said last week that 17-year-old Victor Ozhianvuna should be fast-tracked into the senior Ireland squad for the summer friendlies.
Adam Brennan (18), meanwhile, was on standby for the World Cup play-off against Czechia, but didn’t make the cut.
Stevens sees no harm in Heimir Hallgrímsson throwing a couple of kids into the mix before the competitive games kick off again in the autumn.
Ireland will take on Grenada in Murcia on May 16, Qatar in Dublin on May 28 and Canada on June 6, before breaking up for the summer.
Stevens said: “They [Rovers’ teenagers] do seem like men. And the way they approach it, they are confident, they are gamey, they are not shy, they don’t play within themselves.
“They stick their chests out, they want to go out there and be the best players on the pitch, and it’s excellent to see.
“You have got to work for your opportunity. You look at Vic, you look at Michael and Adam as well, and they are putting in the performances to get recognition.
“Why not give them a chance? There is no World Cup now, there are a lot of games to be played; friendlies and that.
“So you might as well give them a chance and see how they get on.”