Dundalk midfielder Daryl Horgan said it would be a dream to figure in the Republic of Ireland team to play Austria after receiving a call-up to the provisional squad for the World Cup qualifier today.
Horgan was named PFAI Player of the Year last week and had been set to be included for the previous two qualifiers but Dundalk’s hectic schedule scuppered the plans.
However, the winger and team-mate Andy Boyle received the honour for the first time this morning in a 35-man panel that will be reduced next week ahead of the trip to Vienna.
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Speaking to RTE Soccer correspondent Tony O'Donoghue from St Petersburg ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League match against Zenit, Horgan said he was shocked by the news.
The 24-year-old said: “It’s a massive honour. I’m absolutely delighted. I’m a bit shocked. I can’t really put it in words but I’m absolutely delighted.
“I found out from a text off my cousin actually to say congratulations. I’m not really big on social media or anything like that and obviously that’s the first way it comes out. It’s unbelievable.
“As you say you’re pinching yourself. I’m very excited and hopefully I can make the 23-man squad and go from there if possible.
“Obviously that would be the dream [to play against Austria]. There is a pretty settled squad there and they have had some very good results already in qualifying.
“To go and say I should be guaranteed a spot in the XI would be a bit mad. I think I can affect any game I play in and that would be the aim. That’s probably why Martin O’Neill has picked me.
“I’m not even named in the 23-man squad yet so we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves talking about starting. It’s far too early to talk about that.”
Just one of the reasons Daryl Horgan has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad. pic.twitter.com/VZb7i2ezcA
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) November 2, 2016
Horgan is keen to see more players from the domestic league introduced to the squad and feels it is long overdue recognition for Boyle who has played a big part in the three successive league titles.
Lilywhites goalkeeper Gary Rogers was previously part of group and was on the bench for the qualifier against Serbia.
“By all accounts when Gary was in the squad, he said it was great group of lads and they were very welcoming. You wouldn’t expect much else really from what you hear about the Irish squads. They are always like that and they are always like that at underage as well.
“It would be good, it would be a new experience, but I haven’t made the 23-man squad yet so if it does come about that would be fantastic. I’ll get excited for that, but for the minute I’m delighted for my name to be in the hat.
“Gary broke into the squad this year but to have two lads named in the 35 is brilliant. Hopefully we can get more in, in the future, and not just from Dundalk but throughout the league. That would be unbelievable.
“'Boyler' has been imperious this year and the last few years without really getting the recognition.
“Defenders generally don’t do and maybe it’s the sign of a good defender if you don’t hear his name. I’m delighted for him and as well hopefully he makes the 23.”
