Daryl Horgan is anxious to prove that he is capable of playing at international level and the Dundalk midfielder is keen to make a mark should the opportunity arrive in Saturday’s clash with Austria.
The attack-minded Horgan received his first international call-up off the back of an excellent season at Oriel Park, where he was instrumental in helping Stephen Kenny’s side secure their third league title in a row.
Horgan’s heroics were also a major factor in Dundalk’s remarkable Europa League campaign, which saw the Irish champions reach the group stages, while maintaining a real chance of reaching the knock-out stages following victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv and a hard-fought away draw in Holland against AZ Alkmaar.
Horgan admitted that he has fulfilled a childhood dream by getting the call up to the international side, but now the Galway native is relishing the chance of making a real impact on the international stage in this weekend’s World Cup qualifier.
“As Roy has said, it is not a token gesture. We are involved on merit and hopefully if we do get a chance, we can prove that"
“It’s an incredible honour to be called up to the Ireland squad, it’s every young lad’s dream to play for his country,” said Horgan.
“At the minute, I have an opportunity to train with the squad and hopefully I’ll be in a position where I might be able to make a mark. If I can do that, fantastic, but it’s a great position to be in.
The refreshingly honest Horgan admitted that he cannot say at the moment whether or not he has the ability to play at international level, having never played for Ireland.
But the confidence was oozing from the Dundalk midfielder on his first media duty for his country, stating that the Europa League group stages were of a similar style and level to the international game.
“I’m not really sure yet as obviously I haven’t played [international football,” said Horgan at this afternoon’s press conference.
“Playing in the Europa League has certainly helped, as the style of football would be more akin to international football than probably the League of Ireland itself.
“But as a footballer, you just want to play no matter who you can possibly play against and you want to keep pushing up the levels.
“And when I do get an opportunity to play, I like to think I could possibly make a mark as well, that would be the aim.
“As Roy has said, it is not a token gesture. We are involved on merit and hopefully if we do get a chance, we can prove that.”
Speculation of a move to England and potentially Newcastle United are mere rumours, according to Horgan, as the pragmatic 24-year-old said that he will pay attention should a genuine offer be forthcoming.
“It’s very easy to say that you are interested, but it’s a lot different to an offer on the table.
“At the minute, there are no offers on the table, so I’m a Dundalk player and very happy at Dundalk.
“But if an offer does come in from somewhere, I’d have to consider it, especially from a massive club like Newcastle.
“Unfortunately, you’re never going to retire off playing in Ireland but you could if you do make a move abroad.“
And while Horgan showed what he might bring to the international arena in last Thursday’s away trip to Zenit, as his fine individual effort almost caused another major European upset, the midfielder admitted that a move to the English Championship could mean that he will never get to play at that level again.
“The level we are playing at, at the minute in the Europa League, if you do go to the Championship, it is very unlikely that you will play at that level again ever.”
