Andy Boyle’s international call-up proved the perfect tonic following Dundalk’s last-gasp defeat to Cork City in Sunday’s FAI Cup final.
The Dundalk defender was named in Martin O’Neill’s provisional squad for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Austria last week, but Boyle only found out on Monday morning that he had made the final cut for this weekend’s encounter.
As a result, Boyle quickly put that Cup final disappointment behind him as he joined up with the Ireland squad and took part in his first training session at the FAI headquarters on Tuesday morning.
“It’s a massive opportunity and it’s recognition for the good season that we have had and I’m looking forward to it,” said Boyle, speaking after Tuesday’s training.
“I received a phone call, and after losing the Cup final in the manner that we were beaten, it was a good phone call to take.”
And Boyle believes that he belongs in this company following a successful season with Dundalk, with the performances in the Europa League building his confidence to perform at this level.
“Definitely,” said Boyle when asked could he make the step up to international level.
“I think the level we are playing at in Europe will definitely help us along the way. We’re playing some good teams with some seasoned internationals.
“I’m looking forward to getting in. We only took part in a light training session this morning so we’re looking forward to get going with a full training session in the morning.”
“It obviously helps when you are winning games and winning stuff. We enjoyed the schedule. It was tough along the way but we have a nice break now"
Boyle renewed old acquaintances with former Ireland Under-19 team-mate Robbie Brady at training, and the Dundalk centre-half said that he received a warm welcome from the entire Ireland squad.
“I would have played with Robbie at Under-19s so I know him since then. Robbie is a great lad and obviously he has been very welcoming.
“Everyone has been very welcoming and they have all helped us out. They have all been very keen to find out about the Europa League, our games and the players that we have played against. “
Boyle and Dundalk team-mate Daryl Horgan joined the squad on the back of a gruelling finish to the season where Dundalk had to play ten games in 30 days, but the Dubliner said that as a footballer, he is happy to be playing matches on a regular basis.
“Playing every three days, you just get into the rhythm of playing; you’re just recovering, resting up and then playing again,” said Boyle.
“And as footballers, that’s what you want to do, play as many games as possible.
“It obviously helps when you are winning games and winning stuff. We enjoyed the schedule. It was tough along the way but we have a nice break now.
“The Cup final wasn’t ideal on Sunday so this is a nice welcome distraction for the both of us.”
Like Horgan, there is a lot of speculation that Boyle will be plying his club trade across the water in the New Year, however, the defender said that he has not yet had any offers from English clubs.
“It’s something that you definitely have to consider. We’ve enjoyed our time with Dundalk, playing in the Europa League and winning stuff, but if an offer was to come in, it’s something that I would consider.
“But I haven’t had any offer at the moment on the table, so I’ll have to wait and see.
“I enjoy my football at Dundalk and to get the international recognition and call-up has been massive.”
Boyle also believes that Dundalk’s achievements can benefit the entire league and domestic football in Ireland, and is hoping to see Irish clubs building on the Oriel Park side’s momentum to ensure similar success in Europe in the coming seasons.
“The European run has been amazing but we don’t want it to be a flash in the pan.
“We want to make sure that for any League of Ireland club, that we are challenging in Europe every year and we can definitely compete at that level.
“And that won’t happen on just a one-off year, you need to progress from that and make it happen two, three, four years in a row and that will give the league a platform to improve all the time.”
Watch live coverage of Austria v Republic of Ireland on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player from 1600. Live also on RTÉ Radio 1 on Saturday Sport.
