Blues manager Kieran McKenna congratulates Jack Taylor on his selection to the Republic of Ireland squad, alongside colleagues Dara O’Shea, Sammie Szmodics, and Chiedozie Ogbene.
Taylor, 26, who was born in Hammersmith, has yet to obtain a senior cap despite being called into the first of numerous squads in November 2020 and winning seven U21 caps.
His lack of regular action since joining the Blues last season saw him drop out of contention, but new Irish manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has been impressed with what he’s seen of the former Peterborough player, who qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather from County Longford.
“And then Jack Taylor is getting bigger and bigger roles at Ipswich,” Hallgrimsson stated at a press conference following the squad announcement today.
“A good attacking midfielder, good on the ball, dribbling, running with it, just a quite good attacking player.”
Town manager Kieran McKenna is pleased for the former Barnet player: “We are delighted for Jack. I believe everyone in the building is excited for Jack to be called up to the Ireland squad.
“Everyone is extremely happy for him. When I first spoke with Jack a few years ago, his professional aspirations were to play for Ireland and the Premier League.
“So we’re quite thrilled that he’s hit those objectives; now it’s time to set new ones and keep going.
“I believe he has made a positive impact. I believe he has already made four Premier League appearances and is currently serving as a great role model for the team.
“He didn’t play against Fulham or AFC Wimbledon in the cup because we were integrating some new players, and it would have been easy to lose focus at that point.
“But his training in the last several weeks has been great; he worked in a very positive manner. He got his chance off the bench against Southampton, performed admirably, and dominated the game. And he was a significant help coming off the bench again last weekend.
“He has demonstrated a positive attitude and qualities, and he has taken significant steps forward in his career by making his Premier League debut and, hopefully, his international debut in the coming weeks.
“We are happy he is here and we know he is going to keep working hard to have as strong a season as he can.”
Despite the four Irish squad members, as well as goalkeeper-coach Rene Gilmartin, who works in a similar role with their U21s, McKenna says not much is made of it, as there is no Irish five-a-side team in training games or anything.
“It doesn’t get mentioned,” he remarked. “From the outside, it appears to be a group of Irish lads, but everyone blends in; it’s not a topic that is frequently discussed.
“I think everyone’s just delighted for Jack, as you are with any player when they get their first international call-up, especially everyone having seen the journey that they’ve been on in the last few years.”
McKenna is glad to see Nathan Broadhead and Wes Burns included in the Wales squad under new manager Craig Bellamy, after missing out last month due to knocks.
“Both were injured the last time,” McKenna recalled. “Wales have had a good start under the new manager in the last break and I know they’re both looking forward to being involved, but I also know they’re both 100 per cent focused towards helping the team on Saturday.”
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