Aberdeen defender Joe Shaughnessy has urged the next Republic of Ireland manager not to disregard the talent playing in Scotland.
Former Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni largely ignored Scottish football. But, with the Irish FA’s search for his successor under way, Shaughnessy hopes the Italian’s replacement will take a look at the talent plying its trade in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic attacker Anthony Stokes was recalled for the recent World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Kazakhstan by interim coach Noel King and under-21 international Shaughnessy insists there is more talent capable of making the grade.
The Dons defender is among those hoping to push their case and said: “I didn’t get involved with the under-21s until I got into the first-team at Aberdeen and my aim is to try to get into the full team. But it does seem harder for players in Scotland to get into the Ireland team.
“There are a lot of Irish players across here but they haven’t really had a chance. Look at Aaron Doran at Inverness. He played for the under-21s, but he has not got near the full squad.
“If I can keep playing well in the first-team then I am sure I will get some recognition, hopefully, that will be the case because it would be brilliant.”
Shaughnessy’s consistent displays for Aberdeen have led to him becoming the established right back at Pittodrie despite playing consistently at central defence at youth level.
Shaughnessy would like to return to a central role in the future but is more than happy to continue his education in a wide role.
He said: “I am still learning at right back because I didn’t play there until I came into the first team.
“I am quite comfortable and I enjoy it. I just try to learn from every game.”