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Dara O\u2019Shea could be thrust straight into the heat of Nations League battle after being drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad amid a brewing selection crisis.<\/p>\nDara O\u2019Shea could be thrust straight into the heat of Nations League battle after being drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad amid a brewing selection crisis.<\/p>\n
The West Brom defender was preparing for the Under-21s\u2019 European Championship qualifier against Italy in Pisa when he was called up by Stephen Kenny on Sunday night after the senior squad had been ravaged by coronavirus protocols and injuries.<\/p>\n
Instead, he will fly to Helsinki on Tuesday, with a first cap against Finland the following night a distinct possibility, and that would represent another significant step in a football education which has gathered pace in the last year or so.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Shea said: \u201cIt\u2019s been amazing. Obviously the year we\u2019ve had with the 21s and then at club level as well, it\u2019s been amazing. I\u2019ve played a lot of games, I\u2019ve learned a lot as well and it\u2019s been really positive all in all.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 21-year-old central defender, who was part of the senior squad last month, has been handed his chance after John Egan and Derrick Williams were ruled out by Covid-19 restrictions on the eve of Sunday\u2019s 0-0 draw with Wales, in which replacement Kevin Long suffered a nasty eye injury.<\/p>\n
His elevation follows something of a baptism of fire in the Premier League with the promoted Baggies, who opened their campaign with fixtures against Leicester and Everton before a remarkable 3-3 draw with Chelsea secured a first point.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Shea said: \u201cI will still be learning to the day I retire, but it\u2019s been a massive step up. The players are a lot sharper and better, but I\u2019m learning. I\u2019m grateful to be playing games, the best way to learn is to play games, especially at the highest level, and it will only improve me in the long run.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really grateful to be playing and I am cherishing the opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first game, it was an awakening as to what the Premier League is like, playing against a team like Leicester.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a tough start with Leicester, Everton and Chelsea with our first three games so I\u2019ve had to learn quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to adapt to it. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s something you can be ready for as such, as the difference between the Premier League and the Championship is such a big gap from what I thought.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adapting to the rigors of international football will be equally difficult, although the experience of club boss Slaven Bilic, who represented Croatia with such distinction during his own playing days, could prove invaluable in that respect.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Shea said: \u201cHis reputation speaks for itself, the teams he\u2019s managed, the teams he\u2019s played for too, and he\u2019s been amazing with me.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously it\u2019s nice having a fellow defender coach me and mentor me and add little bits to my game that I wouldn\u2019t have had before.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just great having someone with that much knowledge there helping me along and obviously giving me opportunities as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s not afraid to play young players in defensive positions, which is unbelievable for young players because you want to be playing at a young age and, if you\u2019re given the opportunity, you want to go out and showcase what you have and improve that way.\u201d<\/p>\n