Cannon 'excited' by Republic of Ireland call-up - O'Shea
Tom Cannon helped Leicester City return to the Premier League as he scored two goals in 13 Championship appearances this season
- Published
Interim boss John O'Shea is confident Tom Cannon "will be committed" to the Republic of Ireland after handing the Leicester City striker his first senior call-up for next month's friendlies against Hungary and Portugal.
The English-born forward, who scored twice in 13 appearances as the Foxes secured promotion to the Premier League this season, represented Republic of Ireland up to under-21 level but had previously been described as taking "time to reflect" on his international future.
With a couple of striker berths to fill given the absences of Brighton's Evan Ferguson and Luton's Chiedozie Ogbene, O'Shea held conversations with Cannon's family and agent before including him in the squad.
"I spoke to Tom a couple of times. I tried to get him in for the March window if possible," said O'Shea.
"Seeing Tom with the Under-21s, I know what a talent he is, what type of striker he is. I spoke to him and his agent as well and said, 'take your time, and when you are ready just get back in touch with me'.
"Thankfully they did and we were able to have another conversation."
'Excited to come in for these two games'
Cannon scored on his debut for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s
Current England internationals Jack Grealish and Declan Rice both previously switched allegiance to the country of their birth having represented the Republic of Ireland earlier in their careers, the latter having done so at senior level but in friendly games.
Similarly, Liverpool-born Cannon would not be tied to the Republic of Ireland should he appear in the home game against Hungary on 4 June or the contest with Portugal in Aveiro seven days later.
O'Shea added: "He was with his family when I spoke to him and they were very proud and very happy to be committing to the Republic of Ireland.
"I can only take a person at the conversation we had. He's looking forward to it and excited to come in for these two games.
"Let’s wait and see, I’m sure it will be the case that he will be committed."
'We have to support people as well'
Norwich City defender Shane Duffy has also been included in the squad despite facing a drink-driving charge arising from his arrest following a two-car crash at Hethersett, near Norwich earlier this month.
O'Shea said there was no involvement from the Football Association of Ireland [FAI] in the decision over whether to include the 32-year-old.
“I spoke to Shane to see where he was in terms of the end of the season. He was unequivocal in terms of his passion to play for Ireland and to be involved.
“It’s obviously not good [the court case], but we have to support people as well. He’s been a big player for Ireland and it’s important to support people too. He will have that support with Ireland.”
The Football Association of Ireland's interim chief executive last week said that O'Shea was under consideration to be appointed as the full-time successor to Stephen Kenny
O'Shea laughed off his former international team-mate Damien Duff's claim that he had been "hung out to dry" by the Football Association of Ireland in agreeing to again fill in as interim boss as the six-month search for a permanent successor to Stephen Kenny goes on.
"I don’t feel like that’s the case and Damien is more than entitled to his opinion," said the former Manchester United centre-back.
FAI interim chief executive David Courell said earlier this month that O'Shea was under consideration to take the job on a permanent basis but the Waterford man said his full focus was on the upcoming two games.
"The guarantee I’ve been given is that I'm in charge for the Hungary and Portuguese games.
"Hopefully we’ll get a couple of wins in those games. First and foremost focusing on Hungary. It will be a tough test."
However, O'Shea did acknowledge that "good results will always strengthen your hand for anything".
"It’s a results business football so hopefully that is the case but let’s just wait and see."
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Kelleher (Liverpool), Travers (Bournemouth), O'Leary (Bristol City), Harrington (Fleetwood Town)
Defenders: Coleman (Everton), Doherty (Wolves), Duffy (Norwich City), O'Shea (Burnley), O'Brien (Lyon), Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Scales (Celtic), Brady (Preston North End), Stevens (Stoke City)
Midfielders: Cullen (Burnley), Azaz (Middlesbrough), Knight (Bristol City), McGrath (Aberdeen), O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Smallbone (Southampton), Sykes (Bristol City), Johnston (West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Celtic)
Forwards: Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers), Idah (Celtic, on loan from Norwich City), Parrott (Excelsior, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Obafemi (Millwall, on loan from Burnley), Cannon (Leicester City).