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English-Born Championship Defender Reveals Ambition To Play For Ireland

English-Born Championship Defender Reveals Ambition To Play For Ireland
Gary Connaughton
By Gary Connaughton
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The Republic of Ireland were given a boost this week, with it being reveals that Leicester City winger Kasey McAteer is set to commit his international future to the Boys in Green.

The 21-year old has been tearing it up in the Championship this season, scoring four goals in seven appearances. Born in Northampton, he qualifies to play for Stephen Kenny's side due to family links.

While increasing the quality of the production line within this country is a priority for the FAI, they will continue to look for dual-nationality players to bring into the setup moving forward.

One such option has also been performing well in the English second tier in recent times.

READ HERE: Eamon Dunphy Labels Ken Early 'A Clown' After Latest Bazunu Comments

Championship defender reveals ambition to play for Ireland

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Josh Key's career has been on an upward trajectory in recent times. Having come through the ranks at Exeter City and spent time on loan at the Non-League level, he would go on to establish himself as a key player at his parent club over the last couple of years.

The right back's performances in League One last season were so impressive that he was signed by Swansea City as a free agent during the summer, since starting all 11 of their Championship fixtures so far in the current campaign.

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Now, he has set his sights on international football.

Key qualifies to play for Ireland through this grandmother, who was born in the country. In fact, his great grandfather Myles Abraham was a legendary Irish sportsman, who was the Irish rugby captain, Irish water polo champion, and Irish heavyweight champion.

Speaking to the BBC, he said he now wants to make his family proud by playing for the country of his roots.

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I never met him but I have heard many stories about him.

He was Irish rugby captain, Irish water polo champion, Irish heavyweight champion. He earned medals in the World War too.

He was the one in the family everyone looked up to.

My grandma will always say how he'd be proud of me and he'd love to see me doing what I'm doing. It means a lot to be able to make her proud and make my dad and my family proud too.

Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty have been the main right backs in the Ireland squad over the last few years, although both men are now in their 30s. Festy Ebosele is another option in this position, although Josh Key will certainly come under consideration if he can continue his current run of form.

Having another option to call up to the squad can only be good news for the team.

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SEE ALSO: Eamon Dunphy Labels Ken Early 'A Clown' After Latest Bazunu Comments

Eamon Dunphy
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