He's the most talked-about Irishman in Scottish football at the moment thanks to an impressive scoring streak, and now Jamie McGrath is hoping to catch the attention of Stephen Kenny.
McGrath, who has plied his trade at St Mirren FC since last January, scored his 12th and 13th goals of the season in a 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Hamilton Academical at the weekend.
After the cup win, McGrath was asked by reporters about his international team aspirations.
For every player, the end goal is always to play for your country. As a kid you want to go and follow in your heroes’ footsteps.
At the moment I want to try and contribute as much as I can to St Mirren, but it is a dream of mine, for sure.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to.
I’ve been in underage groups before, I’ve played in the Under-19s and Under-21s. That was amazing, but if the chance came up to play for the senior team and get a senior cap - that would be a dream come true.
McGrath already has a rapport with senior international manager Kenny, following their time together at Dundalk.
The goals that sent us through to the Fourth Round of the @ScottishCup
Which was your favourite? 🎯 pic.twitter.com/rWLxdNlwJp
— St Mirren FC (@saintmirrenfc) April 5, 2021
McGrath's performances also garnered high praise from his manager and Waterford man Jim Goodwin. Goodwin backed the Meathman to make the international side, touting him as a solution to Ireland's goalscoring woes.
It's not just the goals that he's scored, it's his all round composure, his quality on the ball; that's something Ireland are really lacking at the moment.
We can't score goals - as a nation, we're really struggling, we're toiling in that final third area. We lack someone with that awareness and composure to go and not only score goals but to assist.
He's good enough to be part of that group. When I look at some of the other players who are in the squad, there's no reason why Jamie McGrath shouldn't be in it. I won't stop banging the drum for him.
It just shows you what a cool character he is.
Another two goals for Jamie McGrath yesterday to take his tally to 1⃣3⃣ for the season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3CfU7EToir
— St Mirren FC (@saintmirrenfc) April 4, 2021
He certainly makes a strong case. The summer training camp, along with the scheduled friendly clashes against Andorra and Hungary, will act as a perfect opportunity for Kenny to experiment. Should McGrath get a look in?
SEE ALSO: St Mirren Boss Calls For Meathman To Be Given Ireland Shot
