Darragh Lenihan wants to make a lasting impression with Ireland this week as he eyes a Euro 2024 breakthrough.
Competition at centre back is fierce and the Middlesbrough recruit has been restricted to just three caps since making his debut under Martin O’Neill in 2018.
Nearly four years later, he made his competitive bow in June’s 1-1 Nations League draw away to Ukraine in Poland.
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That was the night when his centre-back colleague Nathan Collins stole the show with an outrageous solo goal
With stalwart Shane Duffy ruled out of the Norway and Malta friendlies for personal reasons, Lenihan wants to make hay by seizing his chance.
The 28-year-old said today: “To be fair, the quality we have at centre half with Duffy, Egan, Dara O'Shea and now Nathan Collins coming in, it's a tough position to get in.
“In terms of this week, I’ll look forward to it and hopefully we can put in a good performance over the next two games.”
Norwich City’s Andrew Omobamidele will also come back into the reckoning when fully fit but Lenihan insists he is not left deflated by the sheer scale of the challenge.
The Meathman said: “No, not really because you have to think of the whole rather than just yourself. And that’s important. We're all in this together.
“You all want what's best for the country, and so do I. Whether that's putting out your best players and if I'm in it or not in it, I don't really mind as long as the team wins.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Ukraine game and being part of this group has been excellent.
“The cohesion and everyone's togetherness is really good and you can see that in our performances.
“Everyone wants to make a good impression on the manager and we'll be looking for a positive week.
“I’ve only played three times so hopefully I can get a few more caps. If I do play on Thursday, all well and good, but hopefully we just put on a good performance.”
Stephen Kenny is using these two games as preparation for the start of Euro 2024 qualifying when Ireland host France in the opening game on March 27.
Lenihan added: “In the long term, this is preparation for those games. What we'll do over the next couple of games will dictate what we do come March.”
But Lenihan will have one less thing to worry about if given the nod against Norway after Manchester City star Erling Haaland was ruled out.
Haaland was due to be the star attraction at Aviva Stadium but Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is now the most recognisable name in the visitor’s squad.
Lenihan said: “You want to challenge yourself and that's why you play.
“Haaland has been excellent for City this year and probably up there with one of the best players in the world - if not the best. But we have to focus on ourselves.”
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