Darragh Burns will be a valuable asset for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s once his international clearance is rubber-stamped.
That’s according to St Pat’s boss TIm Clancy who feels his wing wizard will be a shoe-in for selection.
Ireland manager Jim Crawford confirmed late last year that the 19-year-old was in the process of declaring for the Republic.
A Dubliner living in Meath with a father from Belfast, Burns had represented Northern Ireland competitively at underage level.
He has been in sparkling form for the Saints this season, scoring a wonder goal against Shelbourne on the opening night.
A January target for SPL side Hibs, Burns was a handful for Shamrock Rovers in Friday’s 1-0 win over the champions at a bouncing Richmond Park.
The teenanger already looks a big-game player and Clancy said: “We’re trying to get Darragh to be as positive as possible and use his attributes.
“What he's really good at is getting at players. He gets us up the pitch because he's a ball carrier and we’ll work more with him on his final ball in the final third.
“He's only 19 and there’s a lot of pressure on his shoulders but it's one we'll manage this year.
“If we can get performances like that, and get more goals and assists out of him, he will be massive for us.
“He's a very confident kid and it's up to us to keep that going and try to get him to perform like that more often.”
Asked if Burns’ international clearance for the Republic had come through, Clancy said: “I'd imagine it has and he’lll be eyeing the 21s squad.
“Performances like Friday night catch the eye.
“And playing against the quality of player he's up against and putting in that level of performance, I'm sure he'll be on the radar for the 21s.”
Clancy was thrilled to get back on track at Richmond after back-to-back defeats to Bohemians and Sligo Rovers.
Questions were being asked about the Saints appetite for a title fight but they responded in a closely fought game.
And Clancy praised the performances of centre-back Joe Redmond and midfielder Adam O’Reilly after they helped to bring down the champions.
“Joe is an aggressive centre-back who attacks everything but he’s a good player too.
“I don’t think people realise how young he is (22) because he plays like an experienced professional.
“And Adam’s game is based on energy, getting close to people and driving forward from midfield. He’s a goal threat as well.
“He was frustrated not to start the first three games but he got his chance on Friday and was exceptional.”
O’Reilly partnered Chris Forrester at the expense of crocked Jamie Lennon who is facing a number of weeks on the sidelines.
Lennon was on crutches and in a protective boot at Richmond Park and Clancy said: “He got a knock on his foot and is going to be out for a few weeks.”
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