Chiedozie Ogbene has his sights set firmly on the Premier League as he revels in his position because the Republic of Eire’s shock package deal.
The 25-year-old was taking part in as a wing-back for Rotherham when Eire boss Stephen Kenny handed him a senior worldwide debut and let him rip in an attacking position, a choice which introduced three targets in his first six appearances for his nation.
Nigeria-born Ogbene, who took his first steps in skilled soccer with Cork Metropolis and Limerick earlier than heading for England, admits he nonetheless has rather a lot to be taught, however just isn't placing any restrict on his ambitions.
He stated: “It’s the drive I've. I’m certain no participant on this constructing desires to only keep the place they're. Everyone seems to be pushing for the following degree like each different participant is, in order that’s how I focus.
“I wish to go to the following degree and after I come right here… That is the very best degree, worldwide soccer, so after I come right here and I see gamers which have performed within the Premier League, are within the Premier League, I attempt to be taught from them as a result of that’s the vacation spot I wish to be in.
“That’s simply the ambition I've.”
Ogbene made his Eire debut as a late substitute in a pleasant in opposition to Hungary in June final 12 months and scored his first senior worldwide objective, once more from the bench, in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory in Azerbaijan in October the identical 12 months.
In whole, he has 10 caps to his identify, though the final of them got here in its place in opposition to Ukraine in June after he was not noted of the staff for the 3-0 victory over Scotland following a depressing begin to the Republic’s Nations League marketing campaign.
Requested how he responded to that disappointment, Ogbene replied: “I attempt to not get too excessive when issues are going nicely and take a look at to not get too low when issues are going badly. These items are going to occur, however the folks I've round me are fairly good.”
Ogbene will hope for an opportunity to lock horns with the Scots second time round when the edges meet at Hampden Park on Saturday, when supervisor Kenny has a collection of inauspicious selections to make.
Requested if he can be afraid to drop skipper Seamus Coleman or deputy Shane Duffy, neither of whom is at present taking part in at membership degree, Kenny replied: “Would I be afraid of doing it? No. I wouldn’t be afraid of leaving anybody out. I don’t suppose I’d be sitting right here if that was the case.
“You at all times should make robust selections. They’re two good folks within the group, each had super careers, each Premier League gamers. They're out of their groups in the mean time, however we’re solely seven video games into the season. I’m certain they’ll get alternatives to get again into the Everton and Fulham groups respectively.
“They’ve been nice servants for Eire and nonetheless have an enormous half to play for us going ahead.”