Daryl Horgan’s brilliant form has been recognised by Martin O’Neill.
The Republic of Ireland manager has named the Dundalk winger in his provisional squad for the World Cup qualifier against Austria next Saturday, alongside his teammate Andy Boyle.
Horgan has starred for Stephen Kenny’s side as they secured their third successive Premier Division title and made history by being the first Irish club side to win a group game in European competition.
Horgan has also been named PFAI player of the year for 2016.
It's about time… https://t.co/TwmrB8vcsJ
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 2, 2016
The 24-year-old, speaking to RTE’s Tony O’Donoghue ahead of Dundalk’s Europa League tie against Zenit St. Petersburg on Thursday, seemed humbled and genuinely surprised by the call-up
“It’s a massive honour. I’m absolutely delighted. I’m a bit shocked. I can’t really put it in words but I’m absolutely delighted,” Horgan said.
The Galway-born winger also revealed that he discovered he was in the squad through a text message from his cousin, rather than being contacted directly by the Ireland manager or finding out through social media.
Be careful @oefb1904, this is what happens when you dive in on Daryl Horgan pic.twitter.com/wvJK9vCmLL
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 2, 2016
“I found out from a text off my cousin actually to say congratulations,” Horgan said.
“I’m not really big on social media or anything like that and obviously that’s the first way it comes out. It’s unbelievable. As you say you’re pinching yourself. I’m very excited and hopefully I can make the 23-man squad and go from there if possible.
“Obviously that would be the dream [to play against Austria]. There is a pretty settled squad there and they have had some very good results already in qualifying.”
However, Horgan isn’t getting too excited about being named in the provisional squad. Despite having confidence in his ability, the winger recognises that O’Neill has a settled squad at his disposal.
“To go and say I should be guaranteed a spot in the XI would be a bit mad. I think I can affect any game I play in and that would be the aim. That’s probably why Martin O’Neill has picked me.
“I’m not even named in the 23-man squad yet so we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves talking about starting. It’s far too early to talk about that.”
O’Neill will finalise his squad on Sunday evening. Whether Horgan and Boyle will be included in the final 23 is unclear, but there’s no denying their impressive club form this year warrants international recognition of some kind.
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