Armagh’s Eoin Toal has been call up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for the first time.
The 24-year-old Bolton Wanderer’s defender is part of Michael O’Neill’s squad which begins its Euro 2024 qualifying campaign later this month.
Toal’s inclusion caps a brilliant few months following his move across the water from League of Ireland side Derry City in July.
So far this season, Toal has started 23 times for Ian Evatt’s side – scoring three times.
He has helped Bolton reach the final of the Papa Johns Trophy as the club continue to chase promotion from League One.
Toal will be desperate to claim a first cap to add to his 13 U21 caps when Northern Ireland face opening Group H qualifiers away to San Marino on Thursday, March 23 before a home tie against Finland at Windsor Park on Sunday, March 26.
Speaking on O’Neill’s call up, NI coach, O’Neill said: “Eoin is a young player I have watched quite a bit.
“He has had to wait for his chance but I remember him playing for us at U19 and U21 and every time I have seen him this season for Bolton – and I have seen him four times since I came back into the job – he has played very well.
“He’s versatile, can play on the right and the left, and he’s playing in a good Bolton team who are challenging for promotion. He’s really made that transition into English football very straightforward.”
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