QPR DEFENDER GRANT Hall has hinted he could make himself available for the Irish team.
With many people tipping 35-year-old John O’Shea to retire in the aftermath of the team’s Euro 2016 campaign, Martin O’Neill’s side could do with another option at centre-back.
And Hall, who was the QPR’s Supporters’ Player of the Year award for 2015–16 following an impressive debut season with the club, would certainly fit the bill.
When asked about his future ambitions in an interview with getwestlondon.co.uk, Brighton-born Hall said: “I still have international aims. Every player hopes to play for their country. It’s every player’s dream.
“I’m just concentrating on myself and what I have to do at QPR. Every boy’s dream is to play for their country.
“I’m also eligible for the Republic of Ireland as my grandparents are Irish.”
Should Hall — who joined QPR from Tottenham last August — opt to make himself available for Ireland, the 24-year-old would face competition for place in the squad.
Ciaran Clark and Richard Keogh have established themselves as important members of the team in recent times, while Shane Duffy and John Egan are two younger names expected to figure more prominently in future.
Others such as Paul McShane and Marc Wilson could also come back into contention as Ireland prepare for their first 2018 World Cup qualifier against Serbia in September.
In addition, Hall is not the only English-born player to indicate an interest in representing Ireland of late — Brentford striker Scott Hogan was watched by assistant boss Roy Keane last May and has suggested the idea appeals to him, with Martin O’Neill subsequently admitting that the player is in his thoughts.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
