West Brom defender Dara O’Shea aims to kick on for club and country

While for most people 2020 has been a year to forget, O'Shea really has enjoyed an incredible 12 months.

It was back in January that the defender forced his way into Albion's first team before then going on to play a key part in the club's promotion to the Premier League.

Then last month he won his first Ireland cap against Finland before getting his second against England on Wednesday, and his third against Wales yesterday.

Prior to forcing his way into the Baggies first-team, O'Shea enjoyed loan spells in the National League with Hereford and in League Two with Exeter.

And he admits he has come a long way in a short space of time.

“It’s been amazing,” O'Shea said when asked about his year.

“It’s been a dream for me. Getting in the team in West Brom, signing a new deal and getting promoted and then making an appearance for my country. But I'm hungry for more.

“Obviously, in football, opportunities don’t come by too often, so when they arise, I need to be ready.

“I’ve had to work hard for the opportunities I’ve been given. They’ve all been different.

"Stepping into the Premier League, representing Ireland against some of the best players is totally different to the Championship.

“I suppose each step I’ve taken to well so far. And I know that if I just do what I’m good at, I can succeed at each level.”

Asked whether there has been one moment in particular when he has had to pinch himself, O’Shea said: “It would have to be my debut against Finland for Ireland. It was amazing.

"It was something I’ve always dreamt of since I was a kid.

"Going to games when I was younger with my dad in Lansdowne Road, buzzing the whole day in school knowing I was going to watch Ireland later on.

"To have done that now and to be one of those players that plays for my country, that’s amazing."

Ireland boss Stephen Kenny admits he has been hugely impressed with O'Shea

"Dara is an example of the mentality that you want an Irish player to have because he has gone on loan to the Conference," he said.

"He played 30 odd games for Exeter in League Two before he went to West Brom where he played a part in their promotion winning season and now he has played some games in the Premier League.

“He is still only 20. He has been a consistent improver over the age groups and he is a very good young professional.”