Maguire keen on Irish call for Preston pal Robinson

SEÁN MAGUIRE has urged Martin O’Neill to consider his Preston team-mate Callum Robinson for an international call-up.

Maguire is in contention for a first Irish start in tomorrow’s friendly with Turkey with Martin O’Neill travelling with just three strikers. The established Shane Long and the uncapped Scott Hogan are the other options.

Robinson is a versatile attackminded wide player who has also operated in a central striking role this term and Maguire has welcomed the news that the 23-year-old wants to switch allegiance.

The ex-Aston Villa man has represented England from U-17 to U-20 level but qualifies for Ireland through his Monaghan-born grandmother and has stated his desire to play for Ireland with the green contingent at his club a factor in that desire.

“I think Callum is very different to what we have here,” said Maguire yesterday.

“Technically, he is one of the best players I have played with. He can play on the left or the right and he’s said that this (season) is the first time in his career that he has played as a number nine.

“He’s chipping in with a lot of goals and it’s great for him to come out and say that he is able to play for Ireland. All he has to do is to keep his head down, keep working as hard as he is doing and hopefully the chance arises for him.

“He would be an addition, massively. He can play number nine and anywhere across the front three. He’s a really top player.”