The Football League Paper

STEVENS DREAMS OF EURO CALL-UP

- By Paddy von Behr

ENDA STEVENS is looking to propel himself into the Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2016 this summer.

Stevens, 25, is the only member of Portsmouth’s squad to be ever-present this season and has turned in some outstandin­g displays.

The left-back is now hoping his form will catch the eye of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill.

“It would be a dream to earn an internatio­nal call-up but I’ve got to focus on my club football,” Stevens said.

“All I can do is play well for my club and hopefully, if I do well, that will be rewarded with a call-up.”

Stevens, who signed from O’Neill’s old club, Aston Villa, last summer, is on a run of 29 consecutiv­e starts, which stretches back to the beginning of September.

However the defender is adamant he does not need a break as he looks to push the club towards promotion.

“I just want to focus on playing every game and playing well,” he added.

“Fitness is a big part of the game and, if I wasn’t fit, I wouldn’t be playing. I don’t want or need a rest.”

 ??  ?? HOPE: Enda Stevens
HOPE: Enda Stevens

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