Stephen Bradley confirms a THIRD Ireland call-up from Shamrock Rovers
Stephen Bradley has confirmed that Matt Healy has been called into the Ireland squad for next weekend’s friendly against Canada.The midfielder will join teammates Ed McGinty and Adam Brennan on Saturday’s flight to Montreal, where they will spend just under a week preparing for Ireland’s final friendly of the summer.Bohemians' Dawson Devoy and Cork City goalkeeper Conor Brann are also in the squad for the Canada game.Bradley was speaking after Friday night’s win over St Patrick’s Athletic - a result that moved Shamrock Rovers six points clear at the top of the Premier Division table.It was a second derby win inside just four days, after last Monday’s last-gasp comeback victory over Bohs.He said: “Matt Healy's been called up. I spoke to Heimir (Hallgrimsson) before the game. I didn't tell (Healy) until after but he was called up before.”Bradley already has three players in his squad with senior Ireland caps - Graham Burke, Jack Byrne and Enda Stevens.And it was Burke who scored the winner on Friday night against Pat’s with an exquisite finish from 20 yards, after a lovely touch and lay-off by Dylan Watts.He hailed his goalscorer, who now has 104 goals for the Hoops.“I'm privileged to watch someone like that,” said the Tallaght Stadium chief.“The ability he has and what he gives to the game, how he lives his life towards the game and the maturity has helped him become a better player.“He's a special talent. We shouldn't take for granted what we have there and what we see on a daily and weekly basis.“For someone of that type who plays the majority of the game in our half, to have over 100 goals is incredible.“He should have half that. He's not a forward who stands up top and runs in behind.“He's not a big centre-forward that relies on crosses. Nine times out of ten, Graham creates his own opportunities and takes them.”Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond.
