Sheffield United: Quartet's Republic of Ireland call-ups good recognition for Blades, says Enda Stevens

Enda Stevens believes Sheffield United’s quartet of call-ups to the Republic of Ireland squad reflects well on life at Bramall Lane.
Enda Stevens of Sheffield Utd: Simon Bellis/SportimageEnda Stevens of Sheffield Utd: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Enda Stevens of Sheffield Utd: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Stevens, alongside John Egan, David McGoldrick and Callum Robinson, were named in Mick McCarthy’s provisional squad for Ireland’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against Switzerland and Bulgaria next month.

Although Ollie Norwood this week announced his retirement from Northern Ireland duty, United will still be heavily represented on the international scene in September and beyond.

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Dean Henderson is thought to be on the verge of a call-up to the senior England squad – manager Gareth Southgate was at Bramall Lane on Sunday as the Blades beat Crystal Palace – while John Fleck will hope that an injury, picked up in that game, doesn’t derail his hopes of winning a first cap for Scotland.

And Stevens admitted: “We are certainly racking up some numbers here.

"It is good for the manager at Ireland to know that he has got lads here now who are building relationships at club level.

"I'm sure that will only benefit us now when we go away with Ireland and it is also great recognition for this football club."

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Stevens, who made his debut under McCarthy’s predecessor Martin O’Neill in a friendly against the USA in 2018, has since established himself as Ireland’s first-choice left back after a string of consistent performances for both club and country.

"Perhaps we have been starved in recent years of having more players from the top-flight,” the 29-year-old added.

"Thankfully with promotion last season, and with the arrival of Callum, we have upped the numbers in the squad.

"With Conor Hourihane getting promoted with Aston Villa as well, It is looking good for Ireland as well as Sheffield United."

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Meanwhile, tickets for United’s Carabao Cup second round clash at home to Blackburn Rovers go on sale tomorrow.

Season ticket holders can buy tickets from 9am on Wednesday morning. Fans with a 2019/20 membership card can secure their seats on Thursday, with tickets going on general sale on Friday.

Tickets are £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for U18s. Only the south and John Street stands will be open for Blades fans, and 150 loyalty points will be awarded for the fixture.

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