Stephen Kenny has urged Dundalk ace Michael Duffy to play his way into his Ireland plans.
The flying winger - nursing a back injury ahead of the new season - was to be called up for last November's game with Bulgaria.
But an unexplained glitch in his paperwork - switching from Northern Ireland to Republic of Ireland - denied him a first call-up.
Duffy, who starred for Dundalk under Kenny, has been capped up to Under-21 level for the North and also made three senior squads without playing.
But Kenny will be keeping an eye on the Lilywhites ace once he returns to action this season.
“I signed Michael, so I know him well,” said the Ireland boss. “In my last season with Dundalk, he was terrific.
“He has been interrupted by injuries but when he plays to his full potential he’s an exciting player.
“He just needs to get to that level of full fitness and be injury free. Hopefully Dundalk have a good European campaign and he shows what he can do.”
Kenny added: “We’ll see how Michael gets on because we’ve not got many left wingers and we cannot discount that.”
The Ireland boss was unable to attend the President’s Cup clash between Dundalk and Rovers as he is isolating at home after a scouting mission in England.
