Oisin McEntee hoping Walsall run can earn him Republic of Ireland call-up

The 22-year-old is now too old to represent his country at youth level, but is determined to break into the first team in the future.

“I am too old to play for Ireland Under-21s now so the first team will be the next step up,” McEntee explains.

“Of course you have to believe that you can make that step up because if you don’t believe then what’s the point.

“All I need to do is keeping developing at Walsall, work as hard as possible and perform to my best ability week in, week out.”

The Irishman also has a familiar face from home in the Walsall camp.

Ross Tierney joined the Saddlers on loan from Motherwell this summer, and has known McEntee since he was 12.

McEntee is delighted to have his Irish compatriot on board, and has backed him to do well at Bescot.

“I’ve known Ross since we were 12 when we played in the Dublin Schoolboy League,” he recalls. “I went across to England and we played a lot together with the Ireland youth teams.

“He has settled in well and I believe he’ll be great for us this season.

“Ross is actually the first Irish player that I’ve played with in England. It’s good to have another Irish lad in the group.”

McEntee also played Gaelic Football in his youth, before deciding to pursue a career in professional football when Newcastle came calling.

He played over 50 times for Newcastle at youth level, before gaining further experience on loan at Greenock Morton.

His debut campaign at Walsall was marred by a shoulder injury, but McEntee insists he is raring to go ahead of the new season.

“I’ve had a few hiccups with injuries,” he admits. “I had my shoulder operated on in pre-season last year.

“It was a tricky time because I joined the club and I wasn’t able to train.

“But I worked hard to get back at Christmas and now it’s good to get a full pre-season under my belt.

“I am just determined to hit the ground running in the new season.”