Longford’s James Abankwah on the bench for Republic of Ireland senior squad in the win against Bulgaria

James Abankwah pictured before the UEFA Nations League B/C play-off 1st Leg between Bulgaria and Republic of Ireland at Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv, Bulgaria Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

placeholder image — James Abankwah pictured before the UEFA Nations League B/C play-off 1st Leg between Bulgaria and Republic of Ireland at Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv, Bulgaria Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

James Abankwah, a product of the Longford League with Melview FC, has earned the great distinction of selection for the Republic of Ireland senior squad and was one of the unused substitutes in the UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off win (1-2) against Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League in Plovdiv on Thursday night.

Ireland will face Bulgaria in the second leg at the Aviva Stadium this Sunday, March 23, with kick-off at 7.45pm, to decide their UEFA Nations League fate. Victory over the two legs will see Hallgrímsson's side secure their League B status.

Defender Abankwah, who won the FAI Cup with St. Patrick's Athletic in 2021, has shown impressive form since his move to Watford in the English Championship on loan from Italian club Udinese.

James is a former St Mel’s College student and played gaelic football at underage level for Longford Slashers.