Watford’s duo of Rocco Vata and James Abankwah have received their first senior international call-ups for Ireland as Heimir Hallgrímsson makes 11 changes from his squad in November.
Both Vata and Abankwah have starred for Jim Crawford’s U21 side, and their performances for Crawford and Watford coach, Tom Cleverley, have earned them spots in the 23-man squad.
Eligible to play international football for multiple countries, Rocco Vata looks set to put the ‘will he, won’t he’ debate to bed. Not that there was much fear of Vata opting to play for one of the other countries he qualifies for, but Ireland have been down this road before. So with the Watford youngster included in his first senior Irish squad of many (hopefully), what can Vata bring to the table?
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Hallgrímsson praises new call-ups Rocco Vata and James Abankwah
“He did well for the U21s,” said Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson, “Plus, like I said before, we have a lot of injuries now in that department”
“He gives something different. He can be a game-changer. He can come in and do amazing things, like he has shown for Watford.”
Vata came through the youth academy at Celtic and progressed to the Celtic B team before being sold to the Hornets, and since his move to the south of England, the mercurial teenager has impressed.
Featuring across the forward line for Watford this season, Vata has scored four goals and assisted three more in all competitions. Featuring primarily off the bench, the 19-year-old has often energised his side in his appearances, helping his side as they push for a playoff spot.
The Irish teenager caught the eyes of many Premier League fans thanks to his stunning long range strike against Fulham in the Emirates FA Cup third round. Some even donned him ‘Rocket Vata’ after his remarkable goal against the team sitting in tenth in the Premier League.
With Ireland’s long list of injuries on the wing, it is conceivable that Vata makes an appearance against Bulgaria in Ireland’s two-legged Nations League playoff. Sammie Szmodics, Chiedozie Ogbene, Festy Ebosele and Jamie McGrath all miss out on selection due to injury, leaving Mikey Johnston as the only recognised wide attacker in the squad.
Fleet of foot, daring on the dribble and not afraid to take a shot on from range, Vata could become a fan favourite if he is given the opportunity to shine in the games next week.
Also called up to the side is Vata’s club teammate, James Abankwah, who has shone during his loan spell away from Udinese. The versatile young centre-back has stood out as an obvious selection, especially due to the injuries of Mark McGuinness and Liam Scales.
Speaking at his squad naming press conference, Ireland u21 manager Jim Crawford expressed his delight at both Vata and Abankwah being called up to Hallgrímsson’s 23-man squad.
“Rocco is a great news story. James Abankwah is a great news story. James really came strong at the latter end of the u21 campaign,” said Crawford.
“When he made his way into the u21 [team], I thought he was exceptional.”
Although many may look at the lack of depth in certain areas of the pitch for this Ireland team, the future looks bright with Abankwah, Vata, and the other talented young players Hallgrímsson has at his disposal.
