Christian Dailly Hammers News

Cullen in line for behind-closed-doors friendly

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Image for Cullen in line for behind-closed-doors friendly

West Ham United midfielder Josh Cullen is set to start a behind-closed-doors friendly for the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, according to the Irish Mirror.

The newspaper claims that the 23-year-old will likely take his place in a clash against the Irish Under-21s, having linked up with the senior squad on Tuesday.

He is poised to be in the hunt for a start against Denmark a week on Friday after impressing during a loan spell with Charlton Athletic this season.

Irish boss Mick McCarthy raved over the Hammers youngster recently: “Josh Cullen, certainly, he’s really impressive. He pretty much ran the show this morning [in training], very good.”

OPINION

This season has been a huge one for Cullen – he’s been a revelation out at Charlton. He needed first team football at the age of 23 and he’s grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He’s done well and he’s been rewarded with an international call-up. Obviously the Republic of Ireland are not what they once were. Gone are the days of Shay Given, Ian Harte, Damien Duff and Robbie Keane. It’s a new period in the country’s footballing story now. So there is an opportunity for a young player like Cullen, despite the fact he’s been playing League One football, to come in and make an impact. That’s clearly what McCarthy is hoping for and perhaps what he’s expecting, too, after the impact the Hammers star has had in training. Cullen’s coming into the squad in form and on a high after helping the Addicks secure promotion to the Championship last weekend. Let’s see what he can do with his country over the next week or so.

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