By Ian McCullough
QPR boss Mark Warburton believes centre-back Jimmy Dunne deserves a first call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad.
The Dundalk-born 24-year-old, who came through the ranks at Manchester United before switching to Burnley in 2016, joined Rangers last summer following a series of lower-league loan spells and a stint in Scotland with Hearts.
After starting this season behind Jordy de Wijs in the centre-back pecking order, Dunne has taken full advantage of the injury-prone Dutchman's absence to become a mainstay of the Rangers defence.
His 30 appearances so far this season are the most of his career and with Republic boss Stephen Kenny set to name his squad for next month's friendlies against Belgium and Lithuania in the next few weeks, Warburton believes Dunne should to be in consideration for selection.
"I am sure the (Irish) international guys are well aware of Jimmy," Warburton said.
"I am not so sure they are aware of his dress sense - because that would mean he would never get a cap!
"But in terms of his ability, on the pitch he has done really well. He's a very likeable character, he goes about his business and he is physically strong.
"We have done a lot of work with him in terms of his decision-making on the ball and I think you're seeing his development due to his hard work in that area.
"He has genuinely done very well, shown his quality, the fans like him and he gives everything in terms of effort and application.
"There's no reason why he shouldn't get an international call-up."
Despite Ireland being very much in a transitional phase under Kenny, they are well stocked in the centre-back position, with Sheffield United's John Egan, Brighton's Shane Duffy and skipper Seamus Coleman the current first-choice trio.
Premier League youngsters Andrew Omobamidele and Nathan Collins of Norwich and Burnley respectively were named in Kenny's last squad despite limited appearances for their clubs this season.
And Warburton believes by playing consistently in a promotion-contending side and at a high level, Dunne is doing everything he can to break into the Irish squad.
"I know Ireland are very strong in that area, which could be the one negative for him," he said.
"But all he can do is work hard and play hard every single week and he is doing that."