Young QPR striker with family in Kildare hoping to be called into Martin O'Neill's Ireland squad

A young striker who has been impressing for Championship side Queens Park Rangers is hoping that his early season form can attract the attention of Martin O'Neill, and ultimately end up with a call up to the international setup.

Olamide Shodipo, who was born in Dublin but moved to England when he was a child, has been drafted into the Irish U21 setup, and he is likely to earn his second cap on Friday night when the U21s take on Serbia in Waterford.

Shodipo has family in Leixlip who he visits regularly, making his links to Ireland even stronger. He is qualified to play for both Nigeria and England, but would prefer to be drafted into O'Neill's senior squad. The dearth of striking options means that if the the 19-year-old can feature regularly for his club side and contribute a few goals, he has every chance of getting a senior cap.

The teenager is aware of the fact that Ireland need goalscorers at this point in time, but he is keen not to rush things either.

"I'm aware they need creative attacking players. But at QPR, the manager says not to rush things. He says to me every session that the opportunity is there for me but he wants to ease me in at club level," he said.

"I've got family in Ireland so I've got over a few times a year to see my cousins. They're in Dublin and Leixlip. I watched all the games and, of course, was more interested in Ireland."

"When Mark O'Toole, the FAI scout came, I was delighted and got in the Under-19s last year."