Blues midfielder Alan Judge is hoping to make a case for inclusion in the Republic of Ireland side which faces Denmark in a crucial Euro 2020 qualifier next Monday when Mick McCarthy's side play a friendly against New Zealand on Thursday (Sky Sports Football from 7.40pm).

Judge, 31 yesterday, is looking to win his ninth full cap and perhaps score his second international goal when Ireland take on the All Whites at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday.

"Looking forward to it,” he said at a press conference this morning where he spoke along with Burnley’s Robbie Brady.

“Hopefully, add another cap. It gives everyone a chance to impress. You never know, you might change the gaffer's mind for Monday.

"We don't know what the team is going to be for Thursday yet so I think we'll see how Thursday goes and then we'll get a feel over the next few days after that game.

"Monday is a big game but I still think the NZ game is first so you have to treat it like a proper game, which it is. I think everybody is gearing up for Thursday and we'll switch to Denmark after it.”

Regarding New Zealand, he added: "I don't really know much about them, I just know Tommy Smith who was at Ipswich. I was speaking to him. He was back training at the club.”

Looking ahead to the prospect of qualifying for the finals, the Dubliner said: "Obviously, what happened to me last time, I missed out on the Euros [due to the injury he suffered at Town when playing for Brentford].

"To be this close now, it would be great to get there. If I play, if Robbie plays, I don't mind. To be honest I just want to get there."

He says there’s a good spirit in the Irish camp: "It's great, all the lads are laughing and joking. I think the most important thing is we like being around each other.

“It shows with the way we play and the way we are around each other. Every time we meet up, it's good to be here."

Judge feels he has played his part when called upon by former Blues manager McCarthy: “Yeah he has turned to me a few times, I think it was Switzerland and Denmark.

"Yeah it's good to be involved, every player feels like they can contribute. I feel like when the gaffer used me I contributed."

Photo: Claus Birch

Toronto_Tractor added 16:27 - Nov 12 Theres still talent there for sure. Im not sure if PL knows how to unleash it though. Only glimpses during his town career.
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Lathers added 19:41 - Nov 12 He needs to start bossing games in L1 before he starts talking about getting in an international team. Undoubtedly a very good footballer but neither he or the 1st team seem to have been able to get out of 2nd gear so far this season.
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ITFCsince73 added 20:59 - Nov 12 Yes Lathers.....and we're top with games in hand. Maybe need Freddie and Bish back, to really kickstart things?
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