Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed he is to meet with Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford in the coming weeks over a possible international call-up.

Speaking to the Football Association Ireland’s website, the 60-year-old had revealed he had been in touch with the in-form Championship man to try and convince him to choose the green and white.

Bamford is a striker in form having notched a brace in Leeds’ emphatic win over West Bromwich Albion this past weekend.

The Leeds star is still only 25-years-old and has a long time left in the game, and after recent injuries keeping him out of the game, it seems he could be set for the switch to the Republic of Ireland.

McCarthy is in his second stint as the nation’s manager and is looking to rebuild the squad and inject a fresh impetus of player in ahead of the EURO 2020 qualifiers kicking off this month.

He told the FAI website: “We’ve exchanged text messages, and Patrick is keen to meet up in the coming weeks, so it is just a matter of him finding a date that works - I’ll happily meet him whenever he can do it.”

The verdict

I can’t see Bamford getting anywhere near the England side – especially at his age now.

So I think the most sensible thing to do would be to switch allegiances to the Republic of Ireland and have some sort of international career.

He is playing well and could be a huge boost for the Irish.

And there is no better start to life on the international scene than playing against Gibraltar where he would be certain to notch at least one goal.