Ipswich Town: Jack Taylor on maiden Republic of Ireland call-up

The 26-year-old joined the Blues from League One side Peterborough United in the summer of 2023, hoping that Championship football would help him make the nation’s senior squad after earning seven caps at under-21 level.

It wasn’t to be for him last season, which left him frustrated, but his inclusion for the October internationals feel even sweeter given his journey,

"I’ve been a bit gutted why I wasn’t called up and questioned why I wasn’t given the opportunity but these things happen in football," he admitted.

"It [the call-up] means everything. I haven’t been a part of the set-up for a while. I’m obviously delighted to be recognised."

Taylor isn't the only Town player in the Republic of Ireland squad. Sammie Szmodics, Chiedozie Ogbene and Dara O'Shea are all regulars, with 56 caps between them.

Asked whether his inclusion came as a surprise, he said: “Not really. I knew the manager [Heimir Hallgrímsson] was at the game against Aston Villa, so I knew if I was to come on and make an impact, I could at least impress him.

Taylor is hoping to start a Premier League game for Ipswich soon (Image: Ross Halls)

"He said I can bring a different aspect in the middle of the pitch. Whether that’s going forward, progressing with the ball. He likes my attacking side but obviously defensively -  you need to bring every aspect of your game to the team."

Taylor, who was born in West London but has links to Longford, Ireland, said it’d be ‘massive’ if he could make his senior international debut this month, adding: "When the moment does come, it will be special for the whole family.

"My mum has always been proud to be Irish and grandad, when he was still around, was the most Irish man ever. I know he didn’t sound like me but he will be looking down on me now really proud.”

At club level, Taylor has often been used off the bench by Kieran McKenna. His next aim is to get into the starting lineup.

"I’m trying to do all I can to get that first start,” he revealed. “I’ve had a couple of cameo performances but hopefully I’ll get that first start soon.

"We’ve got great midfielders with Kalvin Phillips and Sam Morsy, Jens Cajuste who came in from Napoli.

“I knew there was going to be loads of competition getting promoted to the Premier League but I believed in myself that I was good enough to fight for my position."

Taylor could make his senior international debut this evening as the Republic of Ireland take on Finland in Helsinki (7:45pm BST).