Thu 07 Feb
Time to read: 3mins
Busy week for international Rams provides plenty of positives.
dcfc.co.uk looks back at the fortunes of Derby County’s international players who were in action on Wednesday.
As many as seven players were in action from Derby’s original 10 who were selected for international duty.
Will Hughes featured for England’s Under 21s on Tuesday while Jamie Ward wasn’t involved for Northern Ireland for their friendly against Malta after withdrawing from the squad with a tight hamstring earlier in the week.
Mason Bennett, who is away with England’s Under 17s at the Algarve Tournament, isn’t in action until Friday.
Conor Sammon, Jeff Hendrick & Richard Keogh (Republic Of Ireland)
Rams striker Conor Sammon claimed his first international cap from the start as the Republic of Ireland beat Poland 2-0 in an international friendly at the Aviva Stadium, while midfielder Jeff Hendrick and defender Richard Keogh came off the bench to also claim their first caps.
Ciaran Clark of Aston Villa opened the scoring in the first half with a composed low finish after Poland failed to clear their lines following a corner, and Norwich City’s Wes Hoolahan added a late second – with Hendrick claiming an assist.
Sammon partnered West Bromwich Albion’s Shane Long in attack and proved to be a threat for the Polish defence, although chances were limited for the frontman. He did have one opportunity in the second half when a loose ball came his way inside the box, but he wasn’t able to get a shot away and Poland were able to clear.
Hendrick made an immediate impact after coming off the bench by setting up Hoolahan’s goal on 76 minutes, five minutes after his introduction, with a delightful in behind the Polish defence for the midfielder to lash home.
Keogh completed the Derby hat-trick with five minutes remaining, replacing Clark at the heart of the defence and helped preserve a clean sheet for the hosts.
Theo Robinson (Jamaica)
Robinson came off the bench just before the 60 minute mark for Jamaica to win his first international cap in their 0-0 draw against Mexico in Mexico City. Robinson, who qualifies for Jamaica through his grandparents, came on up front but wasn’t able to inspire his side to victory in their first qualifier of the final group stage for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil. They are in a group featuring the United States, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and Panama, and face Panama and Costa Rica during the March international window.
Mark O’Brien (Republic Of Ireland U21)
Derby centre-back O’Brien didn’t feature for the Republic of Ireland as they pulled off an impressive 3-0 victory over Holland in Ireland. After returning from a long-term injury a few months ago his fitness wasn’t risked ahead of a busy month of Championship action, but he still travelled to meet up with the U21 squad and be involved in their pre-match and post-match preparations. A brace from Aiden O’Brien in the first half and a second half effort from Anthony Forde settled the game in Ireland’s favour.
Kieron Freeman (Wales U21)
Defender Freeman was handed a place in the starting XI at left-back as Wales pulled off an impressive 3-0 win over Iceland at Stebonheath Park in Llanelli on Wednesday afternoon. Three late goals in the last 11 minutes from Wes Burns, Jonathan Williams and Robert Ogleby earned Geraint Williams's side the victory, with Freeman adding to his previous eight caps and helping the hosts keep a clean sheet.
Valentin Gjokaj (Albania U21)
Gjokaj, who qualifies through his parents to play for Albania despite being born in Switzerland, earned his first cap at Under 21 level as Albania’s Under 21 side battled out a 0-0 draw with Macedonia. The centre-back, who captains Derby’s Under 21, played the full game and helped his side keep a clean sheet.
Congratulations to all of the Derby County players who have claimed international honours this week.
