King believes more U21 players will follow Lenihan into seniors

Ireland U21 boss Noel King insists more gems from his squad that faces Norway in tonight’s friendly in Drammen (6pm, Irish time) will follow Brian Lenihan into the senior fold.

The Hull City defender had sampled only 45 minutes at U21 level — in a friendly against Qatar in May while still a Cork City player — before Monday’s shock call-up from Martin O’Neill.

King has overseen the graduation of Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy, Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick during his tenure and believes his current crop, including Lenihan’s former City team-mate Alan Browne, should aim to emulate their feat.