Eunan O’Kane hopes debut can be springboard to France

Seven months on from his initial Ireland call-up, Eunan O’Kane finally has a senior cap to cherish and plans to use the springboard to further his Euro 2016 claims.

Martin O’Neill handed the Bournemouth midfielder and Jonathan Hayes their debuts half an hour from the end of Friday’s friendly win over Switzerland.

Ostensibly deployed in his usual holding midfield role, an unexpected opportunity came the way of the 25-year-old in the final minute when he intercepted a loose Swiss pass out of defence.

O’Kane looked up into open space ahead of him, advanced in possession before zipping a low effort marginally wide of the near post.

It was hardly a sitter but an opportunity the Derryman longed for since defecting from Northern Ireland five years ago was missed.

Regret isn’t an option for O’Kane, rather an appreciation of the chance afforded to him by his fellow Foylesider.

“I’ve waited a long time for my debut,” he said. “Yeah, I’d been in around the squad a few times training with them but there’s nothing like being involved and playing.

“The gaffer keeps the cards close to his chest, so I didn’t even know I was coming on.

“But when I did, Switzerland were dominating possession and I didn’t get much time on the ball. We won the match, kept a clean sheet and I had a good chance to score at the end. It was a good night overall.”

Another one could beckon tomorrow. Slovakia are in town and, with O’Neill determined to experiment further, O’Kane is a candidate for additional exposure.

With just 12 weeks left before O’Neill finalises his squad for the Euros, the Cherries man realises he’s an outside bet to nudge into the final 23.

David Meyler, O’Kane and his clubmate Harry Arter are probably jostling for one of the berths, so any window to demonstrate his credentials is welcome.

“Midfield is a competitive area of the squad,” he admits. “All I’ve wanted is a chance to perform and the manager makes the final decision.

“I came into the squad first at a time the team were in the final stages of the qualifiers, so there wasn’t much opportunity.

“Now, after a long journey, I’ve got my first cap. There’s a couple of friendlies before the squad is announced so places are still up for grabs.”