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.