Joe Hodge 'buzzing' for senior Ireland shot but U21 duties call first

Hodge has been highly-rated for years now.

STEPPING UP: Joe Hodge of the Republic of Ireland in action against Artem Bondarenko of Ukraine during the U21 International friendly. Pic: Blaz Weindorfer, Sportsfile

Joe Hodge is hoping progress made at club level can be echoed on the international scene as he prepares for action with the Republic of Ireland U21s and then a planned promotion to John O’Shea’s senior squad.

That call-up to the men’s side is a first for the small but talented midfielder who endured a torturous first half of the season that was beset by injuries but has since picked up with a January loan move from Wolves to Queens Park Rangers.