James Abankwah in no way ahead of schedule

James Abankwah arrives before a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

James Abankwah says it would “mean everything” to make his Republic of Ireland debut having confirmed that there was never any prospect of representing Ghana, the country of his parents’ birth.

On loan at Watford from Udinese in Italy, the 21-year-old defender has been superb for the Hornets since moving from Serie A during the last transfer window and it has earned him a call-up from Heimir Hallgrimsson.

His talent and potential have been obvious for some time now. It’s already four years since he featured for St Patrick’s Athletic in an FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium and yet, amazingly, the Ghanaian FA never made enquiries.

Turns out they saved themselves a wasted phone call.

“I’ve always wanted to play for Ireland growing up,” said the Waterford man in the run-up to Ireland’s Nations League promotion/relegation double-header against Bulgaria this week. “I’ve played right through from U16 and that’s where my head was at.” 

He got the news of this elevation by email, thinking at first that the message was notification of another tour of duty with Jim Crawford’s U21s. But he was quick to counter the suggestion that he might be ahead of schedule in making this step up.

“I wouldn’t say ahead of schedule. I’m here now and I just need to improve once I’m on the pitch.” 

Abankwah spoke of the pride he and his family felt at the news. His father is a reverend minister and there were prayers of thanks when it happened. The youngster has spoken of his determination to make the most of the opportunity.

He has played 12 times for Watford at the back. Even an unlucky sending off – for two yellow cards – away to Oxford United last Saturday didn’t dilute the positivity directed his way by his manager Tom Cleverly.

It’s been a speedy adaptation from the more cerebral Serie A.

“In terms of the differences, playing in the Championship is a lot more hectic and physical as well. The game speed's a lot quicker so it takes a bit to get used to that. I think I adjusted quite well to the Championship. I just need to keep going.” 

James Abankwah, left, Rocco Vata and Andy Moran, right, during a Republic of Ireland training session. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

He credits his time in Italy with improving his tactical appreciation and his abilities on the ball, which he loves, and he is firmly of a mind to continue with Udinese with whom he has recently signed a four-year deal through to 2029.

Watford isn’t his first loan. A stint at Charlton last year could hardly have gone worse with the Irishman returning to his parent club having played just three times and having his deal terminated before it was due to expire.

Why that one went wrong and this one has worked out he couldn’t say.

“That was probably the toughest moment of my football career, not playing or going as planned. I thought I bounced back from it quite well. I went back to Udinese, played some U19 games and went into pre-season well.” 

He made for The Valley on the back of a long spell on the bench at Udinese having made his debut in June of 2023 against Juventus and faced Federico Chiesa, a player he still regards as his toughest opponent yet.

The Italian route hasn’t worked out for a number of Irish players in recent years for one reason or another but Abankwah remains a firm believer in the benefits having made the effort to integrate and learn on and off the field.

The secret? There isn’t one. Just work hard.

“Growing up, everyone thought the route was England but I took the other route and a few others have too,” he reflected. “It’s worked out and I think maybe more players should take it too.”