Jimmy Dunne's long journey to a Republic of Ireland cap may be about to reach it's destination

That debut, seemingly so elusive earlier in the career of the former Manchester trainee, could be within touching distance at 27 over these two legs of the Uefa Nations League playoff against Bulgaria.

DUNNE AND DUSTED: Jimmy Dunne during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown. Picture: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

After being a young man in a rush, Jimmy Dunne learnt the art of patience.

He had just turned 21 when the frustrations of awaiting his break with the Republic led him to mull over an offer to switch to Northern Ireland.