'There's been a lot' but James Abankwah wants to continue growing on Ireland duty

GROWTH: James Abankwah with the Republic of Ireland squad in Montreal. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.

As the son of a preacher, one would imagine that speaking came naturally to James Abankwah. And it does, at least in family settings. On the field, it’s been an area of quiet growth.

In a season where the defender has made huge strides, his biggest area of growth may well be his vocal chords. Abankwah finds himself in alien territory in Montreal this week, as temporary veteran in an Ireland squad peppered up and down with raw rookies.