'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.

The Waterford native is just 22 but has three caps to his name. Of the 24 who’ve travelled for Friday night’s friendly meeting with Canada, there are 10 who’ve never played an international, another three with just one cap.

After a campaign when he’s tried to step up and speak in a similarly precocious Watford team, Abankwah is happy to talk a little more here too.

“There's been a lot [of growth], I think [especially] my leadership qualities on the pitch,” Abankwah said on Wednesday.

“I wouldn't be one to really talk or tell people where to go. Being at Watford in a young team has given me that licence to be more free in terms of doing that. I’ve added that to my game now and just being more of a leader on the pitch.

“Nah, in my family I'm actually more of the probably the loudest one. [My dad] is a Reverend Minister, goes around preaching the gospel. Obviously faith has been the foundation in our family and I've grown up having that faith. He's a very good talker and I'm trying to gain a little bit of his faith as well.”

In helping some of the rookies in green navigate a first camp, Abankwah is merely passing on a little of the love he has felt over his past 16 months in the senior set-up. He points to Chiedozie Ogbene as one key contact, as well as the man who’s position he hopes to make his own.

“Chieo has helped me a lot. He’s always been a bit of a benefit,” adds Abankwah. “Séamus as well, Seamus being a massive one. He's good with all the lads. Every new guy that comes in, speaking to them, making sure they're at home, making sure they feel welcome.”

Unlike some of hie teammates he hasn’t yet made his holiday plans. He will return to parent club Udinese this season and is keen for the curve to continue upward.

“Obviously I'm contracted to Udinese as of 2029 so I'm going to go back and do a pre-season with them and then we'll see where it goes from there,” he added.

“I've just said to my agent to hold off and let me focus on international first and then we'll see from there.”