Oisin McEntee hopes strong Hearts displays are rewarded with Republic of Ireland call-up

Heart of Midlothian's Oisin McEntee celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with team-mates during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday December 7, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.

Oisin McEntee is desperate to see his impressive form at Hearts rewarded with a call-up for Republic of Ireland duty.

The versatile 25-year-old was a key player in the Jambos’ stirring attempt to land the William Hill Premiership title last term after joining from Walsall last summer.

Having recovered from a thigh injury sustained in March, McEntee has started all five matches under new boss Wouter Vrancken this season.

The former Republic Under-21 international has had no contact from anyone in the national team set-up but remains hopeful that a strong start to his Hearts career will prompt head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson to name him in his squad next month for the Nations League matches against Kosovo, Israel and Austria.

“I’d love to,” said McEntee.

“I think that’s everyone’s dream as a child, to play for their country, so I just need to keep focusing on what’s going on here because this is your bread and butter and this is what’s going to get you into selections and stuff like that.

“So I can’t really control that at the minute, only what I do out on the pitch.”

McEntee played predominantly at right-back and in midfield for Hearts last season but – with several key defenders missing – he has been deployed at centre-back for the last three matches, and is likely to remain there for the second leg of the Europa League qualifier with Benfica on Thursday.

“I’ve obviously always said since coming to this club that I don’t mind where I play as long as I’m playing games of football,” he said.

“I played there growing up through the academy at Newcastle and played there at under-age setups with Ireland, so it’s not a position that’s too unnatural to me. It is a bit different, but it’s been OK so far.”