Abankwah's Italian job has opened the door to call-up

It's been quite the week for James Abankwah; called into the Ireland squad for the first time on Thursday, a red card for Watford on Saturday, before jetting home to join up with the national team for his maiden voyage with the senior side.

The young defender has made quite an impact at Vicarage Road since signing on loan in January, and his quick-fire 11 appearances have sparked the interest of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, who has called him into the squad for this week’s doubleheader against Bulgaria.

A versatile defender who is comfortable both centrally and in the right back position, Abankwah shot to prominence in the League of Ireland during the 2021 campaign for St Patrick’s Athletic, becoming the youngest player, at 17, to play in the FAI Cup final, where he secured a winner’s medal following the victory over Bohemians.

Just a few months later, Abankwah was on his way to Italy to agree terms with Serie A side Udinese, and by the time he turned 19, he was knocking on the first-team door, making his top-flight debut during the latter stages of the 2022-23 season.

The former Cherry Orchard schoolboy’s long-term future is currently centred around Udinese, as he is contracted until 2029, however, Abankwah is partaking in his second loan spell in English league football.

The first move to Charlton Athletic did not go completely to plan, as he returned to his club earlier than expected, however, the move to Watford appears to have been a perfect match, as he went straight into the first-team squad, immediately impressing manager Tom Cleverley.

James Abankwah taking his introduction to the senior squad in his stride

Heading into the international window, Abankwah was expecting to be linking up, once again, with the Under-21s, however, he was pleasantly surprised when he clicked into his email account last week.

"To be honest I wasn’t [expecting it]," said Abankwah, speaking to the media on Monday. "I thought I was going to go back in with the Under-21s, but I got the e-mail and was delighted. I spoke to my family straight away and they were buzzing.

"I’m here now and I just need to improve once I’m on the pitch."

Abankwah is among eight defenders in the squad that sets off to Plovdiv to face Bulgaria on Thursday night, and while he is not expected to start, it remains to be seen whether Hallgrimsson offers him some time on the pitch either in the away fixture or back on home soil.

"We haven't really had that chance to speak about that," he said, when asked had the manager spoken to him about his role. "We've obviously been focusing on the sessions and the games that are happening.

"[Getting capped] would mean everything to me. Not only myself but all those that helped me along the way, my family. I'll obviously give 100% if called upon. Hopefully we can get the win in both games."

James Abankwah with the FAI Cup and his Saints team-mates

Abankwah has taken the road less travelled when it comes to young Ireland players who ply their trade in England, however, it is starting to become more the norm than the exception since Brexit has prevented players younger than 18 to cross the Irish Sea.

And the Udinese man believes that the move to Italy has helped to both improve him as a player, while also preparing for the rough and tumble of the English Championship.

"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," he said.

"I think I’ve adjusted quite well to the Championship. I just need to keep going.

"Yeah, definitely," he replied, when asked had he improved technically at Udinese.

"Because in Serie A, it's a lot more tactical. Working on the ball. Being there for the years I've been there, it's helped me improve playing on the ball and playing out from the back. I just love having the ball at me feet as well."

And one of the key factors to a successful transition into the Italian football was his commitment to the culture, which has seen Abankwah learn the language and enjoy all aspect of life in Udine.

"It was ok, because of my team-mates," he explained, when asked how he settled in once moving to the north-east of Italy. "We’d go out for meals to bond and get to know each other. They showed me different places to go.

"Just go out there enjoy yourself, embrace the culture because they do like that. Just work hard," he added, when asked whether he had advice for young players looking to follow in his footsteps.

"It is very important to at least understand the language for when your manager is speaking.

"It is quite difficult but if you can pick up some words it’s good."

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