Cork's Jaden Umeh called up to Ireland squad for friendly against Grenada
Jaden Umeh of Republic of Ireland celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's first goal during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group J match between Panama and Republic of Ireland at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar. Photo by Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile
Cork's Jaden Umeh has been called up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad for their friendly against Grenada.
The Mahon native was recently promoted to train with Benfica's first team by manager Jose Mourinho.
Winger Umeh was warmly embraced by Mourinho, who returned to his homeland last September after a decorated managerial career in England, Spain, Italy and Turkey.
He’s developed at a steady rate since, centrally involved in the club’s march through the Youth Champions League competition to last week’s semi-final stage.
His spectacular goals, including a long-range free kick in the Lisbon derby, have brought his profile to an international audience.
Umeh joined Benfica at 16 from Cork City after becoming the club’s youngest ever debutant at just 15 years and 230 days in November 2023.
Umeh, who played for Ringmahon Rangers and Cork City before moving to Portugal, made his Ireland U21 debut in March just a week after turning 18.
Heimir Hallgrímsson has picked a 21-man squad for the training camp in Spain, which will include the friendly with Grenada in Murcia on Saturday May 16.
In total there are seven first time call-ups with nine included in the panel who have come through the League of Ireland system.
Goalkeepers: Max O'Leary (West Bromwich Albion), Josh Keeley (Luton Town), Killian Cahill (Leyton Orient).
Defenders: Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Eiran Cashin (Blackburn Rovers - loan), James Abankwah (Watford), Mark McGuinness (Sheffield United), Tayo Adaramola (Sheffield Wednesday - loan), Joel Bagan (Cardiff City).
Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Andrew Moran (Preston North End).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Swansea City), Tom Cannon (Sheffield United), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United - loan), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town), Millenic Alli (Portsmouth), Jack Moylan (Lincoln City), Aidomo Emakhu (Oxford United), Jaden Umeh (Benfica).
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