JAMES ABANKWAH thought the FAI email was to tell him he was in the Under-21s – but he does not think his first-team chance is coming too soon.
Watford defender Abankwah, 21, could make his Ireland debut this week in the Nations League play-off against Bulgaria after earning his first call-up under Heimir Hallgrímsson.
It comes after an impressive few months on loan at the Hornets from Watford’s Italian sister club Udinese, who he joined in 2022 from St Patrick’s Athletic.
But he admitted he assumed the call this month would be to join Jim Crawford’s Under-21s for friendlies against Scotland and Hungary in Spain, rather than Hallgrímsson.
He said: “It was through email, I got an email that I was called up. I just opened it and didn’t know but then saw it was the first-team call-up.
“To be honest I wasn’t (expecting it). I thought I was going to go back in with the Under-21s, but I got the email and was delighted.
“I spoke to my family straight away and they were buzzing. They couldn’t stop smiling. We’re a Christian family so we prayed about it too and gave a lot of thanks to God.”
Abankwah’s father Issac is a reverend minister, and the Longford family have ties in Ghana.
But while former Ireland star Chris Hughton – who also has Ghanian ties – worked for the Black Stars until last year, there was never an approach.
And Abankwah insisted that he would have said no had there been, as he only wants to play for the Boys in Green.
He said: “I’ve always wanted to play for Ireland growing up. I’ve played right through from Under-16 and that’s where my head was at.”
And now in the senior squad, he is determined to make his mark quickly.
He said: “I wouldn’t say ahead of schedule. I’m here now and I just need to improve once I’m on the pitch.”
Assistant head coach John O’Shea also insisted that Abankwah has been called now because he is ready, rather than with an eye on the future.
O’Shea added: “He’s had massive highs and a couple of little dips as well. But the performance level that he has been able to reach so quickly has been great to see.
“He’s probably been the star performer towards the end of the Under-21 campaign as well. He’s on very much an upward trajectory.”
GROWING STATURE
That 21s campaign saw Ireland go close to reaching this year’s Euro finals in Slovakia as a disappointing three points from their last three games saw them miss out on qualification.
But the past couple of years have seen Abankwah develop as he departed St Pat’s when just 18 for Serie A Udinese following their 2021 FAI Cup win.
Within six months, he was in the first team and a regular on the bench with a first start on the final day against Juventus in 2023 marking Federico Chiesa.
The quietly spoken Longford man said: “It was a massive step for me at the time, playing in the League of Ireland, then getting bought by a Serie A club.
“It took me a lot to adjust. I was with the Under-19s for quite a bit when I went over, that helped me settle in and slowly and gradually I adjusted.
“That (adjusting to the lifestyle) was ok because of my teammates. We’d go out for meals to bond and get to know each other. They showed me different places to go.
“The first season I had there, I was on the bench quite a lot and felt I needed to go out and get experience.
“I wasn’t playing senior football and thought to myself I needed to get experience so that is what I did.”
FOOTBALL ADDICK
That led to a loan move to Charlton Athletic in 2023 but managerial upheaval at the Addicks meant a difficult time as he featured just twice before being recalled by Udinese.
He added: “That was probably the toughest moment of my football career, not playing or going as planned.
“I spoke to my family, agents and close people around me. They’d come over to be with me to make sure I was alright.
“I thought I bounced back well from it quite well. I went back to Udinese, played some Under-19 games and went into pre-season well.”
And that led to Watford making the move in January to take him back to the Championship, where his form was closely monitored by Hallgrímsson.
The 21-year-old said: “When I went into Charlton, I did the same thing as Watford by training and working hard. The Watford one seems to have worked out.
“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.
“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.
“I think I adjusted quite well to the Championship. I just need to keep going.”
And now he could realise a lifetime ambition this week by winning his first Ireland cap.
He added: “It’d mean everything to me. Not only myself but all those that helped me along the way, my family.
“I’ll obviously give 100 percent if called upon. Hopefully we can get the win in both games.”
