World Cup is all that counts for us

JOHN O'SHEA has hailed the athleticism of new Ireland midfielders John Joe Patrick Finn and Killian Phillips as they put their best foot forward this week.

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

Spanish-born Finn was once a Real Madrid youth prospect and the 21-year-old - also eligi-ble for Spain and Cameroon - played for Getafe and now French side Reims.

And ex-Drogheda United ace Phillips has enjoyed an impres-sive season on loan at St Mirren from Crystal Palace.

While the vast majority of footballers are hitting the beach on their summer holidays, Finn and Phillips are striving to win their first caps and leave lasting impressions.

On the tricky June window, O'Shea said: "It's awkward in the sense of the timing but in mindset you have to buy into what it can lead to - qualifying for tournaments.

"The bigger goal is qualifying for the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, and that has to outweigh it.