Republic of Ireland 'always a dream' for US-born O'Toole

Kevin O'Toole qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through his Dublin-born grandfather

It is fair to assume that when Republic of Ireland supporters were pondering players who could potentially have a significant part to play in securing a World Cup play-off spot for their side the name Kevin O'Toole did not figure prominently.

However, with Robbie Brady and Callum O'Dowda injured and Ryan Manning facing a one-game suspension, manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has opted to call up the 26-year-old New York City FC defender for the first time for the crucial forthcoming World Cup qualifying double-header at home to Portugal and away to Hungary.

O'Toole qualifies to play for the Republic of Ireland through his Dublin-born grandfather and the New Jersey native recently received international clearance in time to take his place in the squad.

"I'm elated at the call-up. I've been in discussion with the head coach for about a year now and it was just a matter of getting all the paperwork done and sorted," explained O'Toole.

"I'm absolutely excited to be here, especially for these huge matches that we have coming up. Just buzzing to be with the group and to meet all the guys and get acquainted with everyone.

"It's just an honour to represent Ireland and honour my grandfather's memory, I'm really proud."

'Really strong Irish roots'

The left-sided player recounted some of his family history which made being drafted into the Irish squad special.

"My grandfather was a Dubliner who emigrated to the US in 1958, started a family in the US, and I was born in New York City.

"This was always a dream of mine, to represent this country, to do it for my grandfather. We've got a really strong Irish connection and roots.

"My dad has always been a proud descendant of an Irishman and he's always instilled those values in us.

"My dad and my mum are super proud and I just want to do a job for them because they have invested so much in my career process."

O'Toole's sister Jillian plays for Treaty United in the Irish Women's Premier Division and she will return to Ireland to support her brother this week.

"My fiancee and my aunt will be making the trip over and my sister will be coming back as well - her season just ended a couple of weeks ago.

"I've been back [to Ireland] quite a bit. My sister plays football in Limerick, so I was here over the summer watching a match of hers and just always love my visits here.

"My real interest [in playing for the Republic of Ireland] started growing a couple of years ago as I advanced with New York City and became a mainstay starter with the club.

"That's when the opportunity rang a bell and the discussions started back in February, I had conversation over the phone with Heimir.

"He coached one of my current club team-mates at Jamaica previously so he contacted me and from there it was just about finding the right moment and it couldn't be a bigger moment for it, so [I'm] really happy."

O'Toole in action for New York City FC against Charlotte FC

'Great momentum and buzz'

Hallgrimsson's side sit third in Group F going into their forthcoming matches, having drawn with Hungary, lost to Armenia and Portugal away, and defeated the Armenians at home.

They lie one point behind Hungary in the standings and six points behind Portugal with the two sets of upcoming fixtures remaining.

O'Toole says he has felt welcomed into the group and has been "absorbing as much as he can".

"We are on the cusp of having the opportunity to do something really big. The Portugal match is going to be a huge challenge, but I think all the guys are really up for it," reflected the Irish squad's newest recruit.

"There's been a great momentum and buzz in the group and we all believe and feel like we can get the job done, move on to Hungary with everything to play for and find a way to qualify."

The defender outlines that among the qualities he can bring are "a big engine box to box as a wing-back", "going one-to-one" and "getting back and defending".

"I understand that my moment might come sooner than I expect so I'm just trying to remain focused over these next few days and prepare myself for that opportunity.

"I come in to try and represent my league [Major League Soccer in the United States] as well. There's been tremendous growth in the league, especially over the last five years since I've been involved.

"The league is growing at a really fast pace, the quality is increasing tremendously, and I think it is starting to get more regard internationally. I hope to spotlight that a little bit."