Jack Taylor hoping for senior Republic of Ireland debut this week

Jack Taylor is aiming to make a long-awaited first Republic of Ireland senior appearance in the games with Finland and Greece this week in the UEFA Nations League.

The Ipswich Town midfielder, now 26, has been waiting for the opportunity after 18 months out of the squad.

Taylor featured prominently in Stephen Kenny's Ireland Under-21 side in from 2019 eceived his first senior call-up in November 2020 for a UEFA Nations League match against Bulgaria.

His potential was highlighted by being named FAI Under-21 International Player of the Year for 2020.

Taylor said: "It means everything [to be called up again]. Obviously, I haven't been a part of the set-up for a while now, so I'm obviously delighted to be recognised and to be called up.

"That's the aim, just to get onto the pitch and try and bring something different to the team.

"We need at least one win, I think, in this camp, so hopefully we get a good performance and definitely a good result would be very positive."

Taylor has made five substitute appearances for his club this year, finding it difficult to get into the side upon promotion to the Premier League.

Heimir Halgrimsson was present as the midfielder came off the bench against Aston Villa to play 21 minutes, which undoubtedly helped his cause in being recalled.

"I knew that the manager was at the game against Aston Villa, so I knew if I was to come on and make an impact, I'll at least impress him. Thankfully, I've eventually been called up.

"It’s obviously a step up in the Premier League. We knew it was going to be, with the quality of players you're coming up against week in, week out, and obviously there's no easy games at all.

"I found the step up really well, and I'm trying to do the best I can to try and get that