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    Football - Sammon honoured by Ireland call-up

    Derby striker Conor Sammon has spoken of his pride at being called up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad for the first time in his career.

    The 26-year-old has made three appearances for his country's Under-21s side but has not yet been capped at full international level.

    However, Sammon along with fellow Rams Richard Keogh and Jeff Hendrick, has been picked by manager Giovanni Trapattoni for the friendly match against Poland in Dublin on Wednesday February 6, and he admitted he was delighted to be selected.

    He told the club's official website: "I didn't really expect it to be honest. I had heard the manager (Trapattoni) had watched a couple of our games - I think against Brighton and Nottingham Forest. But I am delighted to have caught his eye and I am really excited by the prospect of linking up with the squad.

    "Whenever I have been asked about international duty before, I have always said if I am playing week in week out and proving myself at club level, then there's always a chance.

    "It is a big boost for us three, but also for the club. It is great recognition for Derby and the work the manager and coaching staff have put in.

    "Hopefully I get the chance to play in the friendly match against Poland and have the opportunity to show the manager what I can do.

    "I am sure Jeff (Hendrick) and Rich (Keogh) feel the same way, because there are two big qualifiers coming up in March, so this is a great chance for us to stake a claim."

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