Ian Evatt is delighted to see Josh Sheehan back in the international fold after his re-call by Wales, writes Pete Oliver.
Sheehan is one of four Wanderers’ players selected by their countries for fixtures next month.
The midfielder – who signed a new contract with the Whites in the summer – is back in the Wales squad for the first time since 2021 after fully recovering from the knee injury that kept him out of EFL action for the best part of 11 months up to October last year.
Sheehan now has the chance to add to his three full caps with his outstanding form at the start of the current campaign seeing the 28-year-old named in Rob Page’s squad to face South Korea in a home friendly on 7th September and a then Euro 2024 qualifier against Latvia in Riga on 11th September.
“He’s worked so hard to get himself back in there and it’s great to see the progress he’s made, and the dedication to his work, has been rewarded with another call-up,” said Wanderers’ boss Evatt.
“He deserves it. He’s a fantastic player. He’s a key part to what we do. We know his strengths and he helps us tick and play well.
“When Josh plays well, we normally play well, so it’s great for him and fingers crossed he can get on the pitch and stay in the squad from now on.”
Dion Charles is included in the Northern Ireland squad for their Group H Euro qualifiers away to Slovenia and Kazakhstan on 7th and 10th September, respectively, while Wanderers have two players picked at U21 level.
On-loan defender Zac Ashworth has been named in Wales’ U21 squad for a home friendly against Liechtenstein on Friday 8th September and a 2025 UEFA U21 European Championship qualifier in Lithuania four days later.
And B Team striker Conor Carty is included in the Republic of Ireland’s U21 squad for qualifiers against Turkey and San Marino in Cork as he continues his impressive loan spell with St Patrick’s Athletic.
“It’s great to have young players in the U21s,” added Evatt. “We really like what we see from Zac so far. We know there’s a lot to work with and improve on but he’s a great young kid, with a brilliant mindset and mentality and attitude to improve.
“I’m pleased for him and Conor has been doing great since he’s been on loan. The purpose of these loans is always for playing time and development and I think he’s really brought into that and is blossoming and to get another call-up is great news for him.”
Wanderers’ scheduled League One fixture at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, 9th September has been postponed due to international call-ups, with Wanderers boasting a growing number of players wanted by their countries.
“We seem to have gathered quite a few internationals now and we have quite a few on stand-by lists as well, so it means the team and the squad is heading in the right direction,” said Evatt.