Burke earns senior international cap
By Stephen Leonard
GRAHAM Burke, last night, bridged an 11-year gap since a League of Ireland player earned a senior international cap after the Shamrock Rovers striker was sprung from the bench for the final 20 minutes of Ireland’s 2-0 loss to France in Stade de France.
Burke, who is currently the joint-second highest goal scorer in the Airtricity League with 10 goals so far this season, was the first player from the Irish domestic league to run out for his country at senior level since Joe Gamble played against Ecuador back in 2007.
Burke, who was among several players, who lined out for Ireland for the first time in their 2-2 draw with Celtic earlier in the month, may again feature for his country in Saturday’s friendly against the USA in the Aviva Stadium.
Yet his club, Shamrock Rovers, do face a major test the day before when they welcome current Airtricity League leaders Dundalk to Tallaght Stadium.
The Hoops sit sixth in the Premier Division, 19 points off top spot, so they are very much in need of a big performance just as they have shown in wins against the likes of St Patrick’s Athletic and defending champions Cork City in recent weeks.
