SWANSEA CITY right-back Josh Key has said he is interested in playing for Ireland.
The 23-year-old Torquay-born defender’s fitness is known to the FAI as his grandmother was born in Abbeyleix in Laois.
And representing Ireland also runs in his family as his great grandfather Myles Abraham represented Ireland in rugby, water polo and boxing.
Key told the BBC: βI’ve never met him but I’ve heard lots of stories about him.
βHe was Irish rugby captain, Irish water polo champion, Irish heavyweight champion. He also won medals in World War. He was the one in the family that everyone looked up to.
βMy grandmother will always say how proud she would be of me and would love to see me do what I do.
“It means a lot to be able to make her proud and make my dad and my family proud.”
Abraham was born in Rathfarnham and played rugby for Ireland before the First World War, where he served in the Royal Field Artillery, although many of the family subsequently moved to England.
Key’s father also played rugby for Exeter Chiefs, although it was football that the younger Key chose as he first joined Exeter as a 17-year-old.
He played 148 times for the club and helped them win promotion to League One having attracted interest from Swansea last season.
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Russell Martin tried to sign him last January but failed, although new gaffer Michael Duff made a second approach in July as the Swans landed their man.
Swansea have failed to win any of their opening seven games but are now on a four-game winning streak as they face Leicester City tomorrow.
He added: βTwo years ago, you hope to draw someone like Leicester in the FA Cup.
“Now it’s in your league and you’re playing against other big teams, like Norwich, Watford, Southampton. For me it’s a dream come true to play at this level.”