Hale 'hungry' for more opportunities with NI

BBC News

a day ago

Ross County striker Ronan Hale felt he did himself "justice" when making his international debut in Northern Ireland's 1-0 win over Iceland on Tuesday night. The 26-year-old was the subject of a protracted international transfer having represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level then, after being granted clearance, was an unused substitute for NI's previous three fixtures. The former Cliftonville man started in the friendly win over Iceland and almost marked his international bow with a goal as he struck the bar in added time at the end of the first half."It's obviously a great feeling, a long time coming with the process of the transfer and stuff, so I'm just really happy I finally got it done and got on the pitch, but I'm hungry for more now," he said."I feel that there was obviously a higher tempo compared to club level. The ball is straight in, so it's about finding that extra gear of fitness, but I thought I did myself justice and hopefully I can build on it."It's a great feeling but it's one that I want more of now."
Northern Ireland were poor for the opening half hour of the game, while their period in the ascendancy after Isaac Price's first-half goal was cut short by Brodie Spencer's red card in the 57th minute.Hale was replaced while the 10 men dug in to protect their lead but manager Michael O'Neill felt his latest debutant "grew into the game" while he was on the pitch.O'Neill added: "He had some nice link-up play and he had a chance when he nicked one off the goalkeeper and was a little unlucky."It's always difficult for the striker in the early part of the game if the team isn't playing particularly well. "I was pleased for him, I think he showed up well and he has given himself a chance going forward".After his long wait for a first cap, Hale is now targeting involvement in Northern Ireland's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign that will begin with trips to Luxembourg and Germany in September."It's obviously frustrating when you're watching other people play in front of you and you just want to be on that pitch, he said. "You're going to get your chance and it's about taking it. Hopefully I've done enough to keep myself in and around it."
'Things can change'
Before then, however, his club future will be the subject of some interest. In his first season since moving from the Irish Premiership, Hale scored 18 goals in all competitions but his Ross County side were relegated from the Scottish Premiership after losing in the play-off to Livingston. "I'm just going to take it as it comes," he said of transfer speculation. "I'm a Ross County player and I'm contracted to them, but things can change. "It's just about seeing what the future holds for me and the best decision to keep me playing at the highest level I can."