Sam Szmodics is determined to grasp his opportunities with both hands ahead of Ireland's friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in Dublin.

The forward was called up by interim boss John O’Shea as a result of his prolific Rovers form, having found the net 27 times in all competitions this season.

Szmodics was selected by former Ireland manager Stephen Kenny in October but had to withdraw due to ‘personal reasons’. He was then left out of the following squad in November.

“I was disappointed for the November camp that I didn’t get the call but ultimately, it’s the manager’s decision,” he told a press conference.

“I thought I was doing enough at club level but he chose to go with other people.

“The past is the past. I have got to focus on this camp and future camps and I have got to take the opportunity with both hands.

“With my form, the amount of games I have played and seeing others make their debut, it has made me hungry. I am excited to hopefully get it on the weekend.

“When I got the phone call from John, it was a no-brainer for me.”

There had been reports Hungary were also looking at the 28-year-old, who was eligible due to his grandfather.

Manager Marco Rossi has since criticised Szmodics’ camp, suggesting they leaked discussions over his international future in an effort to earn an Ireland call-up.

A bemused Szmodics added: “It was all nonsense, really. My grandad was Hungarian, that is where the surname comes from.

“It is just something that never interested me. Their manager has come out and said what he has said about me.

“I am not really sure where it came from as I have never spoken to anyone from that country.

“I am fully focused on playing for Ireland. I sorted my passport for Ireland years ago and I have been fully focused on getting into the camps and getting into the squads. Hopefully, I will do it this weekend.”

Szmodics has been a key figure for Rovers this season and is currently three goals clear of Adam Armstrong in the race for the Golden Boot.

When asked what Ireland can expect from the forward, John Eustace said: “A goalscorer, he certainly takes his chances and his work rate is outstanding.

“I think that is why he gets his opportunities, because of his commitment to the team. He doesn’t stop working and doesn’t stop running. He is always a threat.

“He is really excited. He has been waiting a long time for this call-up and I am sure he will take it with both hands and do very well.”