Sam Szmodics has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming friendlies against Hungary and Portugal.

The Rovers forward won his first senior caps in March, featuring against Belgium and Switzerland as a result of his prolific form in the Championship.

The 28-year-old has had quite the season at Ewood Park, becoming the first Rovers player to hit 30 goals in a single campaign since Alan Shearer. His performances proved to be crucial as John Eustace’s men avoided relegation to the third tier.

Szmodics could now be involved against Hungary at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, June 4 before heading to Portugal on Tuesday, June 11.

John O’Shea is still in interim charge of the national team as the search continues for Stephen Kenny’s successor. It was confirmed last November that Kenny’s contract would not be renewed after failing to qualify for the Euros.

After making his international debut against Belgium, Szmodics told the Irish press: “It was a lot more tactical in terms of when to press and when to hold your position, but nothing I wasn’t used to.

"I have been ready for this for three or four years since I got my passport and to finally do it is unbelievable, but also a big relief for me because it was one of the biggest days of my career. I hope I can wear the Ireland jersey a lot more.

"I had to go home in the past because I was injured and other things have happened, and you read stuff in the press that I don’t want to play for Ireland, which is ridiculous because I was desperate to.

"The best way to shut people up is to show what you can do and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love playing for Ireland and am excited now for the future to hopefully get many more caps.”

Here is the full squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City), David Harrington (Fleetwood Town)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolves), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Dara O'Shea (Burnley), Jake O'Brien (Lyon), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Enda Stevens (Stoke City).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Celtic)

Forwards: Sam Szmodics (Rovers), Adam Idah (Celtic, on loan from Norwich City), Troy Parrott (Excelsior, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Michael Obafemi (Millwall, on loan from Burnley), Tom Cannon (Leicester City)