ACCRINGTON Stanley’s Jimmy Ryan is expected to take centre stage in Eastern Europe when the Republic of Ireland Under 21s take on Lithuania today.

The 20-year-old, who joined Stanley from Shrewsbury at the start of the season, has been used on the right wing for the Reds and again impressed against Bradford on Saturday.

The Liverpool-born livewire scored the opening goal in the 3-2 home defeat but now he has jetted off to Lithuania on international duty, although unlike his last call-up – when he missed three Stanley matches – he will be back for Saturday’s League Two trip to Luton.

Ryan has come through the ranks of the Republic of Ireland youth set-up and lines up in a central midfield role for his country.

He appeared for the under 23s at the Intercontinental Cup in Malaysia in the summer before faring well against highly-rated senior internationals Miguel Veloso and Manuel Fernandes when the Under 21s held Portugal to a 2-2 draw in their final Euro 2009 qualifier in Madeira last month.

“I’m looking forward to the game against Lithuania,” said Ryan (pictured left).

“I’m back on Wednesday so thankfully I don’t miss any games and hopefully I can get back here as soon as I can and get back playing.

“I’ve played for Ireland quite a bit now and I know all the lads. It’s different playing with different lads and I play in the centre of midfield for them because they play three in central midfield.

“As for aiming for full international honours in the future, I don’t know. I’ll have to see where it goes. I’m not looking too far ahead but if I keep on improving and keep going, hopefully yes.”

Blackburn youngsters Keith Treacy and Eddie Nolan - currently on loan at Preston - are also in the Ireland Under 21s squad.