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Martin O'Neill interested getting Birmingham City striker to declare for Ireland

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill could be about to boost his striking options in 2017 ...



Martin O'Neill interested...
Soccer

Martin O'Neill interested getting Birmingham City striker to declare for Ireland

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill could be about to boost his striking options in 2017 with Birmingham City's Lukas Jutkiewicz.

The 27-year-old striker was born in Southampton, and has Polish heritage, but can play for Ireland through his Irish-born grandmother. He had not played at any level internationally for any of the countries. The Star claims O'Neill is interested in finding out if the striker will play for the team.

Jutkiewicz joined Birmingham City on loan at the start of the season from Burnley. On Tuesday, he joined the club on a permanent basis, having impressed in the first half of the season.

He made three appearances for Burnley at the start of the season before moving to Birmingham. In The Championship, the 27-year-old has scored six league goals, most recently against Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.

Ireland's striking options are limited currently and the addition of Jutkiewicz could be a badly needed boost as the team look to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. O'Neill's side go into the new year, two points clear at the top of Group D.

If Jutkiewicz was to declare for the team, he could make his debut in one of the two friendlies scheduled to take place before the summer. Both Iceland and Uruguay travel to Dublin in March and June respectively. 

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