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Robbie Brady will forever be an Irish footballing hero for scoring the winner against Italy in Euro 2016 to send the Republic of Ireland through to the knockout stages, while Franz Beckenbauer had little to no impact on the Boys in Green.
This may help to explain why people in Ireland may have more of a fondness for the Preston North End star rather than the World Cup-winning captain and manager of West Germany.
Stoke City has seen a revitalisation of some of their stars’ international careers, with Sorba Thomas crediting his return to Wales to Craig Bellamy, despite Mark Robins getting a tune out of him in Staffordshire.
However, one Potter’s ace believes the work of Mark Robins has helped him achieve his dreams of having the chance to play for his country and to play with an idol of his, Robbie Brady.
Bosun Lawal looked up to Robbie Brady
Robbie Brady is still a Republic of Ireland international and is still a young man at the age of 33; however, to a new generation of Irish footballers, this is old, and they will have grown up with the Preston North End man giving them one of the most memorable moments in footballing history.
Bosun Lawal is 22 years old and will have only been 13 when Brady scored that winner against Italy that will live in the Stoke City man’s memory as an Irish footballing fan, and now he is set to play with him in the green of Ireland.
Mark Robins likened the youthful defender to Franz Beckenbauer in a preseason friendly due to his footballing ability; however, he has now let the footballing world know who he idolised growing up.
As reported by the Irish Examiner, he said: “There’s no player I modelled myself on, but there’s players I looked up to, like Robbie Keane.
“I enjoyed watching him play, [and] others. Even Robbie Brady when he used to play, still does obviously, I just enjoyed watching them play.”
- READ MORE: Stoke City star names the ‘unbelievable’ individual who saved his career – it’s not Mark Robins
Bosun Lawal on his Ireland career
The Stoke City defender has yet to make an appearance for Ireland; however, he will be hopeful this international window, particularly after his start to the season with the Potters under Mark Robins.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, he spoke about his ambitions to make an impression with Ireland while on international duty.
He said: “It’s always an honour to play for Ireland, to get called up for Ireland, and any opportunity that comes around for playing or getting called up for Ireland, I’ll always take it, no matter what.
“I’m not that bothered where I play; I’ve said many times, as long as I am playing on the pitch, I will give it my all. There are a couple of positions where he [Heimir Hallgrimsson] said he wants me to play, but it doesn’t really bother me where I play.
“I’ve played in most positions in my life. I think I can take different elements from different positions; I am prospering.”