Walsall defender David Okagbue reflects on “proudest achievement” after Republic of Ireland under-21 debut

The 20-year-old capped a special week with an assist for Nathan Lowe’s 52nd-minute decider in Walsall’s 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane on Saturday. 

That result propelled Walsall back into second-place and to within three points of league leaders Port Vale.

The Saddlers have kept four clean sheets in eight games away from home in League Two and boast the best defensive away record in the division (five goals conceded). 

Okagbue played the full 90 minutes for Ireland under-21s as they beat Sweden 3-2 in an international friendly in Marbella on Sunday. 

And Okagbue is hoping that he can become a mainstay on the international stage by maintaining his form in Walsall colours. 

“For myself, the target is to get as many games as I can and maybe more goals and assists,” the young defender said.

“Personally I’d like more games for Ireland. Hopefully I’ll get in the next squad and keep building and try to be a mainstay in there. 

“Playing for Ireland is the biggest honour you can get. Making my under-21s debut is my biggest achievement so far, I’m delighted and my family is so proud which is an amazing feeling. 

“It’s so good to come back to Walsall and get a result on the first game back and an assist as well. I’m really happy with how everything is going at the minute.”