Patrick Bamford’s latest comments on his international future are bad news for Ireland

Patrick Bamford seems to be exactly what Stephen Kenny and the Republic of Ireland need: someone who can score goals.

The Leeds United forward scored a hat-trick for Marcelo Bielsa’s side when they beat Aston Villa 3-0 on Friday night and has now found the back of the net six times in the Premier League this season.

England-born Bamford spoke to Mick McCarthy in 2019 about the possibility of coming out for the Republic and his good start to the season has some fans waiting for him to put on the green jersey.

Ireland supporters took to Twitter on Friday night to express their hopes that the 27-year-old forward will come out in favor of Kenny’s timid team.

One tweeted: “Announce Bamford for Ireland #coybig.”

While another hopeful tweeted he said: “Ireland’s Paddy Bamford with a hat-trick tonight.”

Another fan demanded: “Stephen Kenny has to go up to Bamford for the next Ireland team.”

While another said: “I didn’t see this result coming. Leeds has been excellent. Ireland should try again with Bamford. Exactly what they need.”

But Bamford’s recent comments on his international future suggest that he would rather play for England than the Boys in Green.

Speaking to the Daily Mail earlier this month, he said: “I didn’t really think about that until the teams started being announced for this latest round of international matches and a couple of my teammates were telling me: ‘You’re going to Call me here! I was like: ‘Come on, I’ve scored three goals and that’s it.’

“But some people started bringing it up and, in my head, I thought, ‘You know what? If that happens, then it’s a dream come true. ‘

“I have to push and try to compete with others. We have a very good group of English forwards so it will be a good competition. Let’s see if I can put my name in the box.”