Sinclair Armstrong looking to build on 'dream week'

Ireland's Sinclair Armstrong is aiming to have more weeks like he did last week after the QPR striker made his senior Ireland debut and also helped the U-21s beat San Marino 3-0 in Turner's Cross on Saturday and Monday respectively.

The 20-year-old was called up to Stephen Kenny's side for the clash against the Netherlands last week and came off the bench in the final moments. Two days later, Armstrong got an assist and had an influence on the side's third goal on his U-21s debut.

Speaking about the week in question, the Dublin native described it as a 'whirlwind couple of days.'

"It's been a whirlwind few days," Armstrong said to the RTÉ Soccer panel.

Adding further on how his senior debut came about, the QPR star said being called up to the senior squad was a 'dream come true.'

"On Friday morning, I'm thinking I'm going to play my first game with the U-21s. And the next thing, the gaffer, Mr. Crawford, tells me, 'You're going to the senior team.'

"Very emotional on the journey up to Castleknock. It's something I've dreamed of since I was a kid, to play with the Ireland senior team. It's a dream come true."

When asked how he felt about being recalled for Ireland's game against San Marino, the Ireland youngster didn't have to think about returning because of the bond he has with his teammates at the underage level.

"I'll take any minutes I can get. I got three minutes [for the senior team against the Netherlands]. When they told me, 'Would you come back?' I was delighted to come back because these are my boys, my teammates, and I was happy to contribute to the game tonight.

Sinclair Armstrong reflects on a "dream" week that saw him make his senior debut and score on his competitive debut for Ireland U21s in their 3-0 win over San Marino
📱 Match report: https://t.co/IokHflr93K pic.twitter.com/kDfNPZKwyJ

— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 12, 2023

Sinclair will now return to his club side QPR with the intention of improving on his goal tally this season. The Ireland forward scored his first senior goal for the club in a 2-1 win against Cardiff and now believes his week just gone will give him the confidence to improve that tally going forward.

"Four games in and I have two goal contributions, but I know by my standards that's not enough. I want to keep going, keep playing games, keep scoring goals for QPR," he added.

"Getting my senior debut for the Republic of Ireland is only going to instill confidence in me. Getting a goal tonight in Cork is going to instill more confidence in me. I just want to keep going and going and finish the year strong.

"I don't want to just be a guy that runs in behind - a sprint merchant. I want to bring other stuff into my game. I'm still young, 20 years of age. I just want to keep improving as a footballer."