Sitting in football’s equivalent of the waiting room is nothing new to Eiran Cashin.
Ireland’s latest Under-21 star had to be patient before finally making his debut in Monday’s 3-1 win over Montenegro - a result that edged the Boys in Green ever closer to a spot at next year’s European Championships.
Born in Mansfield and with a Leitrim grandmother, his application for an Irish passport wasn’t as straightforward as it should have been.
A combination of the Covid backlog, a Brexit-driven rush for EU documentation and paperwork mix-ups meant he wasn’t available for the crucial March win in Sweden.
His passport finally arrived hours before last Friday’s 3-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, but he sat that one out before making the starting-11 on Monday, much to his relief.
But the 20-year-old has previous when it comes to having to bide his time.
Cashin made 12 Championship appearances for Derby last season, but it could have been more had the club not been subjected to Football League sanctions.
He made his first-team debut as a late substitute in last December’s 1-0 win over Blackpool, while he scored his first goal in the return fixture in April.
“I wasn’t allowed to play for a certain amount of time due to rules and regulations,” he said of his breakthrough season at club level.
“It was difficult and sort of similar to what happened here.
“You get used to the ups and downs of football but I’ve kicked on and it’s been really good.”
Explaining the reason for the delay, he said: “Yeah, it was due to the embargo, there were only a certain number of players allowed to play.
“Myself and a few other lads weren’t. The gaffer (Wayne Rooney) wanted to give me a chance but I wasn’t allowed because of the embargo.
“I was playing in the Under-23s but couldn’t really progress. Things changed and I eventually made my debut. Thankfully it’s gone alright from there.”
Cashin has enjoyed his time so far under legendary former Manchester United and England striker Rooney.
“He’s been really good. He’s so experienced and you know what he's done in the game as a player. I’m just trying to learn from him,” Cashin said.
“Him being a striker, he knows what defenders should and shouldn’t do. He’s got loads of tips and I’m trying to learn from him to improve.”
Cashin showed plenty of class on Monday against Montenegro and even bagged an assist, when his header teed up Liam Kerrigan for Ireland’s second.
Asked if it was worth the wait, he replied: “Yeah, very much so.
“I had to wait a while with all the paperwork but it was worth it. It was a good result and performance.
“Now we just want to take it onto the Italy game and try to top the group.”
He explained his eligibility, saying: “My granny (Rita Cashin) was born in Leitrim. She’s over there in the stand, travelling across the country. That’s where my Irish comes from.
“I’ve been to Ireland loads of times, I love the country. Now that I can finally say that I’m Irish and to play is an honour. I’m just glad to get it done.
“12 or 13 (family members) came along and hopefully I sent them home with a smile on their faces.”
It wasn’t his first appearance in a green jersey.
“I was in the Under-18s and we played a few friendlies against Turkey. That was under Andy Reid. It was a good experience,” he explained.
“We were supposed to get things (paperwork) sorted then and it didn’t happen. I’m just happy that it’s all done and I can play.
“It was a great result (against Montenegro). I hadn’t played at club level since the season finished a month ago.
“I was a bit rusty to start with and eventually grew into the game. The lads helped me to slot in.
“It’s a big moment to make your debut at any level, especially at international level.”
Cashin can’t wait for next week’s game against Italy, where the prospect of automatic qualification could still be on the cards - depending on the result between Sweden and Italy tomorrow evening.
“Hopefully results go our way and we can try top of the group. As long as we go there and give everything, that’s all we can ask for,” he said.
“It’s a great position to be in. The lads did a lot of hard work before I got the call-up. Hopefully we get over the line and be the first (Irish Under-21) team to qualify.”
As for his club future, will he stay on at Derby in League One next season?
Feste Ebosele is on his way to Serie A with Udinese, while Jason Knight also looks set to exit this summer.
“I don’t know,” replied Cashin. “We’re trying to get things sorted, still waiting for Derby to officially announce their new owner.
“I’ve got to wait for that to happen and hopefully can get things sorted on that side. I’m just happy to be here playing for Ireland.”
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