The call-up caps an impressive campaign for the attacking midfielder, who signed his first development contract with the club on his 17th birthday in late January.

The St Albans-based youngster has been with the Town academy since Under-10s, and this season – his first as a scholar – has not only seen him featured regularly in an U18 side challenging at the top of the EFL Youth Alliance South-East Division, but also in the new U21 development squad.

Ed will join up with the Irish squad next Monday until Wednesday 19th May, following in the foot-steps of Glen Rea, Jack James and, of course, James Collins in being called up by the Republic at various levels since Nathan Jones first took charge of the Hatters in 2016.

Another international call-up has seen Brendan Galloway selected by Zimbabwe for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and Ethiopia next month.

The 25-year-old was set to leave the club in January, but a move fell through and he has continued to train at The Brache as part of his rehab from injury, despite not being named in the 25-man EFL squad for the second half of the season.

We congratulate both players on their international recognition and wish them well on their travels.