For 18-year-old Jaden Umeh, the path from Ringmahon Rangers to the senior international stage has been as rapid as one of his trademark bursts down the wing.

After club commitments with Benfica ruled him out of Ireland’s recent training camp in Spain, the forward has finally linked up with Heimir Hallgrímsson’s squad ahead of the friendlies against Qatar and Canada.

Speaking at FAI HQ yesterday, Umeh reflected on the transition from Cork to Lisbon, a move he made at just 16 years of age.

"Life in Portugal has been good; it’s been a very good experience," Umeh said. 

"It’s a friendly competition over there. There are a lot of players, and everyone tries to push the person in front of them. Moving at 16 by myself was a bit of a change, leaving home to live alone in a new country with a new language, but I just had to let my football do the talking. It opened new doors for me."

Umeh’s talent has certainly done the talking in Lisbon, recently catching the eye of one of the game's most iconic figures. A video of Umeh training under Jose Mourinho at Benfica went viral, and the teenager was quick to praise the impact of the legendary coach.

"In that clip, he was actually asking if my Portuguese was good! I was laughing, saying it’s alright. He’s one of the best managers and coaches in the world, so to have him giving me advice was really, really good."

Despite the glamour of Lisbon, Umeh remains grounded by his roots in Cork. He is currently juggling his senior international call-up with his studies for the Leaving Cert, and he admitted that training alongside fellow Ringmahon Rangers graduate Caoimhín Kelleher is a special moment for him.

"I grew up in Ringmahon seeing Caoimhín’s jersey hanging on the walls in the clubhouse," Umeh explained. "To be here now, training with him, is a great honour. He’s a Ringmahon legend and every kid there wants to be like him."

However, the most significant motivation for Umeh lies within his own family. His brother, Franco, is currently progressing at Portsmouth, and the dream of both brothers representing the Republic of Ireland together is one that has fuelled them since they were children.

"It’s definitely something we still dream about. In two or three years' time, to have Jaden Umeh on the left and Franco Umeh on the right for Ireland, that would be something special," Jaden said.

"Growing up, we always had Ireland jerseys with our names on the back. I had a 'J' in front of mine and he just had 'Umeh', because he’s the older brother! It’s a dream for our family, for my Mum and Dad. To see that happen would be unbelievable."

As he prepares for a potential senior debut at the Aviva Stadium against Qatar, Umeh described himself as a "modern-day winger" who thrives on 1v1 situations and creativity. For the teenager, this window is the next step in a journey he hopes will eventually become a family affair.

"Representing your country is what every young boy looks forward to. To finally be here with the senior team, not just watching but potentially playing, it’s wonderful."

Match Details

Ireland v Qatar
International Friendly
Thursday, May 28 | KO 7:45 PM
Aviva Stadium, Dublin