In the first in a series of Spotlight features on Irish internationals today we shine a light on Under-21s international Rocco Vata.

Rocco has been an ever present in the Ireland international system since making his debut for the Under-15s in against Poland in Galway on November 19, 2019.

Days after his debut on the Irish west coast, Rocco netted his first goal for his country converting a penalty rebound in a 2-1 win over Poland.

A technical and exciting attacking player, Rocco can operate wide of an attacking three or in the ‘Number 10’ role – positions he can held for both club and country.

With Irish roots from Howth, Co. Dublin he has represented Ireland at five age grades with his most recent caps coming for the U21s.

In three internationals at that level, Rocco has netted five times including a hat-trick against San Marino in March. His goals place him joint top scorer for the U21s this campaign (level with Sinclair Armstrong ) and just two away from equalling the all-time U21s goalscoring record which is jointly held by Robbie Brady and Kevin Doyle.

Rocco Vata’s numbers

MU15  | 6 caps | 1 goal
MU17 | 9 caps | 4 goals
MU18 | 2 caps | 0 goals 
MU19 | 7 caps | 0 goals
MU21 | 3 caps* | 5 goals
Total | 27 caps | 10 goals

Rocco Vata fact

Rebel Rocco – Four of Rocco’s 10 international goals have come at Turner’s Cross, Cork