Mark McGuinness has spoken to the Irish media ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s two Nations League fixtures against Finland and England.

The 23-year-old central defender discussed his return to the squad following injury last month and how he can make an impact with the Boys in Green.

“Having to pull out of camp last month obviously wasn’t ideal for me,” Mark explained. “It was nice to meet up with all the boys and then I had to go to get my ankle prepared and ready.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be called up again, so hopefully it’s better luck this time.”

Our number six is hoping to make his senior international debut after accumulating 23 caps in the Republic of Ireland age groups.

“Heimir Hallgrímsson came and watched me at one of my games before I was first called up, we had a good conversation, but I still wasn’t 100 percent sure I was going to get the call-up so that was nice.

“There’s very strong competition in all positions over the pitch, but I’m aware that centre-halves in this squad are playing week-in-week-out in the Premier League.

“That’s the level that I hope to get to, but right now I’m hoping I can add something different to the squad so hopefully I can do that.

“I enjoy getting on the ball, we all do, that’s why we play the game. I’m happy to do any role that the gaffer wants me to do, but it’s important that we have a solid foundation to build on.”

Mark was quizzed about how it is back with the Hatters and how we can progress when he rejoins the group next week.

“It’s not been going well for us at the minute, this break has come at a good time really to refresh, clear the head and focus on something else for the moment. We have a big task to get back to when this break is all over.

“All I can focus on is how we are performing, and we know we aren’t performing well enough at the minute. We need to take responsibility for that.”

Watch the full press conference with Mark and the Irish media: