Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has explained why Hibernian forward Owen Elding was called up to the under-21 squad, after making his senior debut in September.
The 20-year-old came off the bench at Pristina's Fadil Vokrri Stadium with only minutes remaining, as Ireland were downed 1-0 by Kosovo in the UEFA Nations League.
Elding did not feature in the following three matches, as Ireland finished third in their League B group, with Kosovo pipping them to second spot on head-to-head record.
Now, Elding will represent Jim Crawford's under-21s, who are set to face Finland in a two-legged playoff in their quest to qualify for the European under-21 championship.
Hallgrimsson admitted that he did not select Elding to the senior squad, in order to allow Crawford to call on the Hibs forward's services as his side look to do 'everything' to succeed in the tie.
"I spoke to Owen; he really wants to do good for the under-21s," Hallgrimsson told Ben Symes on the Off The Ball YouTube channel.
"He has a perfect attitude. He's going to be a top-class professional.
"It's important for us to do everything for the under-21s to qualify, because that's a huge step for these players to be able to play finals in their development.
"That's why we didn't touch many players from the under-21s, because we think it's really important for them to qualify."
It represents Elding's first international call-up at under-21 level, after he recently secured Irish citizenship following administrative delays.
The versatile forward was involved in an international camp with the senior side in June, but was unable to play in matches as he waited for his paperwork.
"It was something I really relished," he said at the time, "and all the lads made me feel really welcome and like I belonged at that level."
Elding has been in fine form at club level recently, becoming an important part of Marink Reedijk's plans at Hibs.
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Now leading the line for the Easter Road club, Elding has scored two goals since Reedijk took over in the dugout – and registered the assist for Martin Boyle's equaliser in a Premier Sports Cup semi-final victory against Hearts.
The Hibs forward has played in a number of positions in attack, but admitted that he was 'really enjoying' the demands of being Reedijk's striker.
"It's been different, obviously I've changed my position lately, but's one I'm really, really enjoying," he said.
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