Jimmy Dunne has joked that the politics of hailing from a border town means he could never have taken up the offer of playing for Northern Ireland. The Dundalk-born Queen’s Park Rangers defender is aiming to make a long-awaited senior international debut with the Boys in Green, when they take on Bulgaria tomorrow night in their Nations League promotion/relegation play-off. Dunne could have plenty of caps to his name already, had he taken advantage of the fact that his grandmother hails from Enniskillen. Asked if he ever gave it any consideration, Dunne replied: “Yeah I've been asked to do it in the past, my granny is from Enniskillen, just over the border so it's been an option. “But, to be honest, I don't know if you (pauses)... in Dundalk, I don't think you can consider it too much. I don't want to go missing or anything!” Dunne means no offence, but there was a time when he was strongly linked with a switch. Having represented Ireland at Under-21 level, he received his first senior call under Martin O’Neill. But that was only a provisional squad, and he didn’t make the final cut. That’s when Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill attempted to bring him into the Northern Ireland fold. Dunne decided to bide his time, however. And although the wait was longer than he’d hoped, he was delighted to get the nod from Heimir Hallgrímsson last week. “As the years have ticked on, it's become a bit more difficult,” he admitted. “We're blessed with a lot of big defenders in this nation, that obviously makes things a little more challenging. “But I'm delighted I'm in, I'm delighted to be given the opportunity and I'm going to try and make the most of it.” Hallgrímsson has been at a few QPR games, so he knows what Dunne has to offer. And the 27-year-old is eager to make up for lost time. “You'd like to think that as a defender you've got an extended couple of years on some of the guys, hopefully I'm one of those that can go until I'm 40,” he said. “But yeah it does feel quite late. The first time I was in, it was under Martin O'Neill and I was 21 years old. That feels like a lifetime ago at this stage.” A lot has happened in Dunne’s career since his time in the Manchester United academy. While at Burnley, there were a series of loan moves to Barrow, Accrington Stanley, Hearts, Sunderland and Fleetwood. But since his move to QPR in 2021, his career has really taken flight. He described his time in the game so far as “an emotional roller-coaster.” Dunne said: I got released by Man United at 18 or 19, and 12 months later I was playing Conference Premier football, so it was one extreme to the other. “I felt I’d a lot of catching up to do but I feel like I am where I deserve and should be at this stage in my career. “The older I get, I'll continue to strive and strive for Premier League and, if it’s late, it’s late, but hopefully I will get there.” Dunne spoke of the adversity his late father faced as a Louth Gaelic footballer. Eamonn Dunne passed away last December, and he was in his son’s thoughts when the Ireland call came. “My old man was a school teacher/GAA coach. He was my manager really as much as a father,” said Dunne. “I know everyone’s family situations are different and it was probably tough being away from my family from 15 years of age. “That changes family situations and losing him midway through the season was complicated, but he’d be very, very proud to see that I’m back involved in this camp. “I’m very lucky, I’ve got a really good family behind me, a really good parish behind me, and I’m sure they’ll be very proud.” Dunne added: “My father’s story was a story of resilience as well. His story was that he got hit by a car as a kid and he had an unfortunate leg (injury) and he actually wore shinpads playing for County Louth. “He was probably the only GAA player to ever wear shinpads. He had a story of resilience as well. I’m very proud. “I think that GAA culture is something that sticks with a lot of the soccer lads as well, coming through. So yeah I’m very, very proud.” Dunne is ready to do anything to get into Hallgrímsson’s side tomorrow night. “I’m so versatile, unbelievably versatile. Attacking, defending, the lot,” he joked. “Obviously playing right-back this season, I'm seeing a couple of other lads are doing something similar. It's added a lot to my game thankfully, whether it be at centre back or right back... “Yeah number ten, left wing, whatever they need I'm in there.” Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.