Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone is desperate to test himself against the might of France just days after making his senior Republic of Ireland debut.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who is currently thriving on loan at Sky Bet Championship Stoke, earned particular praise from Ireland boss Stephen Kenny for his performance in Wednesday night's 3-2 friendly victory over Latvia.

He said: “Everyone wants to play in that game, a great one for Irish football. Myself personally, I'd love to put myself out against the team that reached the last World Cup final.

"I'd love to be a part of it.

"We want to go in the game to win it, so I think to we have to be as creative and attacking as we can, while obviously being cautious of their threats."