Cape Verde call up Irish-born defender

Roberto Lopes of Shamrock Rovers

Wednesday Oct 02, 2019. 11:00

Cape Verde have called on Irish-born defender Roberto Lopes for their international matches against Togo and DR Congo in the FIFA International window this month.

It is the first time the centre-back has been called into the national team, for which he qualifies through his father.

“I’m delighted to be a part of the squad and I’m looking forward to the experience,” Lopes said.

He confirmed that he had been asked to play for Cape Verde some while ago, but said at the time that nothing had come of it.

“We tried to fish something out a while back but nothing really came of it,” he said in 2017. “I had to send over some documents but I kind of let that ship sail and I’m focused on playing football here for Shamrock Rovers.”

The 27-year-old is a regular for Rovers in the Irish league and the UEFA Europa League, and also previously turned out for Bohemians.