Blackpool’s CJ Hamilton celebrates Republic debut against Ukraine

CJ Hamilton is hoping to make a remarkable journey from non-league football to the international stage with the Republic of Ireland against Ukraine on Wednesday night.

The 27-year-old Blackpool winger was added to Stephen Kenny’s squad for the four Nations League games this month and is keeping his fingers crossed that he will achieve a senior cap before his summer break.

Harrow-born Hamilton – CJ stands for Christopher Junior – played his football in the National League Gateshead six years ago after focusing on Gaelic football and hurling in Waterford until he was 12, and only recently emerged on Ireland’s radar up after belatedly catching on in England.

He said: “I never put myself out there because I never thought I would play football when I first went. It was a bit random.

“When I first started playing football I went under the radar because I was at a level I didn’t think I would ever be called upon to play.

“Once they found out I was Irish it was sorted out pretty quickly. And then, based on my performance, I earned a call-up.”

Hamilton, whose mother and sister still live in Waterford, moved to England as a teenager and got his chance in the game as a trainee at Sheffield United but did not appear for the club as a senior and after spells with non-league Gateshead and Halifax came in Summer 2016 to Mansfield.

However, he has gained prominence since joining Blackpool in 2020 and having trodden what Kenny puts it ‘the road less traveled’ he is determined to take a few more steps down it.

When asked if he still had much to achieve, he said: “Definitely. I feel like I’m a late starter, I’ve always started late – I didn’t sign until I was 19 pros. Some guys were in academies, I never was.

“I feel like I get better with age. I still feel fit, fresh and full of energy.

“I just love the trip. You always try to achieve as much as possible and when you go to England it’s hard to try because there are so many guys in the same position as you.

“It’s about having a good attitude, working hard – and I will always work hard, whether in training or as an extra on the pitch. I will always do my best and that’s what got me to where I am today.”