Stephen Kenny is proud of how his Republic of Ireland team reflect the overall diversity in the Country.
Kenny was speaking before his side embark upon a new Nations League campaign.
The 27-man squad contains Chiedozie Ogbene, who's family moved from Nigeria to Cork in 2005.
Ogbene would go on to become the first African-born representative of the national team.
CHIO ?@EdozieOgbene | #COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/7Q5YbgyGiU
— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) May 31, 2022
Gavin Bazunu, Festy Ebosele and Michael Obafemi, all of whom have Nigerian heritage, are also members of the squad.
Asked if his squad reflected a modern Ireland, Kenny said: "None of it is picked for that reason, it’s based on merit.
"The players picked are based on merit, and that’s a reflection of all the work going on throughout the country at all the clubs.
"It’s a reflection of what is happening around the country, and the international team reflects what’s happening around the country.
"Football more than any other sport reaches all strands of society and certainly we want the international team to represent everyone."
Preparations are underway for Saturday's clash with Armenia.
The 'Boys in Green' make the trip to the Vazgen Sargsyan stadium with confidence high.
?? Not bad @troyparrott9#COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/SsU1mPDWpP
— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) June 1, 2022
Kick-off is at 2pm, in a group that also contains Ukraine and Scotland.
