Exeter City Manager Praises Charlie Cummins Following Ireland Under-21 Call-Up
Exeter City manager Matt Taylor has expressed his approval of midfielder Charlie Cummins’ selection for the Republic of Ireland’s under-21 squad. The 21-year-old player has shown noteworthy performance this season, netting three goals, including the decisive strike in Exeter’s 2-1 FA Cup first-round win against League One leaders Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Cummins has surged through the ranks of Exeter’s academy system since making the move to St James Park in January 2024 from Cobh Ramblers for an undisclosed fee. This season, he has become a central figure in the team, starting all 14 of Exeter’s League Two matches.
“It’s fully deserved. Not just his performances but the way he’s conducted himself; he’s playing a man’s game at a really serious level of football,” Taylor stated during an interview with BBC Radio Devon. He also expressed hope that Cummins would continue his impressive form at the under-21 level with Ireland, adding, “His goals recently have been an added bonus, but his performances are going from strength to strength.”
Taylor highlighted the significance of the call-up, noting that it is a proud moment for both Cummins’ family and the football club’s academy, which continues to produce talent capable of competing at an international level.
Cummins was named as a replacement for an injured player for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs against Finland, and the announcement came on Monday, following the deadline for Exeter to postpone their Saturday match against Cheltenham Town. The Grecians also have Vincent Harper of Kenya and Scotland Under-21 player Ethan Sutherland away on international duty.
“Two days earlier then the game gets called off if we want it to,” noted Taylor. “You don’t want any game of football called off. But, selfishly as a manager, you want your best players available at all times. You’re torn really.”
Despite the challenges of player availability, Taylor stated that the team must adapt and showcase its strength and depth moving forward.
