Winger's remarkable Portsmouth career transformation continues after first international call-up
The winger has made 14 appearances since arriving at Fratton Park
Mili Alli’s career transformation at Pompey has continued with a maiden international call-up.
The Luton loanee has been rewarded for his Fratton Park displays with a place in the Republic of Ireland squad for their forthcoming friendly against North Macedonia.
The Dublin-born winger left his homeland at the age of 14 to join Bury’s Academy - and he has remained in England ever since.
Now, following one goal in 14 appearances for the Blues, Alli has been called up for his country ahead of Tuesday night’s friendly at the Aviva Stadium (7.45pm).
Now Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men are scheduled to face North Macedonia in their remaining match during the international break, while Denmark and the Czech Republic battle it out for a place at this summer’s World Cup.
Sammie Szmodics has been ruled out after being stretched off during the defeat with concussion and ruled out, while Jack Taylor is not considered after returning home to be with his ill wife.
That has prompted Eire to bolster their squad with a first call-up for Alli, who linked up with the squad this morning for his first training session.
It represents a remarkable change of fortunes in the 26-year-old’s career, who had been left out of six successive Luton squads earlier this year after falling out of favour under Jack Wilshere.
Reinvigorated by Fratton Park switch
However, a January loan switch to Fratton Park has reinvigorated the winger, making an instant impact after being handed a debut in January’s 1-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday.
Indeed, it was a sparkling start to life on the south coast for the ex-Exeter man, who scored his first goal in the crucial 3-0 home success over West Brom.
Alli’s scintillating form has notably dipped of late, explained by John Mousinho as tiredness after a gruelling schedule, with the Luton man having started all 14 of his Pompey matches of late.
He was even unsuccessfully switched from his customary left-wing role to the right flank for the 1-0 defeat against Derby earlier this month in the Blues’ most recent Fratton Park match.
Nonetheless, Alli’s performances in the Championship have caught the eye of the Republic of Ireland and he is now in the frame for a prized international debut.
As a youngster, he played for local clubs Esker Celtic and St Francis in Dublin before moving to Bury, who at the time were a Football League club.
He later moved to South Shields and had two loans at Workington, before spells at Ashton United, Stockport County and Chorley (loan).
Yet it was at FC Halifax Town where his career truly ignited, with his eye-catching form earning a switch to League One Exeter in January 2024.
Subsequently, 16 goals in 43 appearances for the Grecians persuaded then-Championship club Luton to spend £1.5m on him in January 2025 - just 12 months later.
And now Alli is on the brink of an international debut for the Republic of Ireland.