Greg Cunningham has ambitions of returning to the Republic of Ireland fold but is focusing on hitting top form with Rovers.

Cunningham was named in a 40-man provisional squad for the September fixtures but like Rovers team-mates Darragh Lenihan and Derrick Williams, was cut from the list when it was trimmed to 25 for matches against Switzerland and Bulgaria.

The full back joined Rovers on a season-long loan deal from Cardiff on deadline and has four caps for his country. But just one of those has come since 2010, the last in 2013, despite the 28-year-old having had regular Championship football.

“It was just one of those things,” Cunningham told the Lancashire Telegraph of being left out.

“Over the international break it’s where you want to be, but as I wasn’t picked, I was in fan mode watching with the family.

“I want to play for my country and want to do everything to get out on the pitch. But it’s just one of things. I just have to keep my head down, not think about it too much.

“I have to make sure I’m keeping my performances as consistent and as high as possible at club level.

“If the opportunity comes then brilliant, if not then I’ll keep working hard.”

Mick McCarthy’s men top Group D by two points having remained unbeaten in their first five Euro 2020 qualifying matches.

They secured a last-gasp draw with Switzerland on Sunday and are back in action tonight, hosting Bulgaria in a friendly.

“The boys did really well against Switzerland, it was a massive point, and I’m sure they will ring the changes for the friendly tonight to give people some minutes,” Cunningham added.

Cunningham was named in the squad for games with Denmark and Gibraltar in June but failed to add to his four caps.

He has started all five matches he has been available for since signing for Rovers and maintains his main focus is on enjoying a successful season at club level.

And he feels there is enough quality at Rovers for the team to enjoy a successful season as they look to improve on last season’s 15th-placed finish.

He added: “My priority is here and I want to do well for this club.

“If something comes of that then great, if not then I’ll keep my head down and work hard to repay the faith the manager and this club have given me and I hope it’s a great season for us.”

Cunningham made an uncharacteristic error in Rovers’ defeat at West Bromwich Albion in their last Championship match as they went down 3-2.

That ended a run of three consecutive clean sheets which had brought seven points.

Rovers return to Championship action this weekend when they host Millwall, the first of four home games in their next six fixtures.

But reflecting on the Hawthorns reverse, the left back said: “We got off to such a good great start.

“We felt unlucky not to come away with anything, just a few errors proved costly, especially against a top side.

“We were disappointed.

“It was a tough start fixture wise but we just have to make sure from this next block after the international break we hit the ground running and put in a good performance and get a good result against Millwall.”

The Rovers players were afforded the weekend off to allow them to spend time with their families, and of the break, Cunningham said: “It’s been really good. We’ve worked hard training wise and then had a few days off to go and see the family.

“It was a nice change of scenery to rest mentally but then back in on Monday and working hard.

“We’ve come in, worked hard, and all eyes on Millwall.”