The Waterford born player has a total of 14 goals for Sunderland (10 coming in last years Coca Cola Championship) but feels the benefit of playing for Ireland can only help him as a player.
He said to the Sunderland official site http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=15010
"I was involved in both of the Republic of Ireland games at the end of the season, and I think playing international football can only benefit me.
"It's great to be able to test yourself at that kind of level. It makes you a better player and hopefully Sunderland will reap the benefit from that next season.
"I'm starting to get more and more involved in the Ireland set-up, and that's something I want to build on in the future. International football and club football can go hand in hand. If I'm playing well for Ireland it'll give me more confidence when I pull on a Sunderland shirt. And if I'm doing well for Sunderland I'm more likely to get a chance with my country."