CHERRIES striker Joe Quigley could be on the verge of earning international recognition with the Republic of Ireland.

Frontman Quigley, who is currently on loan at Gillingham, is set to be named in a provisional squad for the country’s under-21s.

The Republic open their 2019 European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign with a home clash against debutants Kosovo on March 25. Germany, Israel, Norway and Azerbaijan are also in their group.

Hayes-born Quigley grew up in Lymington and attended Priestlands School, whose former pupils include past and present internationals Sam Vokes, Josh McQuoid and Paul Rideout.

Quigley, 20, has made three appearances for the Gills since returning last month following a lengthy lay-off due to a knee injury.

He could be joined on international duty later this month by Mihai Dobre, another member of Cherries’ flourishing under-21 set up.

Dobre, who joined Cherries in the summer, is expected to be named in a provisional Romanian under-21 squad for their first qualifier and could be in line for his first call-up.

Meanwhile, Cherries last night booked their place in the final of the Hampshire Senior Cup thanks to a 1-0 win against Hartley Wintney.

Teenager Gavin Kilkenny bagged the only goal against the Combined Counties League Premier Division leaders to set up a clash with Southern League Basingstoke.

Although not yet confirmed, the final could take place at Southampton’s St Mary’s ground.

Cherries, beaten finalists in 2013, withstood a late barrage of pressure from Hartley Wintney who were reduced to 10 men during the closing stages when Ross Cook was sent off after collecting a second yellow card.

Victories over Gosport, Bashley and Brockenhurst earned Cherries a place in the last four – and they progressed to the final without conceding a goal in the competition.