Ireland rewarded with first call-up

Last updated : 16 February 2006 By Ben Collins
The City midfielder has been named in Steve Staunton's first squad as Ireland coach for their friendly against Sweden on March 1.

The 19-year-old has broken into City's first team this season, making a string of impressive performances in the centre of midfield, but has had to wait for his first call-up as a fall out with previous coach Brian Kerr when he coached in Ireland's youth ranks effectively kept him in the international wilderness.

He joins City defender Richard Dunne in the squad, along with former City reserve striker Stephen Elliott, who is now at Sunderland.

Ireland was named in the Under-21 squad for a tournament in Portugal this week but had to withdraw after picking up a groin injury in City's 3-2 win over Charlton on Sunday.