PORTSMOUTH DEFENDER Marc Wilson has described his first senior international call-up as the highlight of his career to date. But the 22-year-old from Aghagallon, near Lurgan in Co Armagh, said he was completely taken aback to get the news.

“It feels unbelievable to be in the squad,” he said.

“It’s the best honour you can get to represent your country – it’s always been a dream of mine to play for Ireland.

“I’m looking forward to it now. I’m buzzing. I always hoped for it, but I never really expected it. I got the call and that was the first I heard of it. But it’s a good squad of players and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Wilson, who has successfully settled into the centre-back role of late having featured at full back and in midfield, played for Northern Ireland in his early teens before declaring for the Republic.

He has only become a regular starter at the Premier League outfit this season, but he hopes the chance to join up with the Republic of Ireland now could lead to an opportunity to show what he can do against some of the world’s most famous names.

“It’s a good time to be included. It’s a friendly match and Brazil are a world-class team.

“You want to play against the best players, so it’s a great chance for me.”

Wigan midfielder James McCarthy is similarly pleased at getting the opportunity to press home his commitment to the Republic of Ireland.

“I don’t even want to talk about the Scotland side of things,” said the Glasgow-born teenager, “because that’s been hit on the head for a long time as far as I’m concerned.

“This is a dream come true for me. This is what any young player wants and it’s what I’ve thought about for a long, long time. All I want to do now is concentrate on Ireland and the chance they’ve given me.

“It would have been good enough playing in the same side as Robbie Keane and Aiden McGeady, but this is something else.”