Aaron McEneff insists he has no intention of just making up the numbers in the Ireland squad.
The title-winning midfielder with Shamrock Rovers received a shock call-up today with clubmate Graham Burke.
Burke already has two caps and one goal but McEneff is uncapped and his international clearance only came through a fortnight ago.
The Derryman, 25, had played underage for Northern Ireland up to and including Under-21 level.
But as Covid-19 rips through the Ireland squad for the second month in-a-row, Kenny was forced to look elsewhere for reinforcements.
McEneff said: “I got the phone call two weeks ago (about the international clearance) and that was a long time in the process.
“I’m glad it went through as I wouldn’t be standing here now. It’s a very proud moment for myself and for my family.”
McEneff was told the news at Shamrock Rovers training this morning and said: “I was absolutely buzzing.”
He told FAI TV: “I trained with the Ireland squad today and it’s great to be here with people that you have grown up (watching).
“People have been texting and calling and my phone is going mad but it's a very proud moment.
“An international call-up is one of those things that just come along, you don't really think about it.
“It's happened for me today and I'm buzzing. It feels like the hard work is starting to pay off.”
McEneff will hope to win a first cap in Wednesday’s final Nations League clash where Ireland need a result to avoid relegation.
“Everyone is in the squad on merit,” added McEneff. “I worked hard in training today and the lads were great to me, everyone introduced themselves to me.
“We’ll train again tomorrow and then look forward to the game on Wednesday.”
