Andrew Omobamidele admits his rise to senior international ranks has been ‘overwhelming’ but he is ready to embrace the opportunity.
The Norwich City defender, 18, was a surprise inclusion in Stephen Kenny’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Andorra and Hungary.
But his elevation is in keeping with his remarkable year having been catapulted into the Canaries team in January where he became a regular in their march to the title.
Omobamidele now has the Premier League in his sights next season but, first, duty calls for Ireland who gather in Spain on Friday for a warm-weather training camp.
Leixlip lad Omobamidele will then be in the frame to play against Andorra tomorrow week and the clash with Hungary in Budapest on June 8.
“It’s a really proud moment for me and my family and Leixlip as a community,” said Omobamidele today.
“Being born and raised in Ireland it's a dream to be playing with the senior team and a very proud moment for me and my family
“I got a phone call saying that I had been selected and to enjoy the moment.
“It was a bit overwhelming as I didn't know the number and when I said 'who is this' he said ‘it’s Stephen Kenny’.
“I've just come off the back of a really good time with Norwich, lifting the trophy and being promoted and hopefully I can take that into the camp and be successful there.”
The former Ireland youth star continued: “At the start of the season, I was in Norwich’s Under-23s.
“And at the end of the season I was winning promotion with the first-team and lifting the trophy.
“It took me two or three weeks in the first-team to get used to the tempo as the boys are top quality and if you're in the middle of a rondo you're not getting the ball back!
“But I'm just taking it step-by-step and trying my best to take it all in my stride.
“I've good people around me like my Mum and old coaches at Leixlip United to keep me grounded.”
Omobamidele was speaking at the launch of the FAI’s Summer Soccer Schools. Bookings for the 2021 programme will go live from June 3.
