Jason Knight has described his delight after making his Republic of Ireland debut against Finland last Wednesday.
As two positive Covid-19 cases rocked Stephen Kenny's squad in the days after Euro 2020 playoff heartbreak in Slovakia, the new boss turned to the under-21s side.
Knight was in Italy preparing for a crunch Euro 2021 qualifier before being drafted in alongside Dara O'Shea on the eve of a Nations League clash with Finland.
And after coming on as a late substitute in Helsinki, the 19-year-old is focused on retaining his place in the senior ranks after a 'special moment'.
It has been a bit of a whirlwind week,” Knight told Derby County's RamsTV. “I started with the Under-21s and ended up in Finland with the first team.
"There were a few Covid-19 cases I think and I got drafted and a couple of other lads were as well. I trained with the senior team for a couple of days then came on and made my debut.
“It was a really good experience first of all to play with these players that you have looked up to.
“Now it is just trying to stay in there. I was lucky enough to come on and make my full debut and I was delighted, obviously not with the result but to come on and make my debut was a special moment.
"It was a huge moment and what I have strived towards since I was a little boy and coming on was a special moment for me and my family.”
Knight has become a regular starter at Derby County since making his breakthrough last season, and wants to build on a 'cray' 18 months.
He added: "It has been a crazy 18 months.
“I just need to keep going and see where that takes me. I need to keep performing well at Derby and hopefully I can get called-up again.”
