Derry City goalkeeper Nathan Gartside says his call-up to Northern Ireland's senior squad was the perfect birthday present.
Gartside has been named in Ian Baraclough's 26-man panel for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Bulgaria.
Northern Ireland also have a friendly with the USA wedged between those two crunch games.
Former Watford shot-stopper Gartside will work alongside Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Conor Hazard during the international week, with Michael McGovern and Trevor Carson both missing through injury.
Speaking after the squad was announced on Thursday morning, Gartside admitted he was shocked to receive the email the day before his 23rd birthday.
"It was some present and it definitely came as a surprise," he told Derry City's website.
"I've been working hard and gearing up for the start of our league season. It's a huge year for me and I've been putting in the hard yards to make sure I'm ready.
"Of course it's a massive honour to be selected for your country. I'm really looking forward to the experience and it's up to me to keep working hard and doing well for Derry City. If I can do that it will give me an opportunity to be a part of the long term plans."
Derry City goalkeeping coach Declan McIntyre believes Gartside's call-up is reward for the patience he has shown since moving to Derry.
"Nathan has worked his socks off not just this year, but over the last few seasons. He has had to be patient as he waited his chance, but he is absolutely ready," McIntyre added.
"He's here every morning and always has a smile on his face-there's a real honesty about him.
"I worked with Ian Barraclough at Sligo and 'Barra' has been keeping tabs on Nathan during his time with the under-21's. He always wanted to know how his development was coming along and if we was progressing well.
"I knew Nathan was in his thoughts so I wouldn't say I'm shocked.
"This is a fantastic honour for Nathan, his family and Derry City Football Club. I hope this is the start of his senior International career."
