Mark Sykes has been named in Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Lithuania.
Sykes has been in impressive form for Oxford United this season, scoring eight goals in 38 appearances for the League One outfit.
The 24-year-old joined Oxford from Irish League side Glenavon in the summer of 2019, and has previously represented Northern Ireland at Under 19 and 21 level.
Read more: Former Northern Ireland youth star Mark Sykes opens up on Republic of Ireland switch
He had been on the cusp of being called into Ian Baraclough's squad in 2020 before signalling his intention to represent the Republic.
Reflecting on Friday's Ireland call-up, Sykes told iFollow: "I'm delighted.
"I took a call from the manager yesterday and he told me I was in the squad. I can't wait to join up with them and hopefully get my chance.
"But first we have a massive home game on Saturday against Ipswich so I will be focussed on that and then will have time to let the news sink in properly."
Republic boss Kenny said the introduction of several new players to his squad was important.
He said: "It was necessary. The late Marian Finnucane interviewed me on the radio and said 'Stephen, you see with the Irish rugby team, all the young players coming through the different systems. Where are the Irish footballers? There aren't any.'
"She asked me that question and I said 'you're absolutely right Marian' and it's a question that's not asked enough.
"We've got a great group coming through, the most talented group in many years. We've put 15 players in in the last year and certainly there is more on the way.
"15 in one year is a radical shift and we've only had one defeat in the last 10 games with Ronaldo's late goal of course. We're getting better, we're improving and we've 20 goals scored in that period."
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