It's almost four years since Joey O'Brien won the last of his three senior Republic of Ireland caps, so the West Ham United defender is understandably delighted to be called up for next week's friendly away to Serbia on August 15.
Due to Sean St Ledger's withdrawal after sustaining a knee injury during Leicester's pre-season fixture at Burton Albion, O'Brien was a late replacement. He will link up with the squad this Sunday.
The 26-year-old told the club's official website how excited he is about being part of Giovanni Trapattoni's squad.
"It's been a long time and I've had a few sleepless nights," he said. "Comments that I made in the past were taken out of context and weren't what I wanted to say because I love playing for my country. Hopefully, I'll get the chance to do that.
O'Brien's first campaign with the Hammers saw him help achieve promotion for the club back to the Premier League. That's the stage O'Brien played most of football with Bolton Wanderers until serious injuries restricted his progress.
