Last November, Rhys Brennan and Ryan Kelly were playing with Crumlin United’s Under-19s at schoolboy level.

Fast forward four months and both were wearing their country’s colours after being selected for Tom Mohan’s Ireland Men’s Under-19s Squad.

Rhys, aged 17, would go on and sign for Bohemians while friend and international team mate Ryan, aged 18, would sign for Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers.

It would be a rapid rise for the pair who are still taking their first steps in the game.

Speaking about his call-up Rhys said: “It was unexpected more than anything.  I was focused on doing well for Bohs and progressing with them and scoring but when I got the call-up, I was flabbergasted. I didn’t know what to say because it was so unexpected, I was buzzing. 

“To come up against Slovakia was a great experience. They were very strong, very technical it was a new style to what I’d come up against before.”

Ryan added: “I signed for Shamrock Rovers and like Rhys I was focus on doing well there and I thought maybe in the next campaign I’d look at pushing for the Ireland Under-19s, but when I got called-up in March it was unexpected it was unbelievable.

“I knew a few of the Shamrock Rovers boys which helped me settle in but after a while I got used to the other lads and it was an excellent trip.”

It was a huge achievement for the teenagers who were experiencing full-time football for the first time this year as part of the FAI’s ETB course in Clondalkin.

Harry Kenny, the ETB Clondalkin Course Co-Ordinator had high praise for the players, he said: “We are very proud. We haven’t had a player recognised at international level on the course for a number of years so we’re delighted with them. Our course has helped them get up to speed with full-time football so they’re ready to perform at that level.”

Ger Coughlan, Assistant ETB Clondalkin Course Co-Ordinator added: “The lads have been excellent around the place. Even with Ryan injured a bit he’s been helping setting up the sessions. But there are some good players on the course and they can take inspiration from the lads.”