For any young player, the first call-up to a senior international squad is a milestone that lingers in the memory forever. For 18-year-old Rory Finneran, that moment was no different, except for the fact that he accidentally left the Ireland Head Coach waiting on the other end of the line.

The Newcastle United midfielder has linked up with Heimir Hallgrímsson’s squad in Murcia, Spain, ahead of Saturday’s international friendly against Grenada. However, Finneran, 18, admitted that the life-changing news took a little while to reach him.

"I was on my day off, I was at home, so I didn’t actually reply for a couple of hours to the Gaffer!" Finneran joked, speaking from the team’s training base in Murcia. "I eventually got a message and then I spoke to him and obviously he said he wanted me to come out. I told my family and they were really happy, and so was I."

Despite the  start to his senior career, Finneran is fully aware of the magnitude of the opportunity. "It’s a massively proud moment. I didn't really expect it, getting the late call-in, but it's a massive achievement for me and I’m really looking forward to the week."

Finneran is no stranger to the international stage, having been a standout performer in the Ireland Under-17 side that captured the public’s imagination during their run in Qatar last year. Reflecting on that tournament, the midfielder believes the experience was pivotal in preparing him for this step up.

“Yeah no, it was unbelievable to be fair," Finneran said of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. "We had a really good group and obviously did well getting to the round of 16, so it was probably one of the best experiences I’ve had in football. It was really good fun and I really enjoyed it. We did well, so yeah, all positive from it.”

Now embedded in the senior camp, Finneran has spent the week adjusting to the "professional, high-level" environment of the first team. While he is surrounded by established internationals, he is focused on proving he belongs at this level.

"It’s been a great week so far. I knew a few of the players already, but it's good to get around the lads and see what they do day-to-day. My goal for the week is to do what I can in training to impress and show I can play at this level. Hopefully, I can get some minutes on Saturday."

The call-up is also a significant moment for the Finneran family, who have deep roots in the west of Ireland.

"My Dad's family are all from Sligo," he explained. "We used to get over there a lot, though I haven't been as much recently because it's been so busy with football. I’m actually hoping to get back there this summer. They are all very proud."

Rory Finneran will be hoping to earn his first senior cap this Saturday, May 16th, as Ireland face Grenada at the Estadio Nueva Condomina (5:00 PM KO).

Fixture Details
Ireland v Grenada
International Friendly
Saturday, May 16 | KO 5pm (6pm local)
Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia