Sunderland winger James McClean admits getting a call-up to the Republic of Ireland's squad for Euro 2012 has a capped a tremendous season.
Signed from Derry City last summer, McClean did not make an appearance under former manager Steve Bruce but has earned rave reviews since making his Black Cats debut in Martin O'Neill's first game in charge against Blackburn.
The 23-year-old, who was awarded the Supporters' Young Player of the Year, made his international bow as a substitute against the Czech Republic in February and has now been added to Giovanni Trapattoni's 23-man squad as they head to Poland and Ukraine in June.
And a delighted McClean told the club's official website: "It's been a fantastic year for me in football terms. Breaking into the Sunderland first-team was a huge step and then to make my debut for Ireland was just amazing.
"I've had an incredible few months, cementing my place in the team and acclimatising to the Premier League and winning the Supporters' Young Player of the Year award, was a huge honour.
"To now be representing Ireland at a major championship is simply the stuff that dreams are made of."
