NEWCASTLE United winger Alan O'Brien was on a high after being called up into the senior Republic of Ireland squad for the first time.

The Dublin-born 21-year old was named by Steve Staunton in the party that will take on Holland at Lansdowne Road on August 16.

O'Brien is joined in the squad by fellow Magpies Shay Given, Damien Duff and Stephen Carr, who has reversed his decision to retire from international football.

O'Brien heard news of his call up after the United squad touched down in Latvia ahead of Thursday's UEFA Cup second qualifying round first leg tie with FK Ventspils.

There was a round of applause from his team-mates, and United's Irish quartet posed for a group shot to mark the winger's good news.

He told nufc.co.uk: "I'm surprised, but delighted to be called up for the Ireland squad.

"It's a great honour, and I'm in great company with the likes of Shay, Stephen and Damien.

"It's a great way to start the season for me."

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