Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy received a good luck message from Irish popstar Ronan Keating ahead of making his Republic of Ireland debut in this week's friendly defeat to Brazil.

Just hours before McCarthy won his first cap in Tuesday's glamour friendly with Brazil, the Irish superstar made his call to welcome the Wigan midfielder him into the full squad.

McCarthy, 19, told the Scottish Sun: "Ronan Keating phoned to wish me all the best before the game.

"I never actually spoke to him, it was my mum who took the call because I was with the squad preparing for the game, but it's incredible that he phoned.

"I'd heard about it and actually thought it was a bit of a wind-up.

"But then my mum told me he had been on the phone wishing me all the best and he was glad I was an Ireland player.

"It's a bit surreal that he's interested in me. I've got no idea how he got my number but it was a nice touch."