Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy was thrilled to make his Republic of Ireland debut in this week's friendly defeat to Brazil.

McCarthy says it was a great experience to face Brazil's finest.

He told the Scottish Sun: "It was brilliant to play against guys like Kaka and Robinho.

"It was a dream come true for me but to be honest I just need to keep working hard. Hopefully I can get more caps from now on but I'm realistic enough to know I haven't really achieved anything yet. There were a few butterflies when the boss told me I was going on.

"I had been warming up hoping to get the call so it was amazing when he told me to get stripped. I was a bit nervous at first but as soon as I went on the park I blocked it all out and just played my game. It's been incredible just how quickly I have progressed. It's all happened so fast.

"To go from the youth team to the Under-21s and now playing against Brazil is amazing. I'm just delighted to be part of it all and now I just need to keep it going."