Wigan youngster McCarthy thrilled to make Ireland debut against Kaka, Robinho

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."