Ronan Curtis has spoken of his pride at making his Ireland debut - and says he can't quite believe the club and international progress he has made in the past few months.

He came on for the second half of the Republic's 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland on Thursday night and enjoyed the experience.

Curtis will be hoping for further involvement when Ireland visit Denmark on Monday night.

Speaking to Highland Radio, he said: 'Words can't describe how over the moon I am right now. Six months ago I was at Derry just going into Portsmouth and it's just a dream come true really, making my debut.

'It's a huge honour. When I was a little kid I always wanted to grow up and play for my country, and I've become that. I've made my debut and I'm over the moon.'

Curtis told the station he was still pinching himself about how well things were going for him at Fratton: 'I went to Portsmouth and didn't think I would play as much. When the gaffer gave me the nod for the very first game of the season, playing in front of 22,000 a week, compared to 4,000 at Derry, it's a crazy feeling.

'I made my debut, set up the goal in the 1-0 win, got the assist, and my confidence was sky high going into the next game. I ended up scoring two. Then I kicked on from there, confidence was flying, went away with the Republic of Ireland under-21s and scored against Kosovo.

'I got a yellow card and was suspended for the Germany game, and then Martin O'Neill gave me the chance to come up and train with the boys, and I just kicked on from there really. Now here I am making my debut.'

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