Wigan Athletic teenager James McCarthy has been called up by Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni for next week's friendly against Brazil.
The 19-year-old midfielderreceived his first call after some fine performances for the Latics since signing from Hamilton last summer.
Rumours circulated recently that McCarthy might still opt for Scotland despite playing for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side.
New Scotland boss Craig Levein appeared to be ready to offer the youngster a place in his squad but it seems McCarthy has made up his mind to remain an Irish international.
Trapattoni has also selected 19-year-old Manchester City defender Greg Cunningham and 22-year-old Portsmouth centre-back Marc Wilson for the first time, as the Republic prepare for their first match since controversially losing out to France in their World Cup play-off.
Trapattoni's side will take on Brazil at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Tuesday March 2 and he is eager for his players to put the frustration of losing to France behind them.
Thierry Henry's handball in the second leg, as he set up William Gallas for the goal which decided the tie, was painful at the time but the veteran Italian coach wants to move on.
He said: "I look forward to working with my squad again after the disappointment of Paris.
"The priority now is to build on the progress made during the last campaign and prepare ourselves over the coming months mentally and tactically for an important Euro campaign."
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