Gavin McAteer has earned his first Republic of Ireland Under 17 cap as he came off the bench in a 3-0 loss to Finland on Wednesday.
The Milford native was called up to Colin O’Brien’s 22 player panel for the first time on Monday for two friendlies in Spain.
Ireland took on Finland in Oliva Nova near Valencia with the game ending 3-0 to Finland as McAteer came on with 84 minutes gone.
The friendlies are being used as preparation for the Under-17 European Championship qualifiers due to take place in Poland next month, where O’Brien’s side will take on Iceland, Belgium and the host team.
The top team will advance straight to the finals tournament that takes place in Albania in May.
Finn Harps man McAteer is one of just two players being called into the U17 squad for the first time, with Chris Idah of Klub Kildare also earning a call-up.
McAteer garnered a lot of attention in 2024 as he made 15 appearances for the Finn Harps first team, making his debut at just 15 years of age to become the second youngest player in the clubs history.
McAteer has since went on trial at Nottingham Forest along with teammate Oisin Cooney.
Ireland will face Hungary in their second friendly on Saturday at the same venue.
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