Dream come true for Horgan and Boyle

DARYL Horgan insists it is a ‘massive honour’ to be called into the Irish squad alongside team-mate Andy Boyle for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Austria in Vienna.

The pair learned they were in the 35-man provisional squad named by Martin O’Neill for the game shortly after landing in Russia last Tuesday night.

However, it was only on Monday that it was confirmed they had made the cut for the full squad after being notified by their Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny via a phone call.

Reacting to the news at a press conference in Abbotstown today (Tuesday), Horgan said the call-up was ‘special’.

He said: ‘This is every young lad’s dream. To be in the squad is unbelievable.

‘There is a lot of quality in the League of Ireland.

‘You sometimes have to go abroad to prove that but I think this season Dundalk FC have proven you don’t.’

Horgan was also pressed on speculation linking him with a move to Newcastle Utd and said he would have to listen to any offer they put to him.

Meanwhile, Boyle attributed the pair’s call-up to Dundalk’s performances in Europe this season.

‘The Europa League has helped us. We are playing good teams with seasoned internationals.

‘We’re looking forward to being involved now,’ said the 25-year-old.

Throughout the history of Dundalk FC, just 11 players have been capped while playing for the club. They include: Robert Egan, Joey Donnelly, Billy O’Neill, Mick Hoy, Dicky Lunn, Terry Murray, Tony O’Connell, Tommy McConville, Turlough O’Connor, Synan Braddish and Mick Fairclough.

That list will hopefully be extended to 12 and 13 come Saturday evening at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna.