Brilliant news for Newcastle's Rory Finneran as Ireland reveal surprise call-up

It has been quite a start to May for Newcastle United's Rory Finneran.

After impressing at Under-21 level, the 18-year-old was called up by Eddie Howe to train with the first team last week ahead of the game against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Finneran didn't make it into the squad for that game, but it looks as though he's catching Howe's eye. 

He won't make the bench this weekend either, but for very good reason, as the former Blackburn Rovers talent has been called up to the Ireland senior squad for their upcoming friendlies.

Rory Finneran is heading to Spain

Ahead of their friendly against Grenada on 16th May, head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has arranged a warm-weather training camp in Murcia, Spain.

Given that the Premier League, Championship Playoffs, Scottish Premier League and other European Leagues haven't yet concluded, Hallgrimsson has opted for players from the EFL and other completed leagues.

As confirmed by the Ireland Football account on X, Finneran has been called up to that camp after Joel Bagan and Kasey McAteer had to pull out due to injury.

A huge boost to Finneran's confidence

It's the youngster's first senior call-up, and the fact that this isn't a full-strength Ireland squad should in no way diminish the achievement by the 18-year-old, who was Blackburn Rovers' youngest-ever first-team player when he made his debut in the 2024 FA Cup.

Finneran has been highlighted as one of Newcastle's brightest young stars and has impressed in the Under-21s this season, having previously shone in an Under-18 side set to finish third for 2025/26. 

It was no real surprise to see him called up to train with the first team this week, but to see him selected for his country at such a young age is quite an achievement at this stage of his career.

It remains to be seen now if he can impress enough in training to be given his debut. It would be quite something if he managed to play for his country before he's even broken into Newcastle's first team, but it could give him quite the boost to kick on for the Magpies next season.