Southend United young gun Trevor Fitzpatrick is preparing to jet across the Irish Sea in search of international glory.

The teenage striker has received a call up to the Republic of Ireland under-18 squad which is preparing for a crucial European Championship play-off with neighbours Northern Ireland.

"This has come as a complete surprise to me, but is a challenge that I'm relishing taking up," said the 19-year-old, who qualifies for the squad as an overage player.

"I'd heard rumours that I was being watched, but it wasn't until the Irish Football Association sent a fax to Roots Hall this week that I knew for sure I would be selected."

Fitzpatrick flys out tomorrow night to meet the other Irish youngsters at a special training camp in Dublin - which means he will miss Blues' Third Division Roots Hall clash with Swansea City this Saturday.

Eire are the current under-18 European Championship holders - following their success in last season's tournament in Cyprus.

However, they still have to qualify for this summer's final in Sweden and have reached the knockout stages of the competition after winning through their preliminary group with triumphs over Poland, Russia and Cyprus.

To make the finals and defend their title they need to beat Northern Ireland over two legs and Fitzpatrick is hoping he gets the chance to fire Ireland to victory next Tuesday night at the Oval Stadium in Belfast.

"It's a great honour to play at any international level and I'll be doing my best to get on the scoresheet," said Fitzpatrick, who has netted five league goals for Southend this season.

Fitzpatrick, who hails from Farnborough, qualifies for Irish recognition through his father's side of the family.

However, closer to his new home in Southend Fitzpatrick is hoping to make up international ground on his flat mate - Republic of Ireland under-21 forward Barry Conlon.

"Barry's an established fixture in the under-21 setup for Ireland and it would be great for me to be able to make the step up to his level," he said.

"First I have to prove myself in the under-18 team - but who knows, one day we might play together upfront for Ireland as well as Southend."

Irish call - for Trevor Fitzpatrick

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