Dundee United's in-form wing-back Will Ferry has earned a well-deserved call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad for their upcoming international friendlies. The 25-year-old, who has been a standout performer in the Scottish Premiership this season, will join the squad in Murcia as they prepare to face Grenada on Saturday (17:00 BST).
Ferry is no stranger to international football, having represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 and under-21 levels. Now, he's on the cusp of making his senior debut, adding a fresh attacking threat to Heimir Hallgrímsson's side. The team will first take on Grenada at the Estadio Nueva Condomina before hosting Qatar at the Aviva Stadium on 28 May in another friendly encounter.
This call-up comes on the back of a sensational spell for Ferry at club level. He was recently named Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for April, a testament to his consistent performances. His impact was most notably felt in Dundee United's emphatic 3-0 derby win against Dundee, where he scored twice and assisted the other goal. With 33 appearances this season, Ferry has been a key cog in Jim Goodwin's system.
As a wing-back, Ferry's ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch makes him a valuable asset for club and country. His form has unsurprisingly attracted attention, with Goodwin recently acknowledging interest from "a number of other clubs" while expressing his desire to keep the player at Tannadice. This international recognition only adds to his growing reputation.
The friendlies fall outside FIFA's international window, meaning clubs are not obligated to release their players. However, Ferry's commitment to the cause speaks volumes about his ambition. He joins Newcastle United's Rory Finneran, who received his first senior call-up earlier this week. Meanwhile, Cardiff City's Joel Bagan and Ipswich Town's Kasey McAteer have been ruled out due to injury after initially being named in the squad.
For fans of the beautiful game, Ferry's rise is a reminder that the Scottish Premiership continues to produce top talent ready to shine on the international stage. Whether he makes his debut against Grenada or Qatar, all eyes will be on this dynamic defender as he takes the next step in his career.