Dundee United's in-form defender Will Ferry has earned a call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad for this Saturday's international friendly against Grenada (kick-off 17:00 BST). The 25-year-old wing-back has been rewarded for an outstanding season with the Scottish Premiership club, where he's been a standout performer.

Ferry has already joined up with Heimir Hallgrímsson's side in Murcia, Spain, and is in line to make his senior debut after previously representing Ireland at under-19 and under-21 levels. The squad is preparing for two friendlies: first against Grenada at the Estadio Nueva Condomina on Saturday, followed by a match against Qatar at the Aviva Stadium on 28 May.

The timing couldn't be better for Ferry, who was recently named Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for April. He's made 33 appearances this season and played a starring role in Dundee United's emphatic 3-0 derby victory over rivals Dundee, scoring twice and assisting the other goal. That performance has only added to his growing reputation.

However, with these friendlies falling outside FIFA's international window, clubs aren't obliged to release their players. That makes Ferry's call-up all the more significant, especially as his club manager Jim Goodwin has publicly expressed a strong desire to keep him amid reported interest from other clubs. The wing-back will be hoping to make a similar impact on the international stage as he has in Scotland.

Ferry joins a squad that already includes Newcastle United midfielder Rory Finneran, who received his first senior call-up earlier this week. Unfortunately, Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan and Ipswich Town winger Kasey McAteer have been ruled out through injury after being named in the initial squad.