IT'S A HUGE HONOUR

DERRY CITY v SHAMROCK R

- GARRY DOYLE

IRELAND new boy Josh Honohan has lost but won - missing out on a luxury holiday, getting the chance to fulfil a dream instead.

The Shamrock Rovers wing back was set for a week of sun, sea and sand in Malaga during the international break until Heimir Hallgrimsson told him to pack a pair of boots instead of his suntan lotion.

That's because the Ireland boss has picked Honohan for the double header next month against Luxembourg and Senegal.

The Cork-born defender said: “I'm not complaining!

“When I got in the provisional Ireland squad (in March) I aimed to get into this squad. It’s two big games and I really wanted to get in this one.

“It’s a really proud moment for myself and my family. Hopefully now some of them will get up for it.

“I always think the Ireland support is unreal even when you see it on the TV.

“It's mad, I was only speaking to my family and aunts the other day about Italia ‘90 and how good that was for Ireland.