KILLIAN'S MUM HAS TEARS OF JOY OVER IRELAND CALL-UP

Proud moment for young star's family

- COLIN PATERSON

Killian Phillips revealed his mum was in tears when he told her of his Republic of Ireland call-up.

The St Mirren midfielder is in Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad for next month's friendlies with Senegal and Luxembourg.

Phillips - who is from Kilbarrack in south Dublin and on loan with the Buddies from FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace - has been involved with the Under-21s.

However, he is now getting his chance with the top team and Wednesday morning's news meant a lot to the 23-year-old and his family.

"It's probably the proudest moment of my life and the proudest day of my life as well," he said. "It's been my dream since I started playing football.

"So, to get that call-up is so special.

"It means so much to me, my family and probably my whole community back home in Kilbarrack.

"The support that I've got off all of them has been unbelievable. It's such a proud day for me and my family.