Rams full back excited after receiving first call up ahead of Scotland and USA encounters
Cyrus Christie says it is an ‘exciting time’ to be part of the Republic of Ireland set up after the young full back’s fine start to the season was rewarded with his first full international call-up to Martin O’Neill’s side.
The 22-year-old, who joined the Rams in the summer from Coventry City, has been named in the squad for their UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifier against Scotland on Friday and friendly match against USA next week.
Christie was born in England, but qualifies to play for Ireland through his Grandma.
It has also been revealed that Christie also had the chance to play for Gareth Southgate’s England Under 21 squad, but after consulting those close to him, he decided that the opportunity to play for Ireland as a full international was a ‘no-brainer’.
He said: “The journey to where I am now, with the squad, started last season while I was at Coventry City.
“Someone got in touch with me through one of the coaches about me playing for Ireland, which is through my Nan who is from North Wall (Dublin).
“I feel I have been playing well for Derby this season. Martin O’Neill has seen a lot of the side’s games and he got in touch during the first international break.
“He said he would like to get me on board and has kept in touch, letting me know what the plans were.
“England’s Under 21s were in touch too.
“I spoke to the people who advise me, like my agent, the Head Coach at Derby, Steve McClaren, and other people around me.
“I came to the conclusion that Ireland would be better for me. It was really a no-brainer and it didn’t take much consideration.”
O’Neill’s side are in the midst of their preparations ahead of their local clash with Scotland at Celtic Park on Friday evening – an encounter that see Derby team mates face each other.
Despite their being plenty of rumours of a potential call-up, Christie, who has started all but two of Derby’s fixtures this campaign, says that his main focus has been to do well for Derby County.
He added: “I know the side has been going well and it is an exciting time, I’ve seen the recent games and I am happy to be involved.
“I could have been involved in the last squad but the documents didn’t come through in time.
“It was an easy decision to make in the end, it was nice for the manager to be in touch but my first focus has been my club form at Derby.”
