Darragh Lenihan admits it has been a long and lonely journey to earning his first senior Republic of Ireland call-up.

The Rovers defender was named in Martin O’Neill’s latest senior squad seven years after moving to Ewood Park from Dublin-based club Belvedere.

He has captained the Under-21s and featured for the national team’s Under-19s side, but was delighted when he received his first senior call.

But the road hasn’t always been smooth for the defender, who turned 24 last Friday, missing six months of action this season through injury.

And moving away from home at the age of 16 was also a difficult transition for Lenihan who has made 81 Rovers appearances.

“It’s been a long journey,” he told RTÉ Sport.

“It’s a lonely journey to be honest. You see so many players who move over at 16 and are back home by 19 and might not be even in the game aged 20, 21.

“It’s a difficult transition. Not many lads are maybe mature enough.

“I’ve been there (at Blackburn) seven years now. This (call-up) was a welcome surprise. I didn’t realise I’d get the call-up so soon. It’s brilliant."

Lenihan has played just six times since returning from a fractured metatarsal which required surgery.

However, he has seamlessly slotted back in to the Rovers defence which has kept three clean sheets in the process.

But he says international football wasn’t something that was on his radar as he eyes a potential debut in Friday’s friendly with Turkey.

He added: “You kind of concentrate on your club football, do the best you possibly can. While I’m here I’ll do the best I can.

“It’s a dream come true to be here. I’m looking forward to the training and the game on Friday.”