Crystal Palace striker Sean Scannell admits he has to pinch himself as he waits in hope for a senior international debut.The 17-year-old was called up for the Republic of Ireland's Portugal training camp this week and was used as a substitute in the practice matches they played against Portimonense and Lagos on the Algarve.

He and his team-mates returned to Dublin on Thursday to finalise their preparations for the friendly with Serbia at Croke Park with Scannell scarcely able to believe he could be involved.

Asked if he has to pinch himself from time to time, he said: "Yes, I do actually. I just think to myself 'How has this happened to me in the space of a year?'

"This year has been the biggest surprise for me - it has all come in the space of a year. It has been excellent."

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