Graham Burke was eating lunch when his Shamrock Rovers team-mate Luke Byrne excitedly roared in his ear.

The official announcement of Martin O'Neill's provisional squad for the upcoming games against Celtic (20 May), France (28 May) and the USA (2 June) had been named and there, among the forwards, was the name of Graham Burke.

"It's crazy how I found out," the 24-year-old told the Soccer Republic Extra podcast.

"I was eating lunch. Luke was sitting next to me and he turned around to me, shouting 'you're in the Ireland squad, you're in the Ireland squad!'.

"I was like, 'no I'm not!'. He said, 'it's on Twitter'. Then I read it... and the gaffer came and told me. It was brilliant. I had no clue."

It was an immensely proud moment for the Dubliner. He's caught the eye in recent weeks with some spectacular goals for the Hoops which have enhanced an already strong reputation.

Now, he'll get the chance to rub shoulders with some big names and also potentially further impress O'Neill and Roy Keane.

"I've just to go in and try and show what I can do," he said. "It's the pinnacle. To go out and play for your country.... as a kid that's all you dream of, to be a professional football and some day to represent your country. It's unbelievable to be called up.

"I'm over the moon. Giving the news to the family and everyone we couldn't be happier. I can't put into words how I really feel about it."

Burke said his call-up should act as an inspiration to others in the Airtricity League Premier Division, just as he has aspired to emulate past stars of the division.

The Rovers man hopes to see more follow in his footsteps and is on a mission to prove he belongs in elote company.

"It's a great opportunity for everybody in the league," he added.

"It's not only me. The Dundalk boys, when Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle were there, then Seanie, you can see if you work hard in the league and try and perform it is possible to achieve."