AFC Wimbledon defender Ryan Sweeney has been called up to Republic of Ireland U18s.

The 18-year-old, who joined the club's academy 10 years ago, will join Paul Doolin's squad for a training camp on May 30 before away fixtures against Luxembourg on June 2 and June 4.

And manager Neal Ardley has been impressed with his development and is delighted for the young defender.

Ardley said: “In the last three or four months Ryan has progressed a huge amount,”

“Alan Reeves identified one or two things that Ryan needed to work on to get opportunities at first-team level. He needed to work on his aggression and make sure he won more headers.

“With coaching it is a two-way thing and the player has to work hard on his own game. Ryan has shown that and he has been absolutely flying in the last few months.

(Image: Action Images / Graham Stuart)

“He was a player who had the profile required, but maybe lacked some of the qualities needed for first-team level.

“Both Ryan and Alan deserve credit. The difference in him during the past few months is what has earned him first-team opportunities.

“At centre-back we need to be able to trust that a player can cope at League Two level. Ryan did really well after making the step-up, but he still has a bit to work on.”