CHERRIES striker Joe Quigley is celebrating his first international call-up after being named in the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad, as revealed by the Daily Echo seven days ago.

Frontman Quigley, who is currently on loan at Gillingham, will be hoping to feature when they host Kosovo in a 2019 European Under-21 Championship qualifier. Germany, Israel, Norway and Azerbaijan are also in their group.

Hayes-born Quigley grew up in Lymington and attended Priestlands School, whose former pupils include past and present internationals Sam Vokes, Josh McQuoid and Paul Rideout. The 20-year-old, who qualifies through his grandparents, has made three appearances for the Gills since returning last month following a lengthy lay-off due to a knee injury.

He told Kent Online: “It’s a great honour. It’s my dad’s side of the family so they are all very happy with the call-up.

“It came about last pre-season when I was here but it was (the knee) injury that stopped it happening.

“It was a long six-and-a-half months. I had a target in mind and, with the help of everyone at Bournemouth and Gills, it’s been perfect.”

Meanwhile, Mihai 'Alex' Dobre, another member of Cherries’ flourishing under-21 set up, could also be on international duty later this month.

Dobre, who joined Cherries in the summer, has been named in a Romanian under-21 squad for their first qualifier. Romania's group includes Portugal, Switzerland, Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina and  Liechtenstein.