BURNLEY midfielder Chris McCann has received his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under 21 squad.

The 20-year-old is one of three uncapped players to be selected for the European Championship qualifiers against Montenegro and Bulgaria in just over a week's time.

It is deserved recognition for McCann, who has had a solid start to the season in the centre of the Clarets' midfield and has now made more than 70 appearances, but until now has only represented his country at Under 17, 18 and 19 level.

The Dubliner will meet up with the Under 21 squad and travel to Montengro on November 16 for the game at the Podgorica City Stadium the following day, before returning to Ireland to take on Bulgaria at the Lissywoollen Stadium, Athlone, on November 20.

Irish U21 manager Don Givens said: "Chris has been involved with Ireland at other age levels but this is his first call-up to the Under-21 panel.

He is a good player and he deserves a chance at this level."

Clarets team-mate Alan Mahon will surely feel it's a step in the right direction for McCann, after last week calling for him to be given a chance at international level.

"I'm surprised that Chris McCann is overlooked," he said.

"I know what he can do as a player and to not even get a mention is beyond comprehension."