23-year-old United keeper Keiren Westwood has been called up to join the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their friendly fixtures against Serbia and Colombia.

Westwood, who kept 19 clean sheets in all competitions this season, has been rewarded for his performances with glowing references from EIRE keeper coach Alan Kelly.

Ireland Boss Giovanni Trapattoni said: "Our scout has watched him, and told us that he played very well, so we have called him up. His father's family are from Ireland, so he will join us either tonight or tomorrow morning."

United manager John Ward told us: "I am absolutely delighted for him. We all know what he can do, and it is a fantastic reward for all of the hard work that he has put in this season."

Westwood will join fellow shot stoppers Dean Kiely (West Brom) and Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe) in Portugal as the squad continue their build up toward the games.