'Once you get that first feeling you want to keep it going'

Ruairi McConville won his first senior NI cap against Belarus in November

Teenage Northern Ireland defender Ruairi McConville is keen to sample more senior international action after making his debut for Michael O'Neill's side as a late substitute in the 2-0 home Nations League win over Belarus in November.

The 19-year-old has been named in the squad for the forthcoming friendly internationals against Switzerland in Belfast on Friday and Sweden in Stockholm on Tuesday.

He made his professional debut for Brighton in an FA Cup victory over Norwich City in January, before joining the Canaries on a five-and-a-half-year contract at the start of February.

"Crazy really. It's all happened so quickly," reflected McConville in an interview with BBC Sport NI on the last six months.

"It all started probably from making my debut here [for NI against Belarus in November] and since then things have changed and it's only been positive for me thankfully.

"It's been down to a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication. Once you get that first feeling [of international football] you want to keep it going and build on it."

The former NI U19 captain is already enjoying life at Carrow Road despite having been at the Championship club for less than two months.

"I've loved every single minute of it. It's a change of surroundings, environment, it's been great and everyone has made me feel very welcome.

"It's madness, even after leaving Brighton it's crazy how quick the time has gone. It's important just for me to live in the moment and enjoy what I'm doing and I am very grateful for the position that I'm in."

The former Linfield player hopes to sample some more international match time over the next week and is encouraged by the opportunities that have been afforded to young players by NI boss O'Neill.

"It's so encouraging that the opportunity is there to play with boys that you've known nearly your whole life. It's a great feeling and hopefully it will continue for many years to come," added McConville.