Several of Northern Ireland’s big names have said ‘no thanks’ to manager Nigel Worthington in relation to the game against Italy next month but Colin Coates has described his call-up to the squad as a “massive honour”.

Just when the centre-back thought that life couldn’t get any better after lifting the Irish Cup on Saturday, Worthington contacted the 23-year-old on Tuesday to tell him he was included in the panel travelling to Pisa for the friendly against the Azzurri.

By some distance this has been the best week of his footballing career and he now has a realistic dream of performing on the international stage.

“Nigel left a message on my voicemail and to be honest I I gave it at least 10 minutes before I phoned him back,” he admitted.

“He said I was there on merit after my performances throughout the season and I deserved it. Stephen (Baxter) and our former chairman at Crusaders, Jim Semple, phoned to congratulate me and it really is unbelievable to think I might represent Northern Ireland. I go to the home games at Windsor Park as I am a block booking ticket holder but getting this call-up is a dream come true.

“I have had to change some holiday plans but nothing will not stop me making the trip. Not too many players from Crusaders get a chance to represent Northern Ireland and to face a team of Italy’s calibre would be even more special. I always want to improve as a player and you do that by playing with and against good players.

“The Italy team will have a lot of Serie A players and clearly, it would be a significant step up for any Irish League player.”