International call-up for Bradford City teenager McHugh (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

International call-up for Bradford City teenager Carl McHugh

6:00am Friday 25th January 2013 in Sport By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

Carl McHugh insists he is not expecting to hear from Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni just yet.

City’s teenage defender is flying high after getting called up for the under-21 international friendly with Holland in Dublin a week on Wednesday.

With Trapattoni looking at younger blood in his senior squad, McHugh is tipped to make the step up but said: “There’s a long way to go for that.”

The 19-year-old is hugely proud of his roots and was wrapped in a Donegal flag during City’s celebrations at Villa Park. His mum Mary had provided it from the stands.

“I just saw the flag in the crowd and got the fans to throw it down,” he added. “That was the highlight of the night for me.

“Back in Bradford they might have thought it was the Irish flag, but they know now that it is for Donegal.”

McHugh gave referee Phil Dowd an unexpected fright on the final whistle by wrapping up the official in a bear hug! But he admits the moment was all a blur.

“I was just staring at him when we cleared the ball (hoping he would blow the whistle). I can’t remember anything after that but the emotions just took over.

“The game was tight and nerve-wracking towards the end. But I really felt calm and wanted to go out and enjoy it and I think I did that.”