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The Irish Sun

‘It's all I ever wanted' reveals Killian Phillips as Ireland star labels text from Heimir Hallgrimsson ‘proudest moment'

KILLIAN PHILLIPS thought the text from Heimir Hallgrimsson a month ago was a wind-up. But now he is out to continue his journey up the football ladder. 2 Killian Phillips earned a first senior Ireland call-up Credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile 2 Kristian Arnstad of Norway and Killian Phillips of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier Credit: Ben McShane/Sportsfile Phillips, 23, last week earned his first next month. His form at But it was to Phillips, who — despite being named on the stand-by list for the Bulgaria games in March — decided not to get his hopes up. And it was the same when he got a message from a +354 number earlier this month from someone telling Phillips he was Hallgrimsson. Read More on Ireland MNT The player said: 'When he first texted me, I thought it was fake. 'I thought someone was buzzing off me to be honest. 'One of me mates played in Iceland so I was searching up Icelandic numbers and I didn't know. 'I was delighted when it was him. He just spoke to me about coming over to watch me a few times.' Most read in Football Even then, he did not dare to dream. The Dubliner added: 'You never expect these things so I didn't want to get wound up about it. Heimir Hallgrimsson gives first call-up to four Ireland players in squad for friendlies vs Senegal and Luxembourg 'So the day I got called up I was very emotional, it was nice . 'It's a dream come true to be called up to the national team. When you're a kid, it's all you ever wanted to do — to play for Ireland. 'It's all I ever wanted to do when growing up, whether it was Irish schools , amateurs or anything. Just one cap for Ireland. It was the proudest moment of my entire life.' MAKING THE TRANSITION His first call was to his mother Cora who has been an important person throughout his career. Last night after getting back to And if Phillips, who was student of the year in 2019, makes his debut next month, he will be the third graduate of the course to go on to win senior Ireland honours. He admitted that his story would not be told without his year in Corduff. Phillips admitted: 'It's been a mad journey. I think this course was the thing that sent me on the journey. 'That's where I got my confidence. I was one of the only players not playing He had Within a year, he was at Phillips added: 'I came through the academy at Palace and it's tough to break in as an academy player. 'I think it was the right time for everyone for me to go and be a senior professional footballer. 'I spoke to Stephen Robinson before I signed and he told me he'd make me an Ireland international before the season even started. 'I wouldn't have believed him at the time when he said it. I thought he was talking s***e. 'In fairness, he's been true to his word on everything and he's looked after me. 'It's been a perfect move so far as well.' l KILLIAN PHILLIPS spoke at the graduation for the TY Football and Fitness Courses for Boys and Girls run by Fingal County Council and the FAI.