COVENTRY City goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has described his first ever international cap as a "brilliant" experience after representing the Republic of Ireland in their recent international friendly with Nigeria at Craven Cottage.

The 24-year-old shot stopper has been hard to track down following his first appearance on the international stage and his wedding at the weekend.

But the official website caught up with the Sky Blues custodian to find out what his whirlwind week has been like.

"It's been absolutely brilliant. A fantastic experience," he said.

"I've been in the international squad for nearly a year now but to now get my first cap was amazing.

"When I came on the pitch I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves but it was a very proud moment for me, especially after the manager told me he thought I'd done well after the game.

Westwood's first international cap comes at an exciting time with the Republic of Ireland chasing a qualifying spot for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

And he said it was good to see some of the younger Irish faces, like himself, stepping up into the senior setup including Sky Blues team mate Leon Best who also picked up his first ever senior international cap in the same game before getting a second in Ireland's 1-1 World Cup qualifier with Bulgaria in Sofia on Saturday.

"People like Besty and Caleb Folan, I'm just as pleased to see them make their debuts as I am for myself.

"But in terms of World Cup qualification, neither the team nor myself are taking anything for granted.

"Hopefully I can just keep playing well for Coventry and keep myself in the squad."