Paul McShane admitted that he was experiencing mixed feelings after he was dramatically named in the Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2012.
The Wickow-born defender found out late on Tuesday morning and just before the UEFA deadline that he was included in the 23-man squad at the expense of his friend Kevin Foley.
Foley was dropped in favour of the more versatile McShane, who can play back at right-back and centre-back, due to slight injury concerns over Sean St Ledger, Richard Dunne and John O'Shea.
To add intrigue to matters, Foley, who had overcome a hamstring strain, played the second half in Ireland's 5-0 friendly win over a local selection in Tuscany.
McShane said: "I wouldn't say thrilled because I know Kev and he's a good friend of mine. I've not been jumping around the place celebrating. I just tried to keep an even keel.
"I am happy obviously to be in the 23 and I didn't expect to be in it. I am happy deep down, but I do feel for Kev."
McShane continued: "I was happy but the minute I got told I thought of Kev straight away because it is disappointing. Football is a cruel sport sometimes.
"He's been disappointed but he is a good lad. He has got a bit about so he won't get too down about it. I think he'll bounce back from it."
McShane had injury issues of his own and sat out training yesterday but declared tonight that he was fit and ready to play if called upon.
"He's been disappointed but he is a good lad. He has got a bit about so he won't get too down about it. I think he'll bounce back from it."
He said: "I had a bruised foot. I went to kick a ball against Bosnia and it got caught in the ground.
"It was a ligament and I didn't want to come to the squad and get sent home with an injury. I just wanted to try to rest it as much as I could.
"I got a scan and it turned out it was just superficial, a few muscle fibres in the foot so everything is grand.
"I can play both positions (right-back and centre-back) and I feel comfortable there. Wherever is needed. If there is an injury I am ready to step in.
"I just turned up the squad and I didn't expect anything out of it. I just turned up because I was called upon and I wanted to come and train with the lads.
"I've started against Bosnia and been put in the 23. I never really expected it but I was always preparing for it mentally, just in case I did get called upon. I am happy to be there but disappointed for Kevin.
"If I was sat by the phone or waiting for the call it might not have came so I went about my business. The call came."
