Sutton United hitman Ross Gaynor says scoring a brace on his Republic of Ireland U21 debut was a dream come true.

Gaynor received a shock call-up into Don Givens' squad for the 11th annual Madeira Tournament in Portugal last week.

And the 19-year-old grabbed his chance with both hands by scoring two goals - one a volley from outside the box - on his debut against Madeira to secure a 2-2 draw for Ireland last Thursday.

He followed up his goalscoring debut with another start in the 1-0 defeat to Portugal the next day but, despite the defeat, Gaynor admitted he was still on cloud nine after his Mediterranean exploits.

The striker, on loan at Gander Green Lane for the season from League One club Millwall, said: "I loved every minute of it, and scoring two goals on my debut was unbelievable.

"I wasn't surprised when I was selected for the second game because I felt I had done well in training.

"When I was told I was going to play in the second game, I was just itching to get out there, but the way it turned out was crazy.

"It is a dream come true to play for the U21s but to score two on debut is something I can't explain or put into words."

Don Givens' side were given something of a footballing lesson by Portugal, but the Sutton United youngster said he would use the experience as motivation.

"We played Portugal in the last game and the step up in class was massive - to be fair they passed us off the pitch. Playing against them has definitely given me an extra push to improve my game.

"That's where I want to be in terms of my game and I am going to work hard to get there."

And now the teenager says he cannot wait to put on a Sutton United shirt against Bedford Town this Saturday and replicate his international form at Gander Green Lane.

"I can't wait to get back out on the pitch for Sutton and score more goals.

"I have got a real bounce in my step after the last week and I'm fully focused on the rest of the season."