Saints youngster Michael Obafemi is chasing as many Ireland caps as possible.

The 18-year-old made his debut for Martin O'Neill's side last night in their goalless draw with Denmark.

Obafemi came off the bench in the second half but was unable to find a way past the Danes which included fellow Saints teammate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

And now his debut is out the way, the striker is on the hunt for more appearances on the international stage.

Obafemi said: “It’s an amazing feeling to get my first cap for my country. I’m very proud tonight, absolutely buzzing.

“I’ll be getting this shirt framed to put it in my house. Obviously, my career is still young, but this is definitely a major moment in it.

“Hopefully I can be playing for years to come. I’m still young. I want to get as many caps as possible, score goals if I can and just keep enjoying it.”

“There was no doubt in my head about playing for Ireland. I’ve represented Ireland in youth ages. I never had any doubts at all.”

The next chance for Obafemi to get his second cap won’t be until next year.

Saints’ striker will be hoping to force his way into Mark Hughes’ starting-11 in a bid to be called up to the Ireland squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers next March.

Obafemi has made three appearances off the bench for Saints so far, but his chances of regular football were boosted when Shane Long picked up a lengthy injury.

Daily Echo:

O'Neill giving Obafemi instructions before he entered the pitch

Ireland boss O’Neill admitted the starlet has a long way to go before becoming a regular for his national side.

O’Neill said: “He had made the commitment anyway that he wanted to play and whether it was going to be last night or some other evening, he’s got a lot to do, a lot to do. I think he realises that himself.

“We’ll see what the next couple of months brings. I think Shane Long is out for a little while — I’m talking really about his club form — and he’s hoping to get some time.

“Obviously he has to fight for that and he has to earn that, but that would be nice if that’s the case.

“In terms of international football, it’s lovely for him to get on. I think his mum was here again and that’s very, very pleasing. But I think he knows himself he has plenty to do.”