Kieran Morrison admits he was surprised to wear the number nine shirt after being handed his international debut against Guinea on Thursday night.
The Liverpool man was named in the starting line-up as Tom Atcheson’s early goal was enough for Michael O’Neill’s men to edge out their opponents in Spain.
The game provided boss Michael O’Neill to run his eye over Morrison, who scored 14 goals in 20 appearances for the Reds’ under-21s this season.
When asked about how he felt making his international debut in the opening 45 minutes, the 19-year-old told BBC Sport NI:
Kieran Morrison made his debut for Northern Ireland in Thursday's friendly against Guineaplaceholder image
Kieran Morrison made his debut for Northern Ireland in Thursday's friendly against Guinea
"At the start of the season I wouldn't have expected to hear that," he said on what it felt like to be called a Northern Ireland international.
"I'm very proud and my family is very proud too. I'm buzzing.
"I was shocked when I seen number nine. I don't think I've ever worn number nine.
"I was expecting 10 or 17 or something, but I'm proud with number nine.
"I'm proud and I'll keep it forever."
Morrison has had to be patient to finally be an international player after failing to come off the bench in the March World Cup play-off defeat to Italy and the draw against Wales.
He receives a call from his dad after every game and it was no different time around in the Spanish sun.
"He was telling me what I could have done better and what I done well," Morrison added.
"After every game he calls me until I answer. I'm glad I have that type of person in my corner, sometimes it's to give me criticism and other times it's to offer praise."
Northern Ireland finish their June international window with a meeting against World Cup-bound France on Monday in Lille.
With a vast array of talent at France’s disposal, Morrison already has his eyes on grabbing one shirt in particular when he catches up with his former Liverpool colleague Ibrahima Konate, who looks destined to join Real Madrid.
He explained: "It will be some game. Hopefully I can catch up with Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) after it.
"That's the best game you can get. Hopefully I can get whatever minutes I can on the pitch and try to prove myself to the fans and for everyone.
"Hopefully I can tell him to get me a (Ousmane) Dembele or something on the secret. Hopefully I can get whatever shirt I can."