AFTER making his Ireland debut two weeks ago, Tyrone McCarthy is sure he made the right decision.

The Warrington-born 21-year-old could have chosen between England and Ireland, where his grandfather hails from, when deciding upon his international future.

But Wolves back-rower McCarthy opted for the green and gold, who he also played for as a student international.

Following on from a dream season during which he broke into the Warrington first-team and got a Challenge Cup winners medal, the former Padgate High pupil made his Ireland debut two weeks ago in the 82-0 win against Serbia.

Although McCarthy could still switch his allegiance to England in the future, he insists that is not an option, especially as he would have his grandfather to answer to.

"It was a very proud moment for me when I made my debut," he said.

"My brother and granddad came over to watch me so it was a really good experience.

"Now that I've played for Ireland I'm sure I want to commit to them, I don't think I could ever change my allegiance.

"Even if I tried, my granddad wouldn't let me. Ever since I was little he always wanted to see me play for the green and gold.

"I'm proud of my English heritage too but I want to play for Ireland."

McCarthy made his debut at centre, a position he had not played since he was 16, due to a lack of cover in the backs.

But with Wigan's Pat Richards joining up with the squad ahead of Saturday's make or break European Cup group B match against Wales, he is freed up to return to the pack.

"Pat was unavailable so I was told to play centre," said McCarthy.

I hadn't played there since I was 16 but they said they were using me there because of my versatility.

"I think it went pretty well though. There were times in defence when decision-making was tough and in attack you get less ball but when you do get it, it's usually quality ball.

"But I set up the first try and did alright, although I did get a dead leg in the first tackle, which made it difficult."

Although the immediate focus for Ireland is Saturday's game in Bridgend, when the winners will progress to the European Cup Final, McCarthy also talked of the bigger picture.

Ireland are keen to build on a strong showing at last year's World Cup and prove they are worthy of a place in the Four Nations in the future.

They were overlooked for a place in the competition this time round, France instead selected to face off against England, Australia and New Zealand despite their last-place finish at the World Cup.

But McCarthy is confident about the future of the national team.

He said: "It's been an awesome experience and I couldn't have asked for a better script to how it's gone.

"We've got quite a young squad but we're confident about our chances against Wales.

"There are long-term goals as well. Next year France come down to this competition so we'll have a point to prove then.

"The winner next year may win a place in the Four Nations so it's all about progression"