CHRIS Baird is set to complete a stunning transformation from Premiership rookie to full international within the space of a few weeks.

The 21-year-old was Gordon Strachan's shock inclusion in his FA Cup final starting line-up after making just a solitary Premiership start. Baird was included at right-back against Arsenal and impressed with his confident and assured display.

Now that performance, in front of a worldwide television audience of 300 million, has pushed him into the forefront of Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy's mind.

And the former Manchester United star could hand Baird his first senior start against the superstars of Spain or Italy next month!

Baird is included in McIlroy's B squad for tonight's friendly against Scotland B at Partick Thistle. McIlroy said: "I was not at all surprised how well Chris played against Arsenal.

"He has been involved with our senior side before and he has always looked very composed. He's got a great temperament and he showed that on Saturday against a team of world class players.

"Nothing seemed to faze him.

"He could certainly do a job for me at right-back or even in midfield in the future.

"He's certainly in my plans for our next two games and I'm seriously considering whether to start with him."

Ireland's next match is a friendly with Italy in Rome on June 3 before they entertain Spain in a European Championship qualifier at Windsor Park in Belfast eight days later.

"If he does play in those games I don't think they will faze him. He's just played in an FA Cup final against Arsenal and didn't look out of place at all."

Newcastle's Aaron Hughes has been playing right-back for Ireland's senior team, but his preferred position is in the centre of defence.