The driving force of MK Dons' double-winning side is set to complete his remarkable transformation from League Two ace to international midfielder tonight (Wednesday).

Former club captain Keith Andrews was set to cap his meteoric rise to stardom by making his first appearance for his beloved Republic of Ireland in their friendly against Euro 2008 qualifiers Poland at Croke Park.

This time last year the 28-year-old central midfielder was preparing for the Dons top-of-the-table clash with Chesterfield at stadium:mk – a game his side went on to lose 2-1.

Fast forward a year and Andrews has sealed a dream move to the Premier League and is vying for a place in a side packed with top-flight stars including Newcastle's Damien Duff, Manchester City's Richard Dunne and Manchester United's John O'Shea.

And it's United youngster Darren Gibson Andrews is competing with for a place.

But unfortunately for the Dons they won't be in for a cash windfall should he feature for his country.

The £1m plus deal which took him to Ewood Park did not include international add-ons.

But the club can be proud that one of their former stars, and the man who lifted their first trophy at Wembley last year in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, is set to reach the highest level of football.

And Andrews himself has admitted it is something that has taken even him by surprise.

"I do have to pinch myself a little bit," he said. "It has all gone very quickly from the end of last season.

"I was hopeful of a move and not quite sure where that would take me, but to end up a Premier League player is obviously great for me."

While at Dons, Andrews was simply over-looked by Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni in his first squad, which included a massive 40 players and led to former boss Paul Ince branding the decision to leave him out a "disgrace".

But since the move north Andrews has featured in an Ireland B international and praised the Italian boss for keeping an open mind.
"He (Trapattoni) doesn't care about reputations or what people have or haven't done during their playing careers," he said.

"I was playing in League Two last year and I have only been playing in the Premier League for a few months now, but it doesn't seem to bother him."

And Andrews has spoken highly of his time with the Dons but said he felt he was always destined for better things.

"People say I've made that step now, but last year for example, I wasn't setting myself normal League Two standards every day during training. I was trying to be, if I am being honest, a top Championship player.

"Where Paul Ince would set the standards for other players, he would probably set higher standards for me.

"So those were standards I tried to live up to on a daily basis to try to kick forward, because I wasn't happy with where I was at that time in my career.

"It is obviously a big step, but it's one I feel I've taken in my stride and done quite well at so far."