Martin Paterson is part of the NI squad for the first time

Scunthorpe striker Martin Paterson says he is thrilled to be included in the Northern Ireland squad for the first time for the upcoming Euro qualifiers.

The 20-year-old said: "It took a while to sink in but it really is an honour.

"I have had a quick look round Windsor Park for the first time and it is great to be here. It's been a whirlwind since moving to Scunthorpe in the summer.

"To earn my first cap on Saturday would mean the world to me but it's about the team and getting the right result."

Interview: Martin Paterson

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts ahead of Northern Ireland's two games

Paterson qualifies for Northern Ireland through his late grandfather and knows the importance of the matches at home to Denmark on Saturday and away to Spain four days later.

"It would be nice to carry our hopes of qualification into the last game and have something to play for when we go to play Spain on Wednesday.

"At the moment I am just enjoying it, learning things off David (Healy) and it's an honour to be around these lads," he added.

Paterson has scored seven times for Scunthorpe this season.