BURY No.1 Dean Kiely and defender Paul Butler have been rewarded for a sensational season with call-ups to the Republic of Ireland squad.

The duo, so often the heroes for Bury in this season's successful Division One campaign, got the call from Eire boss Mick McCarthy this week.

They are included in the squad for the clash with Mexico on May 23 and a testimonial clash six days later.

There were some initial doubts over Butler's eligibility, but he finally got the nod on Wednesday.

Manager Stan Ternent was thrilled for Kiely, Butler and Bury Football Club.

"It is just reward and fully deserved for the team," he said.

"Dean and Paul have been key players for us this season. They deserve this.

"The news is a great boost for the players and the club and shows just how much progress we have made."

Kiely thought he had removed his goalkeeping gloves for the final time this season when the whistle blew at Loftus Road on Sunday.

The form 'keeper had pulled off a sensational one-handed save to deny QPR's Tony Scully from levelling the scores in the second half.

He believes the brimming confidence in the side played a major part in the victory - which finally secured the team's place in Division One for next season.

"We played it the right way. We went out there for the win and got it in the end," he said.

"We were all confident in our ability and enjoyed the day."

Kiely has been one of the most consistently high performers for the Shakers this term, which was recognised last week when he won the inaugural Bury FC disabled supporters' player of the season award.

He has got a great deal of pleasure from seeing Bury succeed this season where many believed they would fail.

"There are a lot of people who said we would be grossly out of our depth in Division One, but we have proved them wrong," he smiled.

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