Bridge is understandably elated saying: "I tried not to think about it but it was all anyone wanted to talk to me about last week.
It was doing my head in so I avoided all interviews. I did not want to look as though I was shouting the odds.
"I just wanted to focus on the Newcastle game and despite all the speculation I was not going to believe it until it happened.
"But of course I am absolutely thrilled to be in the squad for the first time. It is a dream come true. It will be a great experience just to be involved and it has come far earlier than I ever dreamed.
"I have not stopped smiling yet. Everyone is delighted for me. We were in the air when the squad was announced because we were flying back from Newcastle.
"But I heard the news when we landed and all the players shook my hand although a few gave me some good-natured stick too.
"There will be a few butterflies but I am just going to go and enjoy it whatever happens. There is no guarantee that I am going to play but if I do it will be the proudest moment of my life."
"I am still not taking anything for granted. It is fantastic just to be involved but it would be wonderful to play some part in the game.
"I still can't quite take it in even though there had been a lot of speculation. We meet up tomorrow and I will go there with pride and try to enjoy every minute and take what I can from it."