CASTLEKNOCK COLLEGE teacher, Robert Harvey has become the latest FAI approved official to be promoted to the FIFA International Referees List.
The 27 year old is currently in Limassol, Cyprus attending the 25th UEFA Introductory Course for new international referees where he will get his first taste of the elite standards expected for the best referees.
Harvey started refereeing as a 16-year-old and is following a path blazed by compatriots such as Damien MacGraith and Michelle O'Neill, who have made huge strides at international level in recent years.
A regular in the SSE Airtricity League, Harvey joins Neil Doyle, Paul McLaughlin, and Padraig Sutton on the FIFA International Referees List and he feels that his promotion shows just how strong refereeing is becoming in Ireland.
"There are opportunities out there for Irish referees," enthused Harvey.
"Definitely I would look at people like Damien (MacGraith) who is operating regularly in Champions League, Michelle (O'Neill) in the FIFA Women's World Cup, and Alan (Kelly) changing of career by going to MLS.
"Once I got into the SSE Airtricity League and began refereeing I had a clear aim that I would like to be on the International List. Only four people for male referees at any given time can get there
"This course is the beginning of what I hope will be a long, successful career. It's where every referee wants to be."
Interview with Robert: https://vimeo.com/153603630