Nathan Carter’s already packed 2014 schedule has just got busier with the addition of the coveted Garth Brooks support act slot.

Country sensation Nathan (right), who lives in Enniskillen, found out last Wednesday that he had been chosen to support Brooks on Monday July 28 and Tuesday July 29.

“I’m delighted,” the ‘Wagon Wheel’ star told The Impartial Reporter. “I listened to Garth Brooks as a kid, I’ve always admired him. Croke Park is an unbelievable venue and it’s unreal that I’ll be coming onstage singing to that many people.” This was his fifteenth interview since the exciting news broke and Nathan was looking forward to meeting Garth Brooks, adding: “I can’t wait to get a selfie with him.” Nathan revealed that concert promoter Aiken Promotions had approached him earlier in the year with a few gigs, including ‘Live’ at the Marquee in Cork.

“Once they saw that show they were impressed, which is great, and that’s how we got the gig,” he explains. “I’m very, very privileged to have got the opportunity to do it.

Nathan performed in Croke Park to 25,000 at the Aussie Rules game. He reflects: “That was some experience, so to sing to the full 80,000 will be amazing.” Between now and July Nathan predicts doing “loads of interviews” and “rehearsing like mad”. “We will be straightening and tightening everything up,” he explains, adding: “We are ready for this.” He and his band have done a lot of big gigs recently and Nathan says: “We feel prepared, it’s come at the right time.” Fresh from recording a number of new songs in Quad Studios, Nashville recently, Nathan reveals he will showcase them at Croke Park.

Originally known as Quadrafonic Sound Studios, where the likes of Neil Young, Joan Baez, Kris Kristofferson and Linda Ronstad have recorded, its newer artists have included Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and The Fray. Garth Brooks also recorded in the iconic studios.

“Nashville was great. It was a first for me and it was really, really enjoyable,” Nathan reports.

Nathan and his band have also just signed with DECCA universal music for a five album deal with world wide distribution. Asked if he is feeling the pressure, he admits: “I am a bit nervous about that!” He adds that his next album won’t be coming out until the end of the summer, adding: “It’s being mixed and mastered at Abbey Road studios – where the Beatles recorded, which is cool.” The busy performer concludes: “The last few days have been a whirlwind and now I am just looking forward to the summer!”