he was first called up to the senior squad for the 2010 world cup qualifier against russia later that month, calling his selection by john toshack a "fantastic reward" that was deserved due to his battles with injury and adding that he would learn by training against other welsh internationals like craig bellamy. ribeiro made his debut on 23 may 2010 against croatia at the gradski vrt stadium, osijek, replacing chris gunter for the last nine minutes of a 2–0 loss. he was the last of five welshmen to make their debut that day, and was tasked with marking luka modrić, but suffered a slipped spinal disc which ruled him out again. on 12 october, he earned his only other cap as wales fell 4–1 away to switzerland in a uefa euro 2012 qualifying match, replacing darcy blake after 55 minutes. he fouled tranquillo barnetta for a penalty which gökhan inler scored.