Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland side travel to Sofia to take on Bulgaria on September 3, before returning home to play Finland in Dublin on September 6
Monday 31 August 2020 20:37, UK
Preston striker Sean Maguire and uncapped West Brom defender Dara O'Shea have been called into the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of this week's UEFA Nations League games against Bulgaria and Finland.
Manager Stephen Kenny is very familiar with O'Shea, having worked with him while managing the country's U21 side.
O'Shea, 21, joins Brighton midfielder Jayson Molumby and Norwich City striker Adam Idah in receiving a call-up from Kenny to make the step up to senior level from the U21 squad.
"Dara has come through the ranks, from under-15 right through," said Kenny.
"He showed himself capable of playing in all four [defensive] positions with West Brom last year, he is a centre-half really but has played right-back, left-back.
"With one or two additional injuries, strains and so forth, we've given ourselves that additional cover with Dara coming in.
"His ability to play the four positions is an asset."
Maguire, who has eight Irish caps, comes into the squad to replace teenage striker Troy Parrott.
Parrott, who is on loan at Millwall from Tottenham, was forced to withdraw due to an injury he picked up during Saturday's 3-0 friendly win over Southend.
Kenny said Parrott "pulled up with a tight muscle". He underwent a scan on the injury under the supervision of the Irish medical staff on Sunday afternoon and has now been sent back to Millwall for treatment.
James McCarthy, whose last international cap came in October 2016, will also be monitored by the team's medical staff after picking up an injury while playing in Crystal Palace's friendly win over Oxford United on Tuesday.
"I know James is very keen to come back and play for Ireland, it's been a few years now since he has played," Kenny said. "He'll be a huge addition to us."
