IRELAND MANAGER Martin O’Neill has named a 35-man panel for this month’s friendly game against the Netherlands.
The Boys in Green face the Dutch at the Aviva Stadium on 27 May, when O’Neill is likely to give players the final opportunity to impress before he finalises his squad for Euro 2016 the following day.
Sheffield Wednesday Keiren Westood is included, while Stoke defender Marc Wilson also returns despite enduring a season hampered by injuries.
Darron Gibson has been rewarded after featuring in the Everton team in recent weeks and Bournemouth’s Harry Arter is in after regaining his fitness.
There’s also a first call-up for 21-year-old Oxford United Callum O’Dowda.
“I went down to watch the U21 game against Italy and I thought he did very well in the match,” O’Neill said of the 21-year-old. “He followed it up with an excellent performance in the Football League Trophy Final. I like him and I think he’s got ability. Cane he play higher? Absolutely.
“Just like the way I brought in young Jack Byrne I think that it would be nice for him to come in if that’s the case, and get a feel for the place so that, if and when he’s ready to go, he will not feel intimidated by it.”
Meanwhile, Wolves full-back Matt Doherty, Manchester City midfielder Jack Byrne (on-loan at Cambuur), Birmingham City’s Stephen Gleeson and Chris Forrester of Peterborough United all miss out.
Ireland squad v the Netherlands
Goalkeepers: Shay Given, Darren Randolph, David Forde, Keiren Westwood.
Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Cyrus Christie, Paul McShane, Ciaran Clark, Richard Keogh, John O’Shea, Alex Pearce, Shane Duffy, Marc Wilson, Stephen Ward.
Midfielders: Aiden McGeady, James McClean, Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, Jeff Hendrick, David Meyler, Stephen Quinn, Darron Gibson, Harry Arter, Wes Hoolahan, Eunan O’Kane, Anthony Pilkington, Robbie Brady, Jon Walters, Jonny Hayes, Callum O’Dowda.
Forwards: Robbie Keane, Shane Long, David McGoldrick, Kevin Doyle, Daryl Murphy.
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