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McHugh: celebrated Bradford's win against Aston Villa in his county colours. Nick Potts/PA Wire/Press Association Images
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Villa killer Carl McHugh called up to Ireland U21 squad

Noel King has named a 21-man squad for next month’s friendly against the Netherlands.

CARL MCHUGH IS in line to follow up Bradford’s Capital One Cup giantkilling by winning his first U21 cap for the Republic of Ireland.

McHugh draped himself in the flag of his native Donegal after helping the fourth-tier Bantams bounce into their first league cup final with a shock win against Aston Villa earlier this week.

The 19-year-old defender hit the headlines when he headed past Shay Given in the first leg at Valley Parade and his remarkable month continued today with a call up to Noel King’s U21 squad.

PFAI Young Player of the Year Chris Forrester of St Patrick’s Athletic also earns a place in King’s 21-man squad, named this morning ahead of the upcoming friendly against the Netherlands.

Kick-off at Tallaght Stadium is at 1pm on Wednesday, 6 February, with free entry for those who have bought tickets to the senior friendly against Poland in the Aviva Stadium later that evening.

Ireland U21 squad (for friendly v Netherlands)

Aaron McCarey (Wolves), Sean McDermott (Sandnes Ulf), Shane Duffy (Everton), Sean McGinty (Manchester United), Anthony O’Connor (on loan at Burton Albion), Derrick Williams (Aston Villa), Mark O’Brien (Derby County), Matt Doherty (Wolves), Joe Shaughnessy (Aberdeen), Carl McHugh (Bradford City), Cian Bolger (Leicester City), Callum Reilly (Birmingham City), John O’Sullivan (Blackburn Rovers), Kane Ferdinand (Peterborough United), Samir Carruthers (Aston Villa), Frankie Sutherland (on loan at Portsmouth), Chris Forrester (St Patrick’s Athletic), Anthony Forde (Wolves), Sean Murray (Watford), Aiden O’Brien (Millwall), Connor Smith (Watford).

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