Givens reveals Republic Under-21 squad

Don Givens has named an 18-man squad for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side’s friendly international against Lithuania on Tuesday, 14 October.

Galway United starlet James O’Shea has been included in the panel for the first time.

Givens hopes the squad can build on their recent 2-2 draw against Portugal in Madeira as they build for the next qualifying campaign, which will begin next September.

Givens said: ‘The team performed excellently in Madeira and I am looking for that progress to be continued.

‘It is a young squad and matches such as this add to the learning curve. We have included James O’Shea for the first time and it’s always interesting to have a look at new players.

‘I’m also excited about Cillian Sheridan, provided he is fit as he has had to withdraw for our last two squads.

‘We’ll also be giving a second game to James McCarthy, so it will definitely be a very worthwhile match.’

Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad to play Lithuania Under-21’s on Tuesday, 14 October:

S Henderson (Bristol City), S Redmond (Nottingham Forest), S Coleman (Sligo Rovers), E Nolan (Blackburn Rovers), M Spillane (Norwich City), I Bermingham (UCD), M Liddle (Sunderland), D Dennehy (Cardiff City), JJ O’Toole (Watford Town) S Gleeson (Stockport County), O Garvan (Ipswich Town), J Ryan (Accrington Stanley), J McCarthy (Hamilton Academical), J O’Shea (Galway United), A Judge (Blackburn Rovers), K Treacy (Blackburn Rovers), C Sheridan (Celtic), S Scannell (Crystal Palace)