Manchester United's 18-year old midfielder Darron Gibson has received his first call-up to the Irish under-21 squad for the UEFA Championship qualifying game away to Greece on August 16.
Don Givens' side will play Greece at the Panionios FC Stadium in Nea Smyrni before hosting Belgium at Terryland Park, Galway on, September 1.
The top team in the three-nation group will advance to a play-off in October where they will contest for a place in next year's Finals, to be hosted in the Netherlands.
Derry-born Gibson made his competitive debut for United last season and has received praise from his club manager Alex Ferguson for impressing during the current series of pre-season matches.
Goalkeeper Darren Randolph, defender Darren O'Dea and attacker Anthony Stokes join Gibson in Givens' squad having all been promoted from last season’s Republic Under-19 panel.
Kevin Deery has been rewarded for his consistent displays with Derry City, including last week’s victory over IFK Gothenburg in the UEFA Cup, with a call-up to the squad.
Ireland made it through the pre-qualifying stages of the competition in May by beating Azerbaijan 4-1 on aggregate after a two-legged tie.
Ireland U-21 squad: Colin Doyle, Darren Randolph, Kevin Foley, Paul McShane, Alex Bruce, Marcos Painter, Darren O'Dea, Glenn Whelan, Willo Flood, Paul Keegan, Michael Timlin, Darron Gibson, Kevin Deery, Jay Tabb, Roy O'Donovan, Andy Keogh, Stephen Ward, Anthony Stokes
