Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has promoted Under-21 international Paul McShane to a 25-man squad for next month’s Euro 2008 qualifiers against Cyprus and the Czech Republic.
McShane, 20, joins Preston North End defender Sean St Ledger as the only uncapped players in the squad.
McShane is a product of Ireland’s international underage programme and joined West Bromwich Albion from Manchester United during the summer.
Staunton believes McShane has much to offer: 'Paul is an excellent prospect and he has greatly benefited from his move to West Brom after successful loan spells at Walsall and Brighton last season.
'We are developing a team for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign and I want players like Paul battling to be part of that.
'While we want to win every game and will be trying hard to qualify for Euro 2008, the main priority is building a squad capable of mounting a serious challenge in two years time.'
There are recalls for Charlton Athletic winger Andy Reid and Ipswich Town striker Alan Lee, both of whom missed the recent games against Holland and Germany.
Goalkeeper and vice-captain Shay Given is ruled out after undergoing bowel surgery to repair an injury sustained in Newcastle United's recent league game against West Ham United.
'Shay is a big loss but this is a chance for the other goalkeepers to show what they can do in a competitive international,' said Staunton.
The Ireland supremo will watch the game against Cyprus from the stands after being banned by UEFA from the dressing room, tunnel and technical area. He is unable to have any contact with his team before or during the game.
While Staunton will still select the starting eleven, his assistant, Kevin MacDonald, will take charge during the game.
