Republic of Ireland U21 coach Noel King has made four changes to his squad for Thursday’s friendly international against Norway in Drammen (6.00pm Irish time).
King has called up Fulham defender Sean Kavanagh, Dundee FC striker Philip Roberts, Shelbourne winger Dylan Connolly and Kenny McEvoy, who is on-loan at Peterborough United from Tottenham.
From the original squad named for the game this week, Bradley Garmston, Conor Wilkinson, Will Hayhurst and Jack Grealish have been withdrawn by their clubs.
“The players have been ruled out for a variety of reasons and it opens the door for the other players who have been called up,” said King.
“It’s a friendly game. Everybody that comes in will play and we will get a good look at them as we look to build a squad for the next qualifying campaign.”
Grealish has withdrawn from the squad as he is staying at Bodymoor Heath for training and will be participating in a first team match behind closed doors. He is also in contract negotiations.
The long term international future of the Aston Villa midfielder has been the subject of much media speculation in recent weeks but King does not feel Grealish’s withdrawal will have any bearing on whether he commits to Ireland or not.
“I accept Jack’s reasons for withdrawing and understand it. I have no issue with it and just see this as an opportunity for other players to come in and show what they can do,” said the Irish coach.
Republic of Ireland: Ian Lawlor, Danny Rogers, Sean Long, Mason Watkins-Clark, Thomas Hoban, Shane Griffin, Eoghan O’Connell, Pierce Sweeney, Darragh Lenihan, Alan Browne, Jack Connors, Kieran Sadlier, Kenneth McEvoy, Sean Kavanagh, Jack Byrne, Dylan Connolly, Philip Roberts, Sam Byrne.
