Brian Kerr and Kenny Cunningham feel it is very unlikely Richie Towell can break into the Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2016.
Towell will be eligible to play for new club Brighton in two weeks' time and has half a season to break into Martin O'Neill's plans.
Speaking on the new RTÉ Soccer podcast The Panel, ex-Ireland manager Kerr revealed a discussion with Brighton manager Chris Hughton prior to their signing of Towell.
He gave his take on Towell’s chances of being on the plane to France.
“I spoke with Chris Hughton about Richie Towell and one of the things I said was that he was very adaptable and Chris said that he was well aware of it because he played right back at Hibernian for Colin Calderwood at Hibernian who is Chris' assistant," said Kerr.
"It's a very small possibility for Richie, but it's a great story”
“It's a very tough one to get into a team that is doing so well and up that part of the pitch where is taking on James Wilson from Manchester United on loan who has scored a couple of goals.
“He has Tomer Hemed, Bobby Zamora hanging about, it is up in that area where you expect Richie to play and it is going to be hard for him to become a regular and then finish ahead of the guys that have qualified for Martin.
"It's a big one. He has got to get into a club game.”
Cunningham said the form of the like of Bournemouth’s Harry Arter – a player that isn’t a regular in the 23 – will push Towell further down the pecking order.
“It's very unlikely. Harry Arter has proved himself to certain extent at Championship level last season and at this moment in time, in the Premier League against some very talented players.
"It's a very small possibility for Richie, but it's a great story.”
The Panel is available for download via iTunes and Soundcloud.
