Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Stephen Kenny has named a host of emerging Irish stars in his squad for the UEFA European Championships qualifiers with Armenia and Sweden, including Michael Obafemi and Troy Parrott.
Stoke City defender Nathan Collins and AFC Bournemouth midfielder Gavin Kilkenny also receive a first call-up to the squad as well as defender Danny McNamara, who is currently on loan at Newport County from Championship side Millwall.
Bohemians have two players included as Dan Mandroiu returns to the squad following his impressive performances for Keith Long's side, and Darragh Leahy.
After starring for Ireland U19s in the UEFA European Championships finals in the summer, striker Jonathan Afolabi, who has recently joined Scottish champions Celtic, receives his maiden call-up.
Waterford winger Zack Elbouzedi and UCD defender Liam Scales also come into the squad.
Connor Ronan, who is currently on loan at Slovakian side Dunajská Streda from Wolverhampton Wanderers, has been ruled out of the squad through injury.
Stephen Kenny's side face two crucial qualifiers as they welcome Armenia to Tallaght Stadium on Friday, 6 September before they travel to Kalmar to face Sweden on Tuesday, 10 September.
Republic of Ireland U-21 squad:
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City)
Defenders: Danny McNamara (Newport County, on loan from Millwall), Lee O'Connor (Manchester United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Conor Masterson (QPR), Darragh Leahy (Bohemians), Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Liam Scales (UCD AFC)
Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (Millwall, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Jason Knight (Derby County), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Jake Doyle-Hayes (Cheltenham Town, on loan from Aston Villa), Jack Taylor (Barnet), Dan Mandroiu (Bohemians), Gavin Kilkenny (AFC Bournemouth), Zack Elbouzedi (Waterford).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Jonathan Afolabi (Celtic), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Michael Obafemi (Southampton), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur).
