Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny is happy to hold off on calling up Everton prospect Tom Cannon as he continues to hone a new-look forward line.
Cannon has impressed at Preston North End since making a loan move to Deepdale in January. Indeed the 20-year-old has kept Troy Parrott out of the team in recent weeks, scoring three times in the last five games.
On Wednesday he was named in Jim Crawford's U-21s squad for the friendly against Iceland at Turner's Cross on Sunday week.
With Callum Robinson nursing a hamstring injury and Adam Idah a doubt for the upcoming games against Latvia and France, it's not unreasonable to ponder if Cannon could be parachuted into Kenny's squad alongside the likes of Evan Ferguson, Parrott, Michael Obafemi and Chiedozie Ogbene should Idah withdraw.
However the boss stressed the talented attacker needs patience and time to keep developing.
"Tom is an Everton player," Kenny told RTÉ Sport. "He had been in the [Ireland] U-19s but the whole U-19 period was ruled out with Covid at the time so he missed that, and he comes into the U-21s.
"I'm sure he's a big part of Jim Crawford's plans for the game in Turner's Cross next week. He's certainly on our radar and of course we [watch] Preston because we've got Alan Browne, Robbie Brady and Troy Parrott playing there.
"We've seen Tom. He's got speed, threatens the last line and scored a couple of goals recently. He's had a really good introduction to the Preston team."
Kenny has the luxury of some selections headaches as he continues to blood fresh faces into the panel.
Celtic winger Mikey Johnston is the latest new recruit. The Glasgow-born 23-year-old could make his debut against Latvia after receiving his FIFA international clearance last week.
There'll be the usual patter about who should start in goal too, though Gavin Bazunu's regular playing time in the Premier League with Southampton means he will get the nod against France ahead of Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher and Mark Travers of Southampton.
"We don't have a number one," Kenny stressed. "We have three goalkeepers competing for the position. Caoimhin played the last game in Malta, Gavin played against Norway. You'd much rather your goalkeeper playing every week at the highest level, that's certainly an advantage."
That applies to every position of course and is why there had been speculation Shane Duffy would miss out on this squad. He's not getting a look-in at Fulham and younger centre-halves Dara O'Shea, Nathan Collins and Andrew Omobamidele are putting serious pressure on him internationally.
Duffy has been omitted - ultimately a calf injury took the decision out of Kenny's hands - but the manager is adamant he's still in his plans. Kenny also took the opportunity to talk up Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen, who is currently at the heart of the Clarets' drive towards promotion to the Premier League.
"Shane would have been a strong candidate. I've been in contact with Shane but unfortunately he has a calf injury. He's not been in the Fulham squad this week or last week so he couldn't be included.
"We have numerous players on standby because there's games at the weekend of course.
"Against the French, Josh Cullen is very important. He's made that position his own. He's become an integral part of the team and you can see his growth over the past couple of seasons.
"He's really developed and has that determination, brilliant attitude. He's an important player for us."
A win over France would be a career high for Kenny, and a famous result for Ireland. The Dubliner's reign has been pockmarked with disappointing defeats and plenty of bad luck, but he remains upbeat.
"They've been the best team in the world over the last eight years, a phenomenal squad - two squads really. When they come here it'll be electric... really, really special. Not many people expect us to get a result.
"Most neutrals will absolutely expect France to win, so it's a big, big challenge for us but one we're very excited about. We'll be ready."
