In-form Blackburn Rovers attacker Sammie Szmodics, Lyon centre-half Jake O'Brien and Middlesbrough's Finn Azaz have all been named in John O'Shea's Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.
Szmodics - also eligible to represent Hungary - is the top scorer in the Championship this season with 21 goals and a further six goals in cup competitions. He has yet to be capped for the Boys in Green.
Earlier this week the Hungary manager Marco Rossi was criticial of Szmodics, who appears to have chosen Ireland over the country of his grandfather's birth.
"In Szmodics's case, it was very unpleasant to know who could tell the Irish media about his invitation, after I inquired with him about whether he would be included in the Hungarian national team," said Rossi.
John O'Shea's first and possibly only squad announcement as @IrelandFootball senior men's manager sees In-form Blackburn Rovers attacker Sammie Szmodics, Lyon centre-half Jake O'Brien and Middlesbrough's Finn Azaz included @Corktod@rtenews @rtesport #soccer pic.twitter.com/3rVaeqDLt9
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 14, 2024
"(It was) either him or his manager. And for what purpose? To be invited to the Irish national team. We don't need such a person, even if he is a technically good player."
Corkman O'Brien receives his first call-up to the senior squad following his fine form in Ligue 1, while talented Boro midfielder Azaz also gets the nod.
There are returns to the squad for Michael Obafemi, Robbie Brady, Callum O'Dowda and captain Seamus Coleman who is included for the first time since the 1-0 defeat to France a year ago.
Earlier today Belgium confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will not be part of their squad for the game in Dublin on Saturday week.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Dara O'Shea (Burnley), Liam Scales (Celtic), Jake O'Brien (Lyon), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Festy Ebosele (Udinese).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).
Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Celtic), Michael Obafemi (Millwall, on loan from Burnley), Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town), Troy Parrott (Excelsior, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur).
Fixtures
Saturday 23 March: Republic of Ireland v Belgium, Aviva Stadium, 5pm
Tuesday 26 March: Ireland v Switzerland, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
