Harry Arter returns to Ireland squad but Rice not included

Martin O’Neill has named his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes with Denmark and Wales at the Aviva Stadium this month. Harry Arter has been included this time around but there is no call up for Declan Rice. 

The West Ham defender continues to weigh up whether to declare for England or the Republic of Ireland.

Commenting on the matter, O’Neill was frank declaring “I've spoken to Declan and the family. They want a little bit more time to make his mind up. He hasn't made a decision yet. I am hopeful.” 

Speaking about Arter's return following the much publicished falling out with Roy Keane, O'Neill said "Roy and Harry have had a conversation. Harry is happy to be back and wants to put it behind him. He is happy with the outcome and looking forward to coming in."

The upcoming fixtures which will see the Boys in Green play Denmark and Wales will take place on Saturday 13 October and Wednesday 17 October, with everything hanging in the balance following last month’s 4-1 drubbing by the Welsh in Cardiff. 

2015 SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year Richie Towell, who continues to impress at Rotherham United, gets a call up. Having won the Golden Boot in 2015 when he fired Dundalk to a domestic double, Towell is currently on loan at Rotherham from Brighton and Hove Albion, where he was key in their Sky Bet League One play off victory against Shrewsbury in Wembley last May. 

Ronan Curtis was also named in the squad. The former Derry City turned Portsmouth striker has enjoyed a stellar season since signing in May 2018, bagging himself six goals and five assists in ten appearances so far this season.  

Meanwhile Darragh Lenihan, Derrick Williams, Greg Cunningham, Alan Browne, Shane Long all return along with Seanie Maguire and Scott Hogan also return to the squad after they missed the September matches.

James McClean is another making an international comeback after his unavailability for last month’s internationals – he has sufficiently recovered from a broken wrist sustained in training with Ireland. 

Left out of the squad is Jon Walters as the striker sustained an Achilles injury in Ipswich’s 0-0 draw last month with Bolton Wanderers. Meanwhile Seamus Coleman awaits his comeback with a foot injury and Stephen Ward also misses out as he has a knee injury.

Republic of Ireland squad in full: 

Goalkeepers:Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Colin Doyle (Hearts), Sean McDermott (Kristiansund BK)

Defenders: Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Kevin Long (Burnley), John Egan, Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Darragh Lenihan, Derrick Williams (Blackburn Rovers), Greg Cunningham (Cardiff City)

Midfielders: Alan Judge (Brentford), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Shaun Williams (Millwall), David Meyler (Reading), Harry Arter (Cardiff City on loan from Bournmouth), Daryl Horgan (Hibernian), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Richie Towell (Rotherham United on loan from Brighton Hove Albion)

Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Graham Burke, Callum Robinson, Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Aiden O'Brien (Millwall), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth)

Additional reporting by Macdara Ferris

Martin O'Neill: He is a big player for us, truly world class. We can't really afford to lose a player like him. It is a blow but we have to overcome it. #COYBIGpic.twitter.com/fU2S0IsWKV

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) October 4, 2018