Shamrock Rovers' Jack Byrne called up to finalised Ireland squad for September internationals

Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne has been confirmed as part of Mick McCarthy’s squad for the upcoming qualifier and friendly against Switzerland and Bulgaria respectively.

The 25-man squad also sees James McCarthy return to the fold as do Alan Judge and Alan Browne following recent injuries.

Bournemouth shot-stopper Mark Travers has seen his recent form for the Cherries rewarded with a call-up, with midfielders Robbie Brady and Harry Arter both missing out with injury.

The exciting young attacking trio of Jonathan Afolabi, Troy Parrott and Michael Obafemi have been called up the under-21 squad, along with Bohemians midfield star Daniel Mandroiu.

The Sheffield United quartet of John Egan, Enda Stevens, Callum Robinson and David McGoldrick have also earned call-ups following a strong start to the Premier League season for the Blades.

“The big thing in picking this squad has been game-time for the players,” McCarthy told the FAI’s website.

“I named a 40-man provisional squad a fortnight ago because so many of the players had yet to play for their clubs but thankfully that situation has improved dramatically since then.

“I watched James McCarthy play the full 90 minutes for Palace in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday while Alan Kelly was at Burnley on Wednesday night to see Jeff Hendrick and Kevin Long start against Sunderland.

“Alan Browne is back in the team at Preston and Mark Travers started for Bournemouth on Wednesday and saved three penalties.

“Conor Hourihane scored two goals for Aston Villa at Crewe on Tuesday and Glenn Whelan is playing again now that he has signed for Hearts.

“It is great to have them back on the pitch ahead of such a big game against the Swiss and then for the friendly against Bulgaria.

“I’m also looking forward to seeing Jack Byrne in action for Rovers against Bohs on Friday night. He got two great goals in Waterford last week and he is the form player for Stephen Bradley right now.” 

“I have spoken to Stephen [Kenny] and it is best for the players and our hopes of Under-21 qualification for them to be involved for the Armenia and Swedish games at this stage.

“Robbie (Brady) has been close to a comeback with Burnley in the past few days but these games have just come too soon for him. We want him back for the games away to Georgia and Switzerland in October.”

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss added; “I’ve seen the calls for the supporters to bring the noise to the Aviva and I agree with that.  

“This is a huge game, the biggest in the group to date, and we need a special atmosphere inside the Aviva Stadium against Switzerland with the fans right behind us.”

Republic of Ireland Squad in full
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Mark Travers (Bournemouth).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Richard Keogh (Derby County), John Egan (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United).



Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), James McCarthy (Crystal Palace), Glenn Whelan (Hearts), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic), James McClean (Stoke City), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth).

Forwards: Callum Robinson (Sheffield United), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Scott Hogan (Stoke City), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United).