Jamie McGrath and Hale brothers in Noel King's Ireland under-21 squad

Dundalk midfielder Jamie McGrath has received his first Republic of Ireland U21 call up as part of an 18-man squad named by head coach Noel King for the upcoming qualifiers against Kosovo and Germany.

King’s side face two crucial games in the next week as they take on Kosovo this Friday, September 7th(kick-off 6pm) before travelling home to Tallaght Stadium to face Germany on Tuesday, September 11th(kick-off 6pm).

McGrath has had a very impressive year to date for Stephen Kenny’s side and has been rewarded for his consistency by Noel King with a chance to cement his place in King’s squad over the coming week.

The League of Ireland representation also includes Derry City pair Ronan and Rory Hale as they maintain their place in the squad following impressive displays in the last qualifier against Iceland in March.

The inclusion of the Derry duo means their club’s FAI Cup quarter-final against Bohemians originally schedule for this weekend has been postponed to a new date yet to be confirmed.

King’s side currently occupy second spot lying in between this week’s opposition, behind group leaders Germany and just ahead of Kosovo but crucially Ireland hold a game in hand over Germany and only trail by three points as it stands.

"I'd like to welcome Jamie McGrath into the U21 squad for the first time,” said Noel King. “He's a player I've been watching for some time and has really impressed for Dundalk this season. It's also great to have Harry Charsley back in the squad after injury.

"The players are really looking forward to the week ahead and the squad are excited about the fixtures. They've got us into a great position going into the games and they'll look to secure more crucial points in these next two games.”

Republic of Ireland U21 squad v Kosovo & Germany

Goalkeepers:Kieran O'Hara (Manchester United, loan Macclesfield Town), Liam Bossin (Nottingham Forest).



Defenders:Danny Kane (Cork City FC, loan AFC Fylde), Ryan Sweeney (Stoke City, loan Mansfield United), Liam Kinsella (Walsall), Connor Shaughnessy (Leeds United), Ryan Delaney (Rochdale), Corey Whelan (Liverpool, loan Crewe Alexandra).

Midfielders:Jake Mulraney (Hearts), Jamie McGrath (Dundalk), Ryan Manning (QPR, loan Rotherham United), Harry Charsley (Everton), Josh Cullen (West Ham United, loan Charlton Athletic), Rory Hale (Derry City).

Forwards:Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Joe Quigley (Maidstone), Reece Grego-Cox (Crawley Town), Ronan Hale (Birmingham City, loan Derry City).