No country call up for Dundalk duo

There was no place for any Dundalk players in the provisional Republic of Ireland squad that Martin O’Neill named on Friday for next month’s FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers.

O’Neill, on the day he confirmed that he had finally signed his much talked about contract (see here for that story in full), named a 33 man squad for the games against Georgia and Moldova. However he did not include Dundalk’s Gary Rogers nor Daryl Horgan in the extended squad.

There was no place for goalkeeper Gary Rogers who was part of the Ireland squad last time out when they travelled to Serbia. His namesake Falkirk’s Danny Rogers is included in his place. There was also no call up for highly regarded Lilywhites midfielder Daryl Horgan who has been in sparkling form for the League of Ireland champions in domestic and European club action.

When asked by extratime.ie how close Horgan was from being included, O’Neill sang the praises of the Dundalk winger but noted that his club’s current fixture congestion was the main reason for his exclusion.

“Horgan has done exceptionally well,” said Martin O’Neill of the player who has played a central part in Dundalk’s domestic and Europa League success. “In normal circumstances, but these are not normal, he would have certainly have made the provisional squad without a doubt.

“He has done exceptionally well. He did really well in Holland (in the Europa League draw against AZ Alkmaar).

"They’ve got issues with fixtures because of their success which is fantastic on the one hand and obviously a pain on the other hand.

“I saw the fixture list for Dundalk. It is glorious with their involvement with European football but it has probably entangled things.”

Dundalk are scheduled to play Sligo Rovers in Oriel Park the day after Ireland’s home game against Georgia with their game against Cork City to take place two days after Ireland play Moldova in Chisinau.

By the time Ireland’s next match comes around in mid-November away to Austria, Dundalk’s domestic season will be over and that might provide an opportunity for Horgan and others like Rogers and maybe club captain Stephen O’Donnell.

“I’m talking about this particular period of time. Things might level out. Dundalk are heavily involved in Europe until Christmas time at least. That is fantastic.”

O’Neill confirmed that he has regularly been in contact with Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny who he described as being very “accommodating” to him.

“I’ve been in touch as often as you can with Stephen who is a very busy manager. I’ve got the upmost regard for Dundalk and their manager. He has been brilliant.

“I think if any of their players get into the squad, it is probably a major plus for the club itself. I have been impressed with a number of Dundalk players with the efforts this season.”

Republic of Ireland Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Danny Rogers (Falkirk).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce (Derby County), Paul McShane (Reading), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Marc Wilson (Bournemouth), Stephen Ward (Burnley)

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Preston North End), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Stephen Quinn (Reading), David Meyler (Hull City), Conor Hourihane (Barnsley), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Eunan O'Kane (Leeds United), Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), Robbie Brady, Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff City), Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen).

Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Newcastle), Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids)