McCarthy names squad for June internationals

Bolton Wanderers Luca Connell is the surprise inclusion in Mick McCarthy’s 27-man squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 qulaifiers against Denmark and Gibraltar.

23 of the players will journey to Quinta do Lago in Portugal for a training camp next week in preparation for the tricky away assignment in Denmark, which will be quickly followed by a return fixture with Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium.

Richard Keogh (Derby), Josh Cullen (Charlton) and the Aston Villa duo, Conor Hourihane and Glenn Whelan will miss out on the Algarve trip as they will all be otherwise engaged at Wembley in the play-offs.

That quartet will join the remainder of squad in Dublin before the June 7^th Denmark match in Copenhagen and the Gibraltar game on June 10^th.

Newcomer Luca Connell was born in Liverpool but has already represented Ireland at Under 17 and Under 19 level. The 18-year-old midfielder has made regular appearances for troubled Bolton in the Championship this season 

Announcing the squad, McCarthy said, "Luca deserves this opportunity. With midfielders Conor Hourihane, Glenn Whelan and Josh Cullen all on play-off duty with their clubs in the coming weeks, this is the perfect chance to get Luca into the squad.”

"He has had a fine season with Bolton playing 15 times in total and even with their relegation troubles, he has impressed so many people. I know a number of big clubs have sent scouts to watch him so this is a chance to get him in to work with the senior players and see how he gets on."

Harry Arter, Jack Byrne, James Collins and Aiden O’Brien have been culled from the provisional squad announced by the Irish boss earlier in the month

"We will miss the lads in Portugal but we will be tuning into their games," said McCarthy of the four players still involved in the play-offs.

"I’m sure there will be divided loyalties when Glenn and Conor take on Richard but Josh might get a clean run at the support of the squad when Charlton play Sunderland.”

"The benefit for us is that the four lads will be firing on all cylinders when they join up with the rest of the group in Dublin at the end of the month."

Cardiff City defender Greg Cunningham and Scott Hogan, who has just finished a loan spell at Aston Villa, will get a first opportunity to work with McCarthy at international level.

Preston North End’s Callum Robinson, Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City) and rejuvenated Southampton striker Shane Long will be involved in Portugal after returning to fitness along with Alan Browne who won Goal of the Season at Preston for his strike against Bolton.

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Mark Travers (Bournemouth), Sean McDermott (Kristiansund BK)

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

Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic*), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth)

Forwards: David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), Shane Long (Southampton), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Callum Robinson (Preston North End)

*Indicates player on loan