Pearce in as Toronto request to keep O'Dea

 

Alex Pearce has been drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for next month’s friendly (February 6) with Poland after FC Toronto requested that Darren O’Dea remain with the MLS club as they step up their pre-season preparations.

 

The FAI confirmed that “Giovanni Trapattoni has agreed to accommodate the request (from Toronto) leading to the call up of Pearce”.

 

Pearce, who was born in England but played U21 for Scotland, qualifies for Ireland through the granny rule and won his first and only cap so far for Ireland, scoring on his debut against Oman in September 2012.

 

Meanwhile, the association have also confirmed that ticketholders for the Poland game will be permitted to attend the U21 game between Ireland and Holland earlier that day at Tallaght (kick-off 1pm).

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