Ireland Under-21 manager Noel King today announced his squad for the crucial UEFA U21 Championships Group Seven qualifying round match against Turkey.
The Irish will host the Turks in Sligo on August 14th.
King has a number of players available to him that were unable to feature in the 2-2 draw with Italy in June while several of the squad moved to new clubs in the close season.
“I am pleased that the likes of Rob Kiernan, Adam Barton and Conor Henderson have made good progress on their respective injuries,” said King at today’s squad announcement.
“The Turkey game is massive for us. We have three very big games left in the group but we have to pick up where we left off against Italy in June.
“We will be looking for the Sligo public to come out and give us the same fabulous support we’ve had at the Showgrounds so far in the tournament and I’d love to see supporters coming from further afield to support the lads.”
The ten group winners and four runners-up with the best record against the teams first, third, fourth and fifth in their sections advance to the play-offs.
Ireland U21 Squad:
Ian McLoughlin MK Dons FC
Aaron McCarey Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
John Egan Sunderland FC
Greg Cunningham Bristol City FC
Gavin Gunning Dundee United FC
Rob Kiernan Wigan Athletic FC
Shane Duffy Everton FC
Niall Canavan Scunthorpe United FC
Jeff Hendrick Derby County FC
Adam Barton Preston North End FC
Conor Henderson Arsenal FC
Richie Towell Unattached
Conor Clifford Chelsea FC
Samir Carruthers Aston Villa FC
Eunan O'Kane Bournemouth FC
Robbie Brady Manchester United FC
Aidan White Leeds United FC
Aaron Doran Inverness CT FC
Sean Murray Watford FC
Sean Scannell Huddersfield Town FC
Rhys Murphy SC Telstar
James Collins Swindon Town FC
Blackpool scouts will be in Dundalk this evening to watch Ireland u21 international Daniel Kearns in the Airtricity Premier Division clash between Dundalk & Galway United.
Belfast born Kearns has emerged as a Seasiders target and are considering making a bid for the 19-year-old winger who has caught the eye of Ian Holloway after a string of quality performances for Dundalk.
Kearns is a former West Ham trainee, who spent three years at the London club before being released last May.
He was at the centre of the unsuccessful IFA attempt to block Irish players born in the North from representing Ireland on the international stage. Welcoming the ruling last July, FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said;
“Today’s landmark decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirms the FIFA and FAI position on player eligibility. The ruling upholds the right of individual choice on this matter for players born north of the border. I would like to thank the many people from all parts of the island who were strongly supportive during this process, and in particular, recognise the determination of Daniel Kearns and his family to uphold his right as an Irish citizen to play for his country.”
Ireland U21 manager Noel King has Included Coventry City goalkeeper Michael Quirke who receives his first Ireland international call-up as does Preston North End midfielder, Adam Barton.
Another notable inclusion in King's squad is the highly rated Arsenal midfielder, Conor Henderson who recently made an impressive first team debut for Arsenal in their FA Cup replay with Leyton Orient.
Everton centre back Shane Duffy and Chelsea on-loan midfielder Conor Clifford are also named in the 17 man squad.
Ireland squad
Ian McLoughlin - Stockport County FC (on loan from Ipswich Town)
Michael Quirke - Coventry City FC
Richie Towell - Hibernian FC (on loan from Celtic)
Shane Duffy - Everton FC
Gavin Gunning - Motherwell FC (on loan from Blackburn Rovers)
Shane O'Connor - Ipswich Town FC
Rob Kiernan - Wycombe Wanderers FC (on loan from Watford)
Damian McCrory - Dagenham & Redbridge FC
Adam Barton - Preston North End FC
Mark Connolly - Bolton Wanderers FC
Conor Henderson - Arsenal FC
Jamie Devitt - Hull City FC
Sean Scannell - Crystal Palace FC
Conor Clifford - Chelsea FC
James Collins - Shrewsbury Town FC
Joe Mason - Plymouth Argyle FC
Paddy Madden - Carlisle United FC
