London (AFP) – Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has included Burnley midfielder Robbie Brady and Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark in his squad for the friendly against New Zealand and Euro 2020 qualifier against Denmark.
The pair could get a chance in the match against the Kiwis in Dublin on November 14 as McCarthy assesses his options for the must-win game against Denmark four days later.
Both Brady and Clark have returned to Premier League action in recent weeks and will hope to play a part against the Danes.
“Robbie was left out last month simply because he had only played three minutes in the Premier League all season when I named the squad,” McCarthy said after announcing his 28-man squad.
“He is back involved with the Burnley first team now and getting game time and his involvement is a real boost to us ahead of the match against Denmark because of the quality he brings to the team.”
“Ciaran is in the same boat,” he added. “He had to get back with Newcastle before he could back with us, but he is playing well for them now and I was impressed with him against West Ham last Saturday.”
The return of Sheffield United striker David McGoldrick, who missed last month’s 0-0 draw in Georgia and 2-0 defeat in Switzerland through injury, is a big boost for Ireland.
“David’s return is the big bonus for all of us,” said McCarthy. “Everyone knows how well he has done for us in the European Championship games he has played this year, and he has been brilliant for his club in recent weeks.”
Captain Seamus Coleman will miss the Denmark match after being sent off against Switzerland last month.
Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Kieran O’Hara (Burton), Mark Travers (Bournemouth)
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolves), Shane Duffy (Brighton), Kevin Long (Burnley), John Egan (Sheffield United), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Derrick Williams (Blackburn), Lee O’Connor (Celtic)
Midfielders: Alan Browne (Preston), Josh Cullen (Charlton), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), Glenn Whelan (Hearts), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), James McClean (Stoke), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers), Robbie Brady (Burnley)
Forwards: Callum Robinson (Sheffield United), Troy Parrott (Tottenham), Aaron Connolly (Brighton), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), James Collins (Luton), Scott Hogan (Stoke), Sean Maguire (Preston), Alan Judge (Ipswich)
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